Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CrimeSep 01, 2020
4 Sentenced, 1 Sought in Case Involving Fake Native American Jewelry
Two men and two businesses were sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque last week as part of “Operation Al Zuni.”
This picture shows one of the miniature canteens made overseas but sold in the United States as an authentic piece of Native American jewelry. The photograph is part of the public record in the case.
Albuquerque, N.M.—Two individuals and two businesses charged in a massive investigation into counterfeit Native American arts and crafts, including jewelry, were sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque on Aug. 26.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Mexico, 72-year-old Jawad Khalaf and his brother, 74-year-old Nashat Khalaf, received two years’ supervised release, while Jawad also must perform 100 hours of community service, for mispresenting goods as Native American-produced—in this case, miniature canteens—that were not made by Native Americans.
Both Jawad and Nashat appeared in person in court last week after pleading guilty via video conference in April, said Sean Sullivan, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque.
Also sentenced last week were the Khalaf brothers’ businesses.
Jawad’s company, jewelry importer Sterling Islands Inc., was placed on probation for five years and sentenced to 50 hours of community service, while Al-Zuni Global Jewelers Inc.—Nashat’s wholesale Native American jewelry business in Gallup, New Mexico—also got five years’ probation and 20 hours of community service.
Collectively, the defendants will make a $300,000 donation to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, a federal agency that promotes the economic development of Native Americans through their arts and crafts, and forfeit nearly $290,000 seized by investigators in the case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Sullivan confirmed the sentencings were part of “Operation Al Zuni,” a sweeping federal investigation of two networks that, federal investigators say, were making Native American arts and crafts in the Philippines, importing them into the United States and passing them off as Native American-made.
That is a violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a 1990 truth-in-advertising law prohibiting the display and/or sale of any goods—jewelry, rugs, baskets, etc.—in a manner that suggests they are Native American-produced, a Native American product, or the product of a specific individual or tribe if they are not.
Operation Al Zuni was the subject of an extensive report published by National Geographic in March 2018.
The story noted the flood of fakes on the market in the Southwest not only deprive Native Americans of income but, in the words of one Zuni jeweler, feel like a “very deep personal attack” for Native Americans who view arts and crafts as way to stay connected to their culture and history.
Jawad, Nashat, Sterling and Al-Zuni were originally charged in the case in February 2019, along with three other men.
Charges against two of the
men were dropped, Sullivan said, while another defendant, 49-year-old Taha Shawar of Breckenridge, Colorado, is still wanted by authorities.
In January, National Jeweler reported on guilty pleas entered in another case involving jewelry made in the Philippines but sold all over the U.S. as authentic Native American work.
Sullivan said that case was separate from Operation Al Zuni.
In January, National Jeweler reported on guilty pleas entered in another case involving jewelry made in the Philippines but sold all over the U.S. as authentic Native American work.
Sullivan said that case was separate from Operation Al Zuni.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
