FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
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 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
