Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
