Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
Avi Raz of A&Z Pearls Set to Retire
He will exhibit at major trade shows in 2018 to sell off the business’s loose pearl and jewelry inventory before closing it.

Los Angeles--After 36 years in business, Avi Raz of A&Z Pearls has decided to retire and close his business.
“I am very grateful to everyone in this industry, an industry and community that facilitated such a rewarding career filled with friendship, travel and adventure.”
Raz will transition out of the business over the next few months by offering A&Z Pearls inventory--including loose pearls and pearl strands in a range of pearl sizes and pearl types, a variety of pearl jewelry in 14-karat and 18-karat gold and one-of-a-kind pearl designs--at cost.
He will exhibit at major trade shows in 2018, such as AGTA GemFair Tucson, the IJO shows and JCK.
Raz was a recipient of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s Excellence in Service award this year. He was recognized at the club’s 73rd annual Dinner Dance, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel in October.
He serves on several boards of trade organizations, including the AGTA board of directors, The Jewelers Board of Trade, and The JCK Advisory Board for all JCK shows.
Raz also is a member of the GIA Alumni Association, has donated a one-of-a-kind piece from A&Z Pearls to the GIA museum’s permanent collection, and participated in the review of pearl material developed for the GIA’s educational program.
The Latest

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.


The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

The trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.

The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.

Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.

Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.

She was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.

Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.

LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”

“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.

Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.

The exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

























