MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
CrimeOct 27, 2020
JSA Says There’s Been a Spike in Distraction Thefts
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance also offered tips for preventing such thefts in a recent email alert about the uptick.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has noticed, and is tracking, an uptick in the number of distraction thefts at jewelry stores.
An email alert sent out Thursday by JSA noted several such incidences across the country, starting in early August.
The New York Police Department is attempting to identify and apprehend the suspect.
The following month, a male suspect entered a jewelry store in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sept. 30 carrying a few plastic bags, according to JSA.
He placed the bags on a showcase and walked around the store. When he saw a tray of jewelry left out on a back counter, he moved his bags to that area and circled the store again.
He then rearranged and spread out the bags before reaching over for the tray, sliding it into a bag, and leaving the store.
About a week later, on Oct. 8, a man and a woman carrying a large shopping bag entered a mall jewelry store in Philadelphia.
The woman placed the bag on the counter next to the merchandise she wanted to see, while the man positioned himself so the bag was between him and the sales associate.
The showcase was left open during the sales presentation, and he reached into it twice and took merchandise.
The suspects were in the store for a total of three minutes.
The male suspect is described as about 35 years old, 6 feet tall and 170 pounds with glasses. The female is described as a being around the same age, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 180 pounds with long hair.
While being shown multiple men’s diamond rings, the male suspect placed items in his partner’s purse just before she left the store. The man denied having any rings and quickly left as well.
Those with more information about any of these incidents or the suspects are asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
In its email alert noting the rise in distraction thefts, JSA offered the following tips to jewelers.
1. Keep
showcases locked and merchandise put away, except when taking out or returning an item.
2. Beware of packages, coats and handbags left on the counter that block the view of a sales associate.
3. Keep an eye on customers wandering aimlessly—they might be looking for unlocked showcases or product left out.
4. Show only one item at a time.
5. Be aware that some thieves use small children to distract and try to show they aren’t a risk.
The JSA recently alerted the industry on increases in other jewelry crimes, including grab-and-run thefts and heists pulled off by “professional” burglars, meaning they involve more sophisticated tools and know-how, like rooftop burglaries.
2. Beware of packages, coats and handbags left on the counter that block the view of a sales associate.
3. Keep an eye on customers wandering aimlessly—they might be looking for unlocked showcases or product left out.
4. Show only one item at a time.
5. Be aware that some thieves use small children to distract and try to show they aren’t a risk.
The JSA recently alerted the industry on increases in other jewelry crimes, including grab-and-run thefts and heists pulled off by “professional” burglars, meaning they involve more sophisticated tools and know-how, like rooftop burglaries.
More on Crime
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
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.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
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.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
