IndependentsDec 29, 2020
In Memoriam: The People We Said Goodbye to in 2020CrimeJan 07, 2021
At Annual Luncheon, JSA Provides a Snapshot on Crime in 2020
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance also presented its usual awards at a virtual event held in lieu of its annual luncheon in New York.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance held its annual event online Wednesday, handing out its usual awards and providing a snapshot of jewelry crime in what was an unusual year.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said 2019 was a “very bad year for crime,” with the association’s annual report for the year showing an 87 percent jump in dollar losses due to professional gangs.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said 2019 was a “very bad year for crime,” with the association’s annual report for the year showing an 87 percent jump in dollar losses due to professional gangs.
The year 2020 “was an outlier,” with the usual types of crimes perpetrated against jewelry stores and salespeople down considerably because of the pandemic.
Stores were closed for periods of time, there was less foot traffic in malls, employees were more careful, and fencing and travel opportunities for criminals were limited.
But 400 stores were looted in June, Kennedy said. Looting is a “very atypical” crime and resulted in a lot of property damage, though little theft of jewelry.
There also were a number of high-dollar-loss safe burglaries—made easier in part because of all the stores that were currently vacant or closed, giving criminals the ability to enter via adjacent businesses—as well as grab-and-run thefts, which are always a problem for jewelers.
JSA’s virtual event also included the presentation of the 22nd annual James B. White Award to Law Enforcement and the 16th annual Industry Service Award.
White Award recipients FBI Special Agent Ivan Romo and Los Angeles Police Department Detective Dennis Bopp specialize in investigating burglary gangs from Chile that target jewelers and have worked to compile a list of about 300 other law enforcement agents who do the same so they can share information.
The Industry Service Award went to Joe Barnard, director of stores for Bernie Robbins Jewelers.
Barnard started at Bernie Robbins 30 years ago, originally joining the company for what was supposed to be just a summer job.
Today, he handles security for Bernie Robbins and a network of other stores and is “someone that JSA turns to for information and advice about retail security practices,” Kennedy said.
Wednesday’s virtual event started off as the physical event does every year—with a moment of silence for members of the jewelry industry killed on the job the previous year.
In 2020, the industry lost three: Connecticut jeweler Mark Vuono, retired police Capt. David Dorn, and Los Angeles jeweler Eshagh Natanzadeh.
Kennedy also called for a moment of silence for all those who have died as a result of the event that has “overshadowed our industry … and brought sadness to so many”—COVID-19.
As of press time, more than 350,000 people had died of the virus in the United States.
Members of the jewelry industry who have succumbed to the disease include M.K. Diamonds’ Julio Ramirez, Texas jeweler Randy Flatau, jewelry designer Yupadee Kobkul Boonsiri, industry veteran Bob Siragusa, Nebraska jeweler Frank Kumor, colored gemstone wholesaler James Breski, and InStore ad salesman Fran Zimniuch.
The annual JSA luncheon is one of a handful of events that normally take place in New York City in January but has been moved online or postponed.
The annual Jewelers Vigilance Committee luncheon is scheduled to take place online Friday while the Gem Awards have been moved to July.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
