EditorsNov 15, 2024
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic ConSenior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
CrimeMay 21, 2020
3 Charged in Robbery, Shooting at TX Jewelry Store
The men were charged in connection with the May 7 armed robbery at Korman Fine Jewelry in which a security guard was seriously injured.
Austin, Texas—Three Houston men have been charged in the May 7 armed robbery of an Austin jewelry store that left a security guard in critical condition and resulted in $350,000 in lost merchandise and damage.
A criminal complaint filed in a Texas federal court on May 11 charges 21-year-old Darius Limar Sonnier, 20-year-old Wallace Diaveon Charles and Tye Joseph-Phillip Gobert, 18, with four counts each of robbery and weapons violations.
The robbery at Korman Fine Jewelry took place shortly before 5 p.m.
According to the complaint, at least five suspects entered the jewelry store, and one of them took out a gun and began shouting for everyone to get down on the floor.
One of the robbers, Sonnier, allegedly told an FBI agent in a post-arrest interview he was the one who shot and pistol-whipped the store security guard. Another one of the suspects hit a female employee on the back of the head with his gun.
The guard needed emergency surgery and is still recovering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen and blunt-force trauma to his head.
While the store’s employees were down on the ground, the suspects smashed display cases with hammers and took multiple Rolex watches and other items valued at more than $200,000, while also causing about $150,000 in damage to the store.
A few of the suspects fled in a silver four-door Chevrolet Cruze—Sonnier allegedly told the agent he and five other people had driven from Houston to Austin to rob the jewelry store—which was found abandoned a couple blocks north of the store.
Sonnier, Charles and Gobert fled the scene on foot, slipping through a fence behind the store.
Officers from the Austin Police Department chased them down in neighborhoods no more than five blocks from Korman Fine Jewelry.
The three men made their initial appearances before a federal magistrate judge in Austin last Thursday. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
All three remain in custody.
In a news release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas said the other suspects are still at large.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 210-225-6741 or the Austin Police Department.
Following the robbery, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance released a list of tips for jewelry stores reopening in the wake of the pandemic.
It includes:
-- Keeping the entrance locked and only admitting a small number of people at a time;
-- Looking for red flags in addition to masks, like hoodies, hats, sunglasses, seasonally inappropriate attire, etc.;
-- Installing exterior cameras;
-- Adjusting store hours so the jewelry store isn’t the only open business in the neighborhood; and
-- Reclaiming keys and resetting alarm codes and safe combinations possessed or known by furloughed or laid off employees, if necessary.
-- Installing exterior cameras;
-- Adjusting store hours so the jewelry store isn’t the only open business in the neighborhood; and
-- Reclaiming keys and resetting alarm codes and safe combinations possessed or known by furloughed or laid off employees, if necessary.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsNov 15, 2024
Marie Lichtenberg Battles Counterfeits with New ‘Raiz’in Scapular’ DesignsThe latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
WatchesNov 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: Citizen’s Commemorative Pocket WatchNo. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
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.
Recorded WebinarsNov 15, 2024
Watch: 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Store Secure On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
