AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
OtherSep 18, 2014
Police make arrest in murder of Neb. jeweler
Police have arrested an 18-year-old man whom they suspect shot and killed a jewelry store owner during a robbery attempt at his store on Wednesday.
Omaha, Neb.--Police have arrested an 18-year-old man whom they suspect shot and killed a jewelry store owner during a robbery attempt at his store on Wednesday.
Jeweler James Minshall Sr., the 71-year-old owner of JR’s Jewelry & Gifts in Omaha, died of his injuries shortly after the shooting Wednesday afternoon.
On Thursday, Omaha police arrested and booked Milton B. Dortch on suspicion of first-degree murder, suspicion of robbery and use of a weapon to commit a felony at the jewelry store, Omaha.com reported. Omaha police did not respond to request for comment on the case.
Dortch already was being sought for an earlier robbery at the time of the crime.
JR Jewelry store employees told local media that the robbery was botched. There was a customer and a few other employees in the store Wednesday when the thief walked in, threw a bag on the floor, brandished a gun and ordered the employees to put jewelry in the bag.
According to reports, while one employee began to fill the bag with goods, Minshall made a move toward the safe. That is when the suspect allegedly fired three shots toward him, striking him twice in the torso. The robber then ran out of the store, without the bag or any jewelry.
An employee of a nearby store said he saw a man run from the jewelry store, hop a fence and continue running, all before police arrived.
John Kennedy of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, which issued a crime alert on the Nebraska shooting hours before the suspect was arrested, provided National Jeweler with tips for dealing with this kind of a situation.
--Obey the orders of the robber. Do not say or do anything, or even raise your hands, unless told to do so. Cooperate fully and try not to panic.
--Do not attempt to disarm the robber or reach for a concealed weapon. Assume that the robber will shoot without hesitation.
--Never do or say anything that would anger the robber. For example, do not stare at him and have him think that you are trying to memorize his facial characteristics.
--The less time the robbers are in the store, the less risk there is of injury. Once the robbers have your merchandise, they can be expected to leave quickly.
--Do not press a holdup alarm, if your store has one, until the robbers have left
and you have locked the door. If the police arrive while the robbers are still in the store, or if the robbers return, a deadly hostage situation could develop.
--Expect to be threatened. One of the robber’s weapons is the fear he creates, commonly saying “I’ll kill you if you make a move.” This is a typical threat; expect it and keep calm.
--Except to be tied up or handcuffed, and do as you’re told. Frequently the robber will force the jeweler and his staff to a back room or washroom and tell them to lie on the floor.
--If you are out of the robber’s sight, in a back room or elsewhere, stay where you are. Do not intrude on the crime scene.
--Do not chase or follow the robbers out of the store.
--It is important to rehearse with all employees what they should do in a robbery. Being prepared may help prevent an employee from panicking and provoking violence.
“Even if a jeweler follows all the rules to discourage robberies, the jeweler may still be a robbery target. JSA’s main advice if you do have a robbery is this: do not resist, and cooperate fully,” the organization said.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
