AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CrimeMay 21, 2020
3 Charged in Robbery, Shooting at TX Jewelry Store
The men were charged in connection with the May 7 armed robbery at Korman Fine Jewelry in which a security guard was seriously injured.
Austin, Texas—Three Houston men have been charged in the May 7 armed robbery of an Austin jewelry store that left a security guard in critical condition and resulted in $350,000 in lost merchandise and damage.
A criminal complaint filed in a Texas federal court on May 11 charges 21-year-old Darius Limar Sonnier, 20-year-old Wallace Diaveon Charles and Tye Joseph-Phillip Gobert, 18, with four counts each of robbery and weapons violations.
The robbery at Korman Fine Jewelry took place shortly before 5 p.m.
According to the complaint, at least five suspects entered the jewelry store, and one of them took out a gun and began shouting for everyone to get down on the floor.
One of the robbers, Sonnier, allegedly told an FBI agent in a post-arrest interview he was the one who shot and pistol-whipped the store security guard. Another one of the suspects hit a female employee on the back of the head with his gun.
The guard needed emergency surgery and is still recovering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen and blunt-force trauma to his head.
While the store’s employees were down on the ground, the suspects smashed display cases with hammers and took multiple Rolex watches and other items valued at more than $200,000, while also causing about $150,000 in damage to the store.
A few of the suspects fled in a silver four-door Chevrolet Cruze—Sonnier allegedly told the agent he and five other people had driven from Houston to Austin to rob the jewelry store—which was found abandoned a couple blocks north of the store.
Sonnier, Charles and Gobert fled the scene on foot, slipping through a fence behind the store.
Officers from the Austin Police Department chased them down in neighborhoods no more than five blocks from Korman Fine Jewelry.
The three men made their initial appearances before a federal magistrate judge in Austin last Thursday. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
All three remain in custody.
In a news release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas said the other suspects are still at large.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 210-225-6741 or the Austin Police Department.
Following the robbery, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance released a list of tips for jewelry stores reopening in the wake of the pandemic.
It includes:
-- Keeping the entrance locked and only admitting a small number of people at a time;
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
-- Looking for red flags in addition to masks, like hoodies, hats, sunglasses, seasonally inappropriate attire, etc.;
-- Installing exterior cameras;
-- Adjusting store hours so the jewelry store isn’t the only open business in the neighborhood; and
-- Reclaiming keys and resetting alarm codes and safe combinations possessed or known by furloughed or laid off employees, if necessary.
-- Installing exterior cameras;
-- Adjusting store hours so the jewelry store isn’t the only open business in the neighborhood; and
-- Reclaiming keys and resetting alarm codes and safe combinations possessed or known by furloughed or laid off employees, if necessary.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
