MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CrimeMar 12, 2019
7 Charged with Selling Fake Native American Jewelry
The defendants allegedly produced the pieces in a factory in the Philippines but were passing them off as authentic Native American-made jewels.
Phoenix—Seven people have been indicted for allegedly importing jewelry from the Philippines and selling it as authentic Native American-made pieces.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal grand jury returned a 38-count indictment on Feb. 26 against suspects based in both the Philippines and United States.
The indictment accuses them of operating a fraudulent scheme to import Native American-style jewelry into the U.S. from the Philippines and sell it to retail stores and individuals across the Southwestern U.S. as authentic jewelry made by Native Americans.
The fraud and money laundering scheme started in January 2016, the Justice Department said, and violated federal laws including the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The IACA prohibits the display or sale of any goods that falsely suggest they are Native American-produced, a Native American product or the product of a particular Native American and/or Native American tribe.
Richard Dennis Nisbet, 70, and his daughter, Laura Marye Lott, 31, both of Peoria, Arizona, are named in the indictment as the pair who were overseeing the scheme.
The defendants allegedly took several measures to ensure the jewelry resembled authentic Native American-made jewelry, including copying designs from genuine Native American artists, using traditional Native American motifs and symbols, and stamping the jewelry with the initials of Native American artists.
Court documents state the jewelry was imported into the U.S. through FedEx, or smuggled into the country by hand or through the Philippines Postal System to locations in Arizona, with Lott delivering the pieces to retail stores in Arizona, Texas and other states and collecting payment.
The indictment also names Christian Coxon, 45, owner and operator of the Turquoise River Trading Company jewelry store in San Antonio, Texas, which claims to specialize in Native American-made jewelry; and Waleed Sarrar, 43, of Chandler, Arizona, owner and operator of Scottsdale Jewels in Arizona, which also advertises “authentic Indian-made jewelry” for sale.
According to court documents, Coxon and Sarrar conspired with Nisbet and Lott to pass off the imitation jewelry as authentic Native American-made jewelry.
Court documents also allege that none of the jewelry items were indelibly marked with the country of origin, as U.S. customs law requires.
None of the calls placed to the U.S.-based defendants by National Jeweler on Monday were answered or returned.
The indictment also names three international defendants who have been charged in the case: Mency Remedio, a factory manager in the Philippines;
and Orlando Abellanosa and Ariel Adlawan Canedo, both of whom allegedly worked as jewelry smiths for the operation.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
