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.
CrimeOct 04, 2016
What We Can Learn from the Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist
The famous-for-being-famous star attracted some rare unwanted attention when she was the target of gun-wielding thieves in Paris.
Internet sources are speculating that this 20-carat diamond engagement ring, which appeared on Kim Kardashian West’s Instagram on Sept. 30, may have been stolen during the Paris robbery that targeted the reality star.
Paris--Kim Kardashian West never met a headline she didn’t like but, as they say, there’s a first time for everything.
Kardashian West was the victim of a robbery late Sunday night or early Monday morning in Paris at her suite at the l’Hotel de Pourtalès, as reported by numerous news sources.
The French Interior Ministry told CNN that five men threatened the hotel’s concierge to gain access to Kardashian West’s suite.
Once inside, two of the men allegedly put a gun to Kardashian West’s head, then tied her up and locked her into a bathroom before making off with a ring valued at $4.49 million and other jewelry valued at $5.6 million, plus two cell phones.
National Jeweler was unable to confirm which items of jewelry were stolen as of press time, from Kardashian West’s publicist or French officials.
However, Kardashian West made headlines recently when she debuted a second engagement ring, reported to feature a 20-carat diamond. The ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz, who also created the star’s first 15-carat engagement ring from husband Kanye West.
Internet speculation is rampant that the newly acquired bauble was stolen in the heist.
Kardashian West might be one of the trickiest security cases there is, and there are parallels between her and the jewelry retail world.
She’s a member of a family who has actively courted fame through various reality television shows, augmented by a constant social media presence: blogs, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and even their very own apps.
A ritual flaunting of beauty, wealth and privilege is what keeps Kardashian West relevant and inundated with lucrative business deals. She’s shared her enviable rock on social media more than once.
Parading her wealth is her job, but it also makes her a target for crime.
Likewise, for jewelry sellers, social media is an essential promotional tool, but there’s no controlling who might be taking stock of a jeweler’s inventory.
Common best practices for social media, like not advertising one’s location, are difficult for Kardashian West, who has actively sought the attention of paparazzi over her career, and are equally difficult for jewelers who operate brick-and-mortar stores or showrooms and need to advertise their location so customers can find them.
What’s surprising is that Kardashian West was without security during the crime. The only buffer between her and the thieves was a hotel employee.
To learn from Kardashian West’s mistake, jewelers should stay
diligent on the security measures they can control.
Take a look at our extensive list of jewelry store safety practices.
Here are a few highlights:
• Don’t advertise absences. And when you are gone, keep all merchandise in a safe.
• Run background checks on employees. Some are speculating that the Kardashian West heist could have been an inside job.
• Keep the sales floor fully staffed. Kardashian West was alone with her jewelry; make sure you’re not.
Take a look at our extensive list of jewelry store safety practices.
Here are a few highlights:
• Don’t advertise absences. And when you are gone, keep all merchandise in a safe.
• Run background checks on employees. Some are speculating that the Kardashian West heist could have been an inside job.
• Keep the sales floor fully staffed. Kardashian West was alone with her jewelry; make sure you’re not.
More on Crime
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.
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.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
