SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CrimeOct 27, 2020
JSA Says There’s Been a Spike in Distraction Thefts
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance also offered tips for preventing such thefts in a recent email alert about the uptick.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has noticed, and is tracking, an uptick in the number of distraction thefts at jewelry stores.
An email alert sent out Thursday by JSA noted several such incidences across the country, starting in early August.
The New York Police Department is attempting to identify and apprehend the suspect.
The following month, a male suspect entered a jewelry store in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sept. 30 carrying a few plastic bags, according to JSA.
He placed the bags on a showcase and walked around the store. When he saw a tray of jewelry left out on a back counter, he moved his bags to that area and circled the store again.
He then rearranged and spread out the bags before reaching over for the tray, sliding it into a bag, and leaving the store.
About a week later, on Oct. 8, a man and a woman carrying a large shopping bag entered a mall jewelry store in Philadelphia.
The woman placed the bag on the counter next to the merchandise she wanted to see, while the man positioned himself so the bag was between him and the sales associate.
The showcase was left open during the sales presentation, and he reached into it twice and took merchandise.
The suspects were in the store for a total of three minutes.
The male suspect is described as about 35 years old, 6 feet tall and 170 pounds with glasses. The female is described as a being around the same age, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 180 pounds with long hair.
While being shown multiple men’s diamond rings, the male suspect placed items in his partner’s purse just before she left the store. The man denied having any rings and quickly left as well.
Those with more information about any of these incidents or the suspects are asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
In its email alert noting the rise in distraction thefts, JSA offered the following tips to jewelers.
1. Keep
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
showcases locked and merchandise put away, except when taking out or returning an item.
2. Beware of packages, coats and handbags left on the counter that block the view of a sales associate.
3. Keep an eye on customers wandering aimlessly—they might be looking for unlocked showcases or product left out.
4. Show only one item at a time.
5. Be aware that some thieves use small children to distract and try to show they aren’t a risk.
The JSA recently alerted the industry on increases in other jewelry crimes, including grab-and-run thefts and heists pulled off by “professional” burglars, meaning they involve more sophisticated tools and know-how, like rooftop burglaries.
2. Beware of packages, coats and handbags left on the counter that block the view of a sales associate.
3. Keep an eye on customers wandering aimlessly—they might be looking for unlocked showcases or product left out.
4. Show only one item at a time.
5. Be aware that some thieves use small children to distract and try to show they aren’t a risk.
The JSA recently alerted the industry on increases in other jewelry crimes, including grab-and-run thefts and heists pulled off by “professional” burglars, meaning they involve more sophisticated tools and know-how, like rooftop burglaries.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
