From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Jewelry Crime Drops Again, Falling 15% in 2015
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s annual report for 2015 shows that the total number of crimes against the industry decreased from 1,381 in 2014 to 1,177 last year.
New York--The number of crimes committed against the jewelry industry continued its steady decline in 2015.
According to the annual crime report compiled by the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, the number of crimes against the industry decreased from 1,381 in 2014 to 1,177 in 2015, a nearly 15 percent drop.
Two jewelers lost their lives during crimes against jewelry firms in 2015, compared to three in 2014. The number of jewelers who were victims of non-fatal shots dropped from 15 to three.
Total dollar losses also were down, declining from $77.8 million in 2014 to $69.3 million in 2015, an 11 percent decline. When adjusted for inflation, JSA data shows that dollar losses have dropped 63 percent since 1998 and 23 percent in the last five years.
The 2015 report, which was released late Friday, cited information sharing and “excellent” police work as the two factors that continued to drive down the crime rate.
In 2015, police arrested members of two large smash-and-grab robbery rings, one that operated out of Detroit and one that was based in Oakland, Calif. The arrests of some of the individuals linked to the Oakland robbery crew happened after the FBI received a tip to check photo-sharing social media site Instagram for “incriminating” photos.
These two rings contributed to an “explosion” in the number of smash-and-grabs in 2014, according to the JSA. After they were taken out of commission, the number of smash-and-grab robberies dropped by exactly half, from 48 in the first six months of 2015 to 24 in the second.
The FBI and major law enforcement agencies also arrested a major rooftop burglary gang, which cut incidences of this type of crime from 36 in 2014 to 19 in 2015.
“While the diamond, jewelry and watch industry is still a dangerous business, nevertheless, the long term trend in jewelry crime is still firmly down,” JSA President John J. Kennedy said in the news release accompanying the report. “The significant decline that JSA has seen in crime is due to the greater sharing of crime information within the industry and with law enforcement, and from the terrific cooperation that the industry receives from the FBI and local law enforcement agencies.”
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
National Jeweler will follow up with a more in-depth look at the JSA’s 2015 statistics later this week.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















