AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
SourcingMar 22, 2019
Nirav Modi Nabbed, Held on Bail in London
The billionaire fugitive was reportedly arrested in a bank while trying to open an account.
London—Nirav Modi has been arrested in London and is being held on bail, numerous news outlets reported earlier this week.
The Indian government, which has been on the hunt for the billionaire diamantaire since he fled the country early last year after being implicated in a $1.8 billion bank fraud scheme, said it wants Modi back in the country to face charges of criminal conspiracy, corruption and money laundering as soon as possible.
“We welcome the fact that Nirav Modi has been arrested by the United Kingdom authorities pursuant to the arrest warrant issued by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court,” the country’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday. “The Government of India continues to actively follow up this matter with the authorities concerned in the U.K., with a view to have Nirav Modi extradited to India at the earliest.”
Reports first surfaced that Modi was living in London in August, but his arrest didn’t come until after journalists with The Telegraph newspaper tracked down the tycoon last week. Reporters found him living in a £8 million ($10.5 million) flat in London’s West End, working in the diamond business again. (Full story available to subscribers only.)
London’s Metropolitan Police arrested Modi on Tuesday at a bank where he was trying to open an account after the teller alerted police. District Judge Marie Mallon denied him bail in Westminster Magistrates’ Court, deeming him a flight risk, The Telegraph reported.
While the Indian government wants Modi back in the country as soon as possible, there are conflicting opinions on how long his extradition could take, if it happens at all.
Some experts are saying it could be done in as little as six months, while others cite the ongoing saga of Vijay Mallya, the Indian liquor tycoon who also is charged with financial crimes but has been fighting his extradition for nearly two years, as an example of how Modi’s case could drag on.
The scandal in which Modi is implicated first came to light in early 2018, when India’s Central Bureau of Investigation accused the diamantaire, his brother Neeshal, and his uncle Mehul Choksi (the former managing director of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Gitanjali) of bilking the state-run Punjab National Bank out of nearly $2 billion.
Modi, who has maintained his innocence throughout, left India shortly before the CBI levied its accusations.
Authorities have been on the hunt for him since, requesting Interpol issue a Red Notice, a notice to law enforcement worldwide requesting they locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, on charges that now number five: punishment of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust by public servant or by banker merchant or agent, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, prevention of corruption act and money laundering.
The fallout from the Indian bank scandal had a worldwide ripple effect in the diamond industry, pushing numerous companies in the United States with ties to Modi and Choksi into bankruptcy, forcing the closure of his high-end jewelry stores in New York, Las Vegas and Honolulu, and putting a lot of people out of work in the process of both.
It was also another “nail in the coffin” to the diamond industry in terms of bank financing, one longtime banker told National Jeweler after news of the scandal broke, making those few banks that still are financing the midstream sector of the industry even more stringent about lending money, while giving those that aren’t involved another reason to stay out of it.
Modi, who has maintained his innocence throughout, left India shortly before the CBI levied its accusations.
Authorities have been on the hunt for him since, requesting Interpol issue a Red Notice, a notice to law enforcement worldwide requesting they locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, on charges that now number five: punishment of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust by public servant or by banker merchant or agent, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, prevention of corruption act and money laundering.
The fallout from the Indian bank scandal had a worldwide ripple effect in the diamond industry, pushing numerous companies in the United States with ties to Modi and Choksi into bankruptcy, forcing the closure of his high-end jewelry stores in New York, Las Vegas and Honolulu, and putting a lot of people out of work in the process of both.
It was also another “nail in the coffin” to the diamond industry in terms of bank financing, one longtime banker told National Jeweler after news of the scandal broke, making those few banks that still are financing the midstream sector of the industry even more stringent about lending money, while giving those that aren’t involved another reason to stay out of it.
The Latest
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
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.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
