Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
CrimeMar 23, 2018
JSA: Smash-and-Grab Robberies, Cybercrime Up in 2017
The 2017 Annual Crime Report shows that while dollar losses were flat, certain patterns of crime against the jewelry industry have picked up.
New York--The Jewelers Security Alliance has released its 2017 Annual Crime Report, and the 21-page summary shows that while dollar losses in crimes against the jewelry industry were nearly flat, total crime was up.
According to the report, total losses decreased from $72.4 million in 2016 to $72.1 million in 2017.
Meanwhile, the total number of crimes against the industry were up 12 percent, rising from 1,234 in 2016 to 1,394 last year.
The JSA’s John Kennedy told National Jeweler that the organization is particularly concerned when it sees spikes in certain types of crimes, representing a pattern, of which there were a few in 2017.
According to the JSA, it saw such a large uptick in cybercrime that for the first time ever, it broke the losses out separately. The average dollar loss from this type last year was $1.2 million.
Meanwhile, smash-and-grab robberies were up nearly 15 percent; in 2016, there were 62 and last year, there were 71. It also shows that more than 50 percent of smash-and-grab incidents occurred in mall stores.
In the second half of the year, a half-dozen smash-and-grab robberies hit the Midwest over a period of a little more than a month. The pattern spread to the Northwest, where four jewelry stores in Oregon and Washington were hit.
Grab-and-run thefts also increased 32 percent, from 420 in 2016 to 556 in 2017.
There were five homicides of jewelers in 2017, compared with six in 2016. There also was a case of the death of a Good Samaritan, data which was unlisted in the years prior, as well as the homicide of a customer.
A 65-year-old customer was shot to death inside a Miami jewelry store in January. That same month, a man who tried to stop a jewelry store robber who was running through the mall was shot and killed.
There were a couple of positive notes in the report as well.
There was a decrease last year in the percentage of robberies in which the robbers displayed a gun—down from 62 percent in 2016 to 50 percent of robberies in 2017—as well as a decrease in violence during robberies—down from 32 percent in 2016 to 28 percent last year.
Off-premise crimes, including traveling salesperson losses, fell to 39 in 2017, representing the lowest total in more than two decades, according to the JSA.
It attributes
the continued decline to the “dedicated interest” by law enforcement, especially the FBI working with local law, the reduced number of traveling salespeople due to the changing nature of the industry and greater education and information sharing between the industry and police.
Additionally, when one looks at homicide numbers in terms of a ten-year period, the decade representing 1996 to 2006 saw the homicide of 82 jewelers, while only 42 jewelers were killed from 2007 to 2017, a 50 percent decline.
The JSA said that not only are local law enforcement and the FBI arresting violent gangs quicker and the industry is sharing more information regarding violent gangs, but also that jewelers aren’t resisting robberies as often, with the organization helping raise awareness on all fronts.
Kennedy also said that it’s possible the enforcement of higher penalties for crimes with guns has caused some robbers to turn to other means, like smash-and grab-robberies without guns.
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
Additionally, when one looks at homicide numbers in terms of a ten-year period, the decade representing 1996 to 2006 saw the homicide of 82 jewelers, while only 42 jewelers were killed from 2007 to 2017, a 50 percent decline.
The JSA said that not only are local law enforcement and the FBI arresting violent gangs quicker and the industry is sharing more information regarding violent gangs, but also that jewelers aren’t resisting robberies as often, with the organization helping raise awareness on all fronts.
Kennedy also said that it’s possible the enforcement of higher penalties for crimes with guns has caused some robbers to turn to other means, like smash-and grab-robberies without guns.
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
