PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
IndependentsApr 26, 2018
What Should Retailers Do with Unclaimed Jewelry?
Experts weigh in on best practices to follow when a customer doesn’t come back for their piece.
New York--A customer drops off a piece of jewelry for repair and, months later, she or he still hasn’t come back for it.
What can, and should, the retailer do with this unclaimed property?
The issue is all too common in the jewelry industry. To help retailers handle it, National Jeweler pulled together tips and suggestions from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s legal intern Morgan Cline and attorney Paul Mitassov.
Here are 5 things to keep in mind when dealing with unclaimed property.
1. Know the local laws.
Guidelines vary by state, so it’s important for each retailer to find out what the laws are for where they are located; there’s no central database of lost property law to which retailers can refer.
Some states require storeowners to hold unclaimed property for a certain period of time before they can get rid of it. Cline said these states also give specific procedures for disposal, which could include reporting the property to the state controller’s office before a sale or public auction legally can occur.
In most states, even if one follows all procedures and disposes of an item, businesses are only allowed to keep either the cost incurred when disposing of the item or the fees to which they’re entitled, such as for a repair, she added.
Anyone with more specific questions, or who needs help finding the laws in her or his state, can go directly to the JVC.
2. Have an unclaimed property policy in place.
The policy needs to explicitly outline what will happen to items that are not claimed, the time frame, and any return or credit policies.
For jewelers in states guided by specific laws, a store’s policy will be subject to the state’s established time frame and guidelines for handling unclaimed property. For retailers in states where there aren’t specific rules, the store should create a policy and timeframe of their own.
Mitassov suggested also including a clause making the client responsible for any resulting storage or administrative costs.
3. Make sure customers can see and have signed the policy.
The policy should, according to the JVC, be posted in a location visible and obvious to customers. It also should be printed on the store’s receipts or anywhere else a customer might think to look for the information—catalogues, brochures or the business’ website, for example.
It’s also important to have a written agreement signed by
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
each customer. This should be provided at the time the store takes possession of the item, the JVC said, and needs to be securely filed away.
The JVC and Mitassov both stressed the importance of gathering all pertinent contact information for clients, including addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, when they drop off an item.
4. Try to stay ahead of the issue.
Reach out to the customers as soon as the repair, sale or consignment contract is complete; don’t wait for the time period stated in the policy to get close to expiring.
If the customer can’t be reached at first, keep trying on a regular basis, Cline said.
Mitassov said when a significant amount of time passes with no reply, it’s important to clearly state the issue and provide a list of steps the client needs to take to avoid property disposal, when applicable, and state the deadline again.
He recommended sending certified letters, particularly for high-value items, to provide the best legal protection for the business.
5. Keep proper documentation.
The JVC said when a customer doesn’t pick up their item, having all of the proper paperwork will help prove due diligence in contacting them: copies of sent letters, the time and day telephone calls were made as well as whether a voicemail was left, any attempts to track down new contact information and any ads placed in public places.
For businesses in which disposal after a certain period of time is a part of the policy, Mitassov advises keeping detailed records of the method of disposal and the price received, if any, for the item.
He also suggested getting a third-party appraisal before the sale, particularly for high-value property.
The JVC and Mitassov both stressed the importance of gathering all pertinent contact information for clients, including addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, when they drop off an item.
4. Try to stay ahead of the issue.
Reach out to the customers as soon as the repair, sale or consignment contract is complete; don’t wait for the time period stated in the policy to get close to expiring.
If the customer can’t be reached at first, keep trying on a regular basis, Cline said.
Mitassov said when a significant amount of time passes with no reply, it’s important to clearly state the issue and provide a list of steps the client needs to take to avoid property disposal, when applicable, and state the deadline again.
He recommended sending certified letters, particularly for high-value items, to provide the best legal protection for the business.
5. Keep proper documentation.
The JVC said when a customer doesn’t pick up their item, having all of the proper paperwork will help prove due diligence in contacting them: copies of sent letters, the time and day telephone calls were made as well as whether a voicemail was left, any attempts to track down new contact information and any ads placed in public places.
For businesses in which disposal after a certain period of time is a part of the policy, Mitassov advises keeping detailed records of the method of disposal and the price received, if any, for the item.
He also suggested getting a third-party appraisal before the sale, particularly for high-value property.
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
