CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
CrimeMar 28, 2017
2 Jewelers Arrested for Allegedly Selling Counterfeit Goods
Police seized what they estimate is millions in fake merchandise during an investigation into The Lord of the Rings jewelry store in Miami.
Miami--Two jewelers in Miami were arrested by police earlier this month for allegedly selling counterfeit goods in their store.
The Miami-Dade Police Department, Northside District said it arrested Tania Varona, 57, on March 7 and Jimmy Hernandez, 40, on March 21. The two are co-owners of a jewelry store called The Lord of the Rings.
According to a statement from the police, the arrests came as part of an investigation into the possible sale of counterfeit goods at the store.
After inspecting the premises, investigators discovered and seized thousands of counterfeit name-brand products like Cartier, Channel, Tous, Tory Burch, Michael Kors and Rolex, among others. Police say the store was selling the goods for about 10 percent of the price the genuine goods would have cost.
The Miami police displayed the haul for the public to help educate them, and also posted videos of what it seized to its social media accounts.
#MDPD confiscated over $31 million ⯑ of counterfeit goods which resulted in 2 arrests. More info on #MDPD's Week In Review #MDPDProtecting pic.twitter.com/wEUyDHhTjn
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) March 24, 2017
The police estimate the retail value of the goods they seized, had they been genuine, at around $31 million.
No one could be reached at the store for comment.
Both Varona and Hernandez have bonded out of jail, according to police. They are charged with counterfeiting goods in excess of $20,000.
The police department did not respond to an inquiry about court dates by press time.
More on Crime
The Latest
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
