TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
OtherAug 09, 2016
60 Minutes covers ‘Pink Panther’ diamond thieves
Last Sunday, CBS’s 60 Minutes included a segment about the “Pink Panthers,” a network of thieves who have stolen millions in diamonds, and showed footage of some of their biggest robberies.
New York--Last Sunday, CBS’s 60 Minutes included a segment about the “Pink Panthers,” a network of thieves who have stolen millions in diamonds, and showed footage of some of their biggest robberies.
The Pink Panthers are the largest, most successful gang of diamonds thieves in the world, 60 Minutes said, and got their moniker from the Peter Sellers crime-comedy movies of the same name. In 2003, after taking note from a scene in one of the movies and hiding stolen stones in a jar of face cream, the police dubbed the group the “Pink Panthers,” and the name stuck and helped them gain notoriety.
According to the show, the group is believed to have conducted more than 370 heists of both jewelry and fine art, grabbing more than $500 million total and hitting more than 35 countries.
The Pink Panthers gang allegedly is made up of networks of teams. Many of them fought in the Serbian Special Forces during the Bosnian War, which lasted from 1992-1995. When UN sanctions prevented products from entering the former Yugoslavia, many of the soldiers also became professional smugglers.
“The problem is that they’ve become legendary because they are so good in their planning and execution of robberies,” Ron Noble, secretary general of Interpol, said on 60 Minutes, adding that they do weeks of surveillance before making a move.
Interpol has been able to identify 800 members of the gang, but since they are known for using fake passports, they are even harder to catch. The group also appears to be leaderless.
“They’ve got networks and depending upon the robbery, there’s someone who organizes a particular robbery, but there’s no kingpin. There’s no Al Capone or John Gotti at the top of the organized crime groups like classic or traditional organized crime,” Nobel said.
60 Minutes also snagged an interview with a semi-retired Pink Panther, who wouldn’t show his face and went only by the name Phillip.
Their most notorious heists include a robbery of a Graff Diamonds store in the Wafi Mall in Dubai in 2007, when the gang drove straight into the mall and crashed into the door of the store before proceeding to steal $3.5 million in diamonds.
In another incident in Geneva, a group robbed a luxury store on the Rue du Rhone, grabbing $4 million worth of diamonds, and used motorcycles as their getaway vehicles
down a street that was too narrow for cars.
Though the Pink Panthers are known as jewelry thieves, they have begun expanding into fine art. While hundreds of arrests have been made since 2007, the group continues to grow as the next generation is recruited and copycats crimes become more prevalent.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
