AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
CrimeJan 24, 2017
Two Killed in Separate Weekend Robberies
Police in two cities are investigating jewelry store-related shootings that left an employee and a bystander who tried to intervene dead.
This security camera still provided by the Henderson Police Department shows the suspect wanted in Saturday night’s robbery, which resulted in the shooting death of a store employee, entering the Jared the Galleria of Jewelry store around 9 p.m.
New York--Police in two separate cities are investigating jewelry store-related shootings that left an employee and a bystander who tried to intervene dead.
The first incident happened just before closing time on Saturday at a Jared the Galleria of Jewelry store in Henderson, Nevada.
The suspect entered the store, pulled out a gun and pointed it at one of the employees.
The on-site security guard, who has not been publicly identified, fired a round at the suspect but missed, accidentally hitting and killing the 57-year-old employee instead, said Officer Scott Williams, a public information officer with the Henderson Police Department.
Jared’s parent company, Signet Jewelers Ltd., identified the employee as Kim Hill and issued the following statement on Monday: “We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members and their ability to shop and work in a safe environment.”
"We are taking all necessary steps in cooperating with the local police department and working with our security provider ... We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in connection with their ongoing efforts to apprehend the suspect.”
Williams said the suspect fled the scene and police were still working to determine what, if anything, he stole from the store.
The suspect, who wore a mask during the robbery, is described as a black male, between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. He was wearing a red and black hoodie, black pants and a dark-colored hat or beanie.
Williams said he will face murder charges if apprehended. The security guard is not being charged at this point, though Williams noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The second incident happened at a store that’s also under the Signet umbrella, this one the Kay Jewelers located in the Rolling Oaks Mall just outside San Antonio, Texas.
In an interview broadcast via Facebook Live on Sunday following the incident, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said two individuals robbed the Kay Jewelers store and fled, running to the left to exit the mall.
Two citizens tried to intervene to stop the suspects and there was an exchange of gunfire.
One of the citizens--identified in news reports as 42-year-old Jon Murphy, who reportedly was at the mall with his wife getting their wedding rings cleaned--was shot and killed.
The other citizen, who has a concealed carry permit,
shot and wounded the suspect who killed Murphy. That suspect--identified Tuesday morning by police as 34-year-old Jose Luis Rojas--remains in the hospital in critical condition, San Antonio Police Senior Public Information Officer Sandra Pickell said. The name of the citizen who fired the shot has not been released.
The second suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jason Matthew Prieto, managed to flee, firing shots as he ran through the mall, hitting and wounding two other people, according to police.
He was arrested in nearby Converse, Texas, and charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated robbery. The second suspect will be booked by proxy.
“What we have here,” McManus said at his press conference, “is a robbery gone really, really bad.”
In a separate statement, Signet said it is “shocked and saddened” by what happened at the mall and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The company said it is cooperating with local law enforcement in the investigation.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include additional information obtained from the San Antonio Police Department.
The second suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jason Matthew Prieto, managed to flee, firing shots as he ran through the mall, hitting and wounding two other people, according to police.
He was arrested in nearby Converse, Texas, and charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated robbery. The second suspect will be booked by proxy.
“What we have here,” McManus said at his press conference, “is a robbery gone really, really bad.”
In a separate statement, Signet said it is “shocked and saddened” by what happened at the mall and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The company said it is cooperating with local law enforcement in the investigation.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include additional information obtained from the San Antonio Police Department.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
