IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CrimeOct 20, 2020
Why the Trade Has Been Getting Back Invoices from Brinks
National Jeweler speaks with a Brinks executive about a situation that has been causing major frustration for members of the jewelry industry.
New York—Over the past several months, many members of the fine jewelry industry have been receiving back invoices out of the blue from Brinks.
Some claim these invoices, which date as far back as 2015, were for charges that had already been paid, while others said they couldn’t get a clear explanation of what they were being charged for.
Either way, these invoices have been causing frustration and kicking up chatter, so National Jeweler went to Brinks to ask for an explanation.
In a recent phone interview, Jim Horgdal, president of Brink’s Global Services USA, explained the issue, which started with a former employee who was indicted for embezzlement, has been convicted and is now cooperating with Brinks Global Services on the issue.
The embezzlement scandal created several issues for the company, including the misrepresentation of its ledger.
This resulted in some cases in which customers who owed money ended up with a zero balance and vice versa, Horgdal said. Brinks has spent millions fixing the problem.
Additionally, a year ago, Brinks switched to a new ledger system.
Once reconciliation of the books was completed, the company loaded them into the new ledger and started communicating with customers about what the new records showed, sending out statements beginning in March.
“The conversations we’re having with our customers are, ‘Here is the ledger. We’ve gone through and spent the time and money to make sure all your payments were properly applied. This is the best information we have. If you have different information, additional information, please reach out to us and we will work with you to reconcile this.’”
In the industry, the Brinks back invoice issue has created quite a few headaches.
One colored stone wholesaler, who reached out to National Jeweler and asked not to be named, said when his company asked for copies of the invoices from Brinks that the latter claimed are unpaid from 2017, all they provided was a statement of the account.
Meanwhile, a jewelry appraiser who came forward said the issue he’s having concerns an invoice for a 2016 transaction in which Brinks didn’t make an overnight delivery on time.
The Brinks accounting department admitted to the error via email correspondence back when the transaction occurred, the appraiser said, but he no longer has access to the email account in which it is stored.
The issue went “fairly dormant” after that, he said, until recently when his company began receiving notices from a collection company that it owed money to Brinks.
When the appraiser asked the collection company for a copy of the original invoice, the company couldn’t provide it, he said.
What happened to the appraiser seems to be a common story among those affected by the Brinks back invoice issue—they’re not able to get a straight answer, or even talk to someone at Brinks for an explanation.
Horgdal said Brinks doesn’t have enough customer service employees to handle the volume of calls it’s been receiving, so it changed the system to route pertinent outreach from clients from customer service to credit collection to talk to the department directly to address the issue, Brinks said.
He added the collection agency has been advised to refer any requests for invoice copies to Brinks to address.
Horgdal also said they’ve also been trying to communicate as much as possible with the industry at large, working with various trade organizations—including a conference call in August with several industry leaders—as well as reaching out directly to clients whose email addresses they have to communicate ways to reach Brinks.
“We’ve sent out thousands of statements to thousands of customers. There is not one instance where we believe a customer doesn’t owe us money,” Horgdal said. “If they can show us otherwise, we’ll gladly correct the records.”
But it’s not easy for everyone who might not have retained documents to prove every payment for shipments a few years back.
One gemstone dealer and jewelry manufacturer in New York, who received invoices dated as far back as 2015, said his company keeps shipment records for two to three years but no longer, adding he believes this is normal in the industry.
It’s also a question of how much time business owners have to spend on an issue like this.
“For me to sit there and spend a week, maybe more, to pull up things from five years ago, analyze movement by movement, country to country, shipment by shipment, and then come up with things we’ve paid, it is absolutely not something I’m willing to accept,” that same dealer said.
To the former concern, Horgdal said Brinks has been able to “amicably settle” with many customers who are unable to provide evidence of past payment and reach an understanding where they provide other relevant information that might help the company validate past payments, including reports from their accounting system or email communications, among others.
There’s also has been chatter about Brinks holding packages until back invoices are paid.
To that, Horgdal said: “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Brinks has stressed to the industry that it won’t hold packages for any customer who is working with the company to resolve accounts receivable.
The bottom line, Horgdal said, is for industry members to at least be communicating with Brinks rather than ignoring the invoices.
For those with overdue balances, Brinks asks they contact their assigned collector to discuss the account and options.
To request copies of statements and/or invoices, customers can email Brinks at bgsus.docrequest@brinksinc.com.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
