CrimeMar 09, 2021
Jeweler Offering $50K Reward for Stolen WatchCrimeMar 15, 2021
JSA Issues Warning About Watch Robberies
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance said it has received several reports of high-end watches being stolen right off retailers’ wrists.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is warning jewelers to be wary of the risks involved in wearing expensive watches following a string of robberies on both coasts.
One of the most widely reported robberies involved Los Angeles jeweler Shay Belhassen, who was out to lunch in Beverly Hills when three armed men grabbed him from behind, choked him and put a gun to his head, JSA said.
They took his rose gold Richard Mille 11-03 Flyback Chronograph watch right off of his wrist.
A struggle ensued and a gun belonging to one of the suspects went off, injuring a woman in the restaurant.
As previously reported, Belhassen is offering a $50,000 reward for information on the suspects or the watch.
Those with information can also contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
JSA said it recently has received numerous reports of jewelers being targeted and robbed in the New York and Los Angeles areas while wearing high-end watches, particularly Richard Mille watches, which can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The organization sent out an alert warning jewelers about the thefts last week, but President John J. Kennedy said he could not share additional details about specific incidents at this time.
One media report out of New York detailed the theft of a Audemars Piguet from a Queens man who said his jeweler friends had had their watches stolen too.
Related stories will be right here …
One of the most widely reported robberies involved Los Angeles jeweler Shay Belhassen, who was out to lunch in Beverly Hills when three armed men grabbed him from behind, choked him and put a gun to his head, JSA said.
They took his rose gold Richard Mille 11-03 Flyback Chronograph watch right off of his wrist.
A struggle ensued and a gun belonging to one of the suspects went off, injuring a woman in the restaurant.
As previously reported, Belhassen is offering a $50,000 reward for information on the suspects or the watch.
Those with information can also contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
JSA said it recently has received numerous reports of jewelers being targeted and robbed in the New York and Los Angeles areas while wearing high-end watches, particularly Richard Mille watches, which can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The organization sent out an alert warning jewelers about the thefts last week, but President John J. Kennedy said he could not share additional details about specific incidents at this time.
One media report out of New York detailed the theft of a Audemars Piguet from a Queens man who said his jeweler friends had had their watches stolen too.
According to the report, in late February, the man was robbed of his $120,000 Audemars Piguet watch by two masked men in the garage of his apartment building.
The man, who wanted to be identified only as David, told NBC New York he felt as if he was being watched all day and that he was not the first of his friends to have his watch stolen.
“There’s someone out there that’s targeting all of us, it’s definitely the same people that [are] targeting us,” he said.
“Could be a crew, they targeted all my friends and a lot of them are jewelers.”
David also is offering $50,000 reward for anyone with information about the robbery.
JSA shared some safety tips in light of the recent robberies, advising jewelers to:
— Avoid conducting jewelry business in a public place;
— Do not resist in the event of an armed robbery; and
— Be mindful of the special risks involved in wearing expensive watches, and limit that risk accordingly.
“Could be a crew, they targeted all my friends and a lot of them are jewelers.”
David also is offering $50,000 reward for anyone with information about the robbery.
JSA shared some safety tips in light of the recent robberies, advising jewelers to:
— Avoid conducting jewelry business in a public place;
— Do not resist in the event of an armed robbery; and
— Be mindful of the special risks involved in wearing expensive watches, and limit that risk accordingly.
More on Crime
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsMar 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.
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20MDubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSAThe American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-ResidenceRebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in HiringSmith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy WinnerThe company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.
WatchesMar 18, 2025
Citizen Announces New Modern Luxury Watch CategoryThe “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.
MajorsMar 18, 2025
Borsheims Names New Assistant IT ManagerDavid Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the IndustryFrom retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent AwardEleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VPJoseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.
