The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
The ‘extremely unusual’ case of the female robber
She allegedly has entered at least three jewelry stores alone and armed and tied up staff before exiting with thousands of dollars in diamond jewelry.
New York--The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has upped the reward it is offering for information leading to the arrest of a 20-something woman in a case it describes as “unprecedented:” a female suspect who allegedly enters jewelry stores alone and armed, ties up employees and then exits with thousands of dollars in diamond jewelry.
The suspect is alleged to have hit her first store, a Zales in Dawsonville, Ga., on Aug. 5, followed by a Reeds Jewelers in Panama City Beach, Fla. on Aug. 10 and a Jared the Galleria of Jewelers on Sept. 2. Authorities are investigating her possible involvement in a fourth robbery as well.
In each case, she snatched the showcase keys after restraining employees and emptied the jewelry into a big handbag before fleeing. She also is alleged to have cased each store before she hit it.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said there are several factors that make this an unusual case.
To begin with, he said that whether it’s just men or men working with female accomplices, most jewelry store armed robberies are pulled off by two or more individuals. Rarely does the industry see a lone armed robber, and never is that robber a woman.
“It’s extremely unusual. In my 23 years here I have never seen a lone female robber commit an armed robbery,” Kennedy said.
It is so unusual, in fact, that both CNN and Good Morning America reported on the robberies.
WATCH: Good Morning America’s report on the female jewelry thief
Kennedy said it is believed the suspect, who has stolen more than $1.3 million in merchandise to date, is working with an accomplice, though that individual does not enter the stores with her.
Over the weekend, the JSA upped the reward in the case from $5,000 to $10,000.
The suspect is described as being a white female in her 20s, 5-foot 8-inches tall and approximately 130 pounds with long straight brown hair. In the last robbery, the one in Bluffton, she was wearing a large hat, a long pinkish-purple skirt and shirt and carrying a large tan-colored purse.
No information currently is available about her alleged accomplice.
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.