AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CrimeDec 14, 2016
Two Store Security Alerts for the Holiday Season
Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy said jewelers need to be aware of continued distraction thefts by “Gypsies” and to be on alert for credit card fraud.
New York--Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy has two very specific tips for jewelers this holiday season.
The first is to be on alert for credit card fraud, and the second is to be aware of continued distraction thefts by the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies.
In an interview with National Jeweler on Tuesday, Kennedy said that the JSA is seeing a significant amount of credit card fraud.
Credit card fraud is considered a type of theft, which was the only category of crime in the jewelry industry that had increased by the midway point of the year, rising 5 percent, the JSA said in August.
Jewelers need to be sure that they and their employees follow the requirements of the company that issued the credit card “absolutely to the letter” to avoid chargebacks, Kennedy said.
Often, fraudsters will try to have salespeople deviate from the required procedure, asking them to punch in the numbers or to swipe it even if it’s a chip card.
Some also will make a phone call if the transaction is denied, which is purportedly to the credit card company but is actually to an accomplice, who provides a “force code” that overrides the denial.
The JSA also cautions against accepting credit cards over the phone unless the customer is well known to the jeweler, with “well known” meaning that they’ve been in the store more than once just recently.
“When the card is not present, then you are at risk,” Kennedy said. “There’s no way of guaranteeing who it is or anything about them.”
He said that jewelers also need to be aware that distraction thefts allegedly being perpetrated by Roma (Gypsies) are continuing, a trend the JSA first reported to the industry in October.
Since then, the thefts have continued, including a Nov. 20 distraction theft at a jewelry store in Arlington, Texas, that involved two women and resulted in the loss of a $7,100 gold necklace and two gold bracelets worth $7,250 each.
Generally, Kennedy advised that jewelers be on guard this time of the year when the store gets crowded and the sales staff is busy,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
though he noted that it’s a misconception that crime against jewelers spikes in November and December.
Yes, it is a time of year when staff can be more easily distracted because of the amount of action in the store. But that’s counterbalanced by the fact that stores often have more staff on the sales floor, which acts as a deterrent to thieves.
Statistics support this.
JSA’s crime report for 2015 shows that when compared to other months, December ranked relatively low in a number of categories.
For example, there were two three-minute burglaries in December 2015, compared with 18 in the month of April; 19 grab-and-runs, compared with 38 in June; and 4 smash-and-grabs, compared with 11 in January.
Overall, the JSA’s 2015 report showed that January--not December--was the most active month for all types of robberies while November was actually the least active.
“The popular wisdom is that the holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for jewelers, which is not true,” Kennedy said.
Yes, it is a time of year when staff can be more easily distracted because of the amount of action in the store. But that’s counterbalanced by the fact that stores often have more staff on the sales floor, which acts as a deterrent to thieves.
Statistics support this.
JSA’s crime report for 2015 shows that when compared to other months, December ranked relatively low in a number of categories.
For example, there were two three-minute burglaries in December 2015, compared with 18 in the month of April; 19 grab-and-runs, compared with 38 in June; and 4 smash-and-grabs, compared with 11 in January.
Overall, the JSA’s 2015 report showed that January--not December--was the most active month for all types of robberies while November was actually the least active.
“The popular wisdom is that the holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for jewelers, which is not true,” Kennedy said.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
