AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
CrimeJan 08, 2020
3 Plead Guilty in Native American Jewelry Scam
They admitted to their roles in a conspiracy in which jewelry manufactured in the Philippines was sold as Native American-made.
Phoenix—Three of the seven people indicted last February for passing off jewelry made overseas as Native American works have pleaded guilty in the case, the U.S. Justice Department announced.
Laura Marye Wesley, aka Laura Lott, 32; 46-year-old Christian Coxon; and 44-year-old Waleed, aka Willie, Sarrar entered their pleas Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Z. Boyle in Phoenix.
According to the indictment, Wesley and her father, 70-year-old Richard Dennis Nisbet, were the ringleaders of a seven-person operation that conspired to have the jewelry made in the Philippines and imported into the United States.
It was delivered to jewelry stores throughout the country and sold as Native American-made jewelry, a violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
A federal law, the IACA prohibits the display and/or sale of any goods—jewelry, rugs, baskets, leather goods, etc.—in a manner that suggests they are Native American-produced, a Native American product, or the product of a specific individual or tribe if they were not made by Native Americans.
In her plea, Wesley admitted to working with the Filipino factory workers who were making the knockoffs and wiring money to the Philippines to pay them and cover costs; smuggling jewelry into the U.S. through the mail to avoid inspection by federal authorities; and removing stickers that read “Made in the Philippines” from bags of imported jewelry.
She also admitted to delivering the pieces to jewelry stores in states including Arizona, Colorado, California, Texas, Minnesota and Utah.
Wesley owned and operated LMN Jewelers, and co-owned and co-operated Last Chance Jewelers, both of which specialize in the sale of Native American-style jewelry.
She pleaded guilty to: one count of conspiracy to commit misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, wire fraud, mail fraud, entry of goods by means of false statements, and smuggling goods.
Coxon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to mispresent Native American-produced goods and wire fraud for ordering and misrepresenting the jewelry at his store, Turquoise River Trading Company in San Antonio, the Justice Department said.
Sarrar pleaded guilty to the same for his store, Scottsdale Jewels in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Wesley and Sarrar are scheduled to be sentenced on March 30. Coxon’s sentencing is set for March 23.
The Justice Department said they face a maximum of five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The fourth defendant, Nisbet, died on Dec. 24 in Arizona, according to a filing made by his attorney on Jan. 3.
The three other individuals indicted in the case—Mency Remedio, a factory manager; and Orlando (aka Erlando and Lando) Abellanosa and Ariel Adlawan Canedo, both jewelry-makers—live overseas.
Their cases remain open, court records show.
Their cases remain open, court records show.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsNov 14, 2024
Saks Fifth Avenue Cancels Holiday Light DisplayInstead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsFrom Swarovski to Tiffany & Co., jewelry retailers are enlisting celebrities to highlight their holiday offerings.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024
AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
