CrimeMar 09, 2021
Jeweler Offering $50K Reward for Stolen WatchCrimeMar 15, 2021
JSA Issues Warning About Watch Robberies
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance said it has received several reports of high-end watches being stolen right off retailers’ wrists.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is warning jewelers to be wary of the risks involved in wearing expensive watches following a string of robberies on both coasts.
One of the most widely reported robberies involved Los Angeles jeweler Shay Belhassen, who was out to lunch in Beverly Hills when three armed men grabbed him from behind, choked him and put a gun to his head, JSA said.
They took his rose gold Richard Mille 11-03 Flyback Chronograph watch right off of his wrist.
A struggle ensued and a gun belonging to one of the suspects went off, injuring a woman in the restaurant.
As previously reported, Belhassen is offering a $50,000 reward for information on the suspects or the watch.
Those with information can also contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
JSA said it recently has received numerous reports of jewelers being targeted and robbed in the New York and Los Angeles areas while wearing high-end watches, particularly Richard Mille watches, which can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The organization sent out an alert warning jewelers about the thefts last week, but President John J. Kennedy said he could not share additional details about specific incidents at this time.
One media report out of New York detailed the theft of a Audemars Piguet from a Queens man who said his jeweler friends had had their watches stolen too.
Related stories will be right here …
One of the most widely reported robberies involved Los Angeles jeweler Shay Belhassen, who was out to lunch in Beverly Hills when three armed men grabbed him from behind, choked him and put a gun to his head, JSA said.
They took his rose gold Richard Mille 11-03 Flyback Chronograph watch right off of his wrist.
A struggle ensued and a gun belonging to one of the suspects went off, injuring a woman in the restaurant.
As previously reported, Belhassen is offering a $50,000 reward for information on the suspects or the watch.
Those with information can also contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
JSA said it recently has received numerous reports of jewelers being targeted and robbed in the New York and Los Angeles areas while wearing high-end watches, particularly Richard Mille watches, which can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The organization sent out an alert warning jewelers about the thefts last week, but President John J. Kennedy said he could not share additional details about specific incidents at this time.
One media report out of New York detailed the theft of a Audemars Piguet from a Queens man who said his jeweler friends had had their watches stolen too.
According to the report, in late February, the man was robbed of his $120,000 Audemars Piguet watch by two masked men in the garage of his apartment building.
The man, who wanted to be identified only as David, told NBC New York he felt as if he was being watched all day and that he was not the first of his friends to have his watch stolen.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“There’s someone out there that’s targeting all of us, it’s definitely the same people that [are] targeting us,” he said.
“Could be a crew, they targeted all my friends and a lot of them are jewelers.”
David also is offering $50,000 reward for anyone with information about the robbery.
JSA shared some safety tips in light of the recent robberies, advising jewelers to:
— Avoid conducting jewelry business in a public place;
— Do not resist in the event of an armed robbery; and
— Be mindful of the special risks involved in wearing expensive watches, and limit that risk accordingly.
“Could be a crew, they targeted all my friends and a lot of them are jewelers.”
David also is offering $50,000 reward for anyone with information about the robbery.
JSA shared some safety tips in light of the recent robberies, advising jewelers to:
— Avoid conducting jewelry business in a public place;
— Do not resist in the event of an armed robbery; and
— Be mindful of the special risks involved in wearing expensive watches, and limit that risk accordingly.
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the IndustryFrom retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent AwardEleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VPJoseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 DaysThe trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.
Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
