Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Man found guilty in 2012 robbery, shooting at PA store
After about two hours of deliberation, a jury convicted the third of three men involved in a 2012 shooting and robbery that severely injured a York, Pa. jeweler.
Harrisburg, Pa.--After about two hours of deliberation, a jury convicted the third of three men involved in a 2012 shooting and robbery that severely injured a York, Pa. jeweler.
Jesse Brewer, of Jamaica, N.Y., was convicted last Wednesday following a three-day jury trial in Harrisburg. The jury deliberated for two hours before returning a guilty verdict on charges of interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
No sentencing date has been set. The maximum sentence Brewer could receive is life in prison with the possibility of parole.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, on the morning of July 12, 2012, Brewer, along with accomplices Jamell Smallwood and Timothy Forbes, entered White Jewelers in York, which is located in south central Pennsylvania.
The three men robbed the store of more than 50 Rolex watches valued at more than $500,000. During the robbery, Brewer shot the owner of the store, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The jeweler, who was 57 years old at the time, underwent surgery after being shot in the abdomen, shoulder/chest area and left arm and survived. He later reopened his store but since has retired.
Brewer’s conviction followed guilty pleas from the other two men involved in the robbery.
Smallwood, of Allentown, Pa., was sentenced to 17 years in prison after entering his plea while Forbes, also of Allentown, is awaiting sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.