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.
CrimeMay 03, 2019
Robbery Crew Charged in Heists of Jewelry Salespeople
They allegedly robbed wholesale jewelers after watching them for days, stealing more than $1 million worth of goods over the past 18 months.
Los Angeles—A federal grand jury in Los Angeles has indicted five members of a robbery crew who allegedly netted $1 million in jewelry through a series of “well-planned” heists.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the group committed “sophisticated” heists by following wholesale jewelers—traveling jewelry salespeople or those exhibiting at jewelry trade shows—and bank customers, at times for days, and then robbing them.
The thieves stole more than $1 million worth of jewelry and tens of thousands of dollars in cash over the past 18 months.
The five defendants have been identified as:
— Federico Santiago Quiroz Lucca, 51, of Los Angeles;
— Roberto Melendez Falcon, 51, of Los Angeles;
— Roberto Alonso Castellanos, 48, of Pomona, California;
— Jose Oscar Cupitre Nuñez, 47, of Australia; and
— Jose Manuel Lopez Molina, 45, of Colombia.
Each man is charged with participating in a conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. Lucca, the crew’s alleged leader, and Nuñez also both face a count of interference with commerce by robbery.
According to an affidavit, the defendants surveilled and and then robbed jewelry salespeople and bank customers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver between October 2017 and April 2019.
Lucca allegedly led and organized the crew’s activities, enlisting help from Colombian nationals, who traveled to Los Angeles to take part.
Court documents show the heists all followed a similar pattern. A member of the crew known as a “scout” would identify a victim who was likely to be carrying jewelry or cash. The victims typically were doing business at standalone jewelry stores or in malls in Orange County, California, the Jewelry District in downtown Los Angeles, or at jewelry trade shows.
The scout would then follow the victim and wait for an opportunity when they could rob her or him.
The group allegedly followed victims to locations like gas stations and hotels, and then employed a ruse—such as puncturing their car tires and then posing as a Good Samaritan—or simply used force to rob them.
For example, court papers state that on Feb. 8, 2018, Lucca spent four hours following a traveling jewelry salesman who was making rounds to jewelry stores in Orange County.
When he returned to his car after a stop in Cypress, he was violently pushed from behind and he fell into his car door. The thieves made off with his bag containing approximately $400,000 in jewelry.
All five
men are currently in federal custody after being arrested in April. They are scheduled for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles today.
If convicted, Lucca and Nuñez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, and the others would face statutory maximum sentences of 20 years in prison.
If convicted, Lucca and Nuñez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, and the others would face statutory maximum sentences of 20 years in prison.
The Latest
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
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.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
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.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
