Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Employee Who Gave Dangerous Chase in Critical Condition
A worker at a Florida jewelry store did the unthinkable--he ran after a robber and clung to the hood of his car as he sped away.
Brandon, Fla.--A jewelry store employee in Florida was seriously injured last week after doing the unthinkable--pursuing a grab-and-run robber out of the store and then clinging to the hood of his car as he sped away.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred last Tuesday at Mirage Diamonds & Fine Jewelry in the Brandon Town Center Mall. (Brandon is a town in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area.)
Surveillance video shows the suspect putting on a thick gold necklace and then looking at himself in the mirror before sprinting out of the store with the necklace and a bracelet worth about $24,000, with the employee who had been helping him in pursuit.
He hung on for about a quarter mile before being thrown off, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The employee suffered life-threating injuries and was transported to Tampa General Hospital.
Debbie Carter, a spokeswoman for the Hillsborough (Fla.) County Sheriff’s Office, told National Jeweler that the store employee remains in critical condition as of Monday afternoon.
The suspect remains at large and the case is still under investigation, she said.
A sheriff’s office spokesman told the Times that retail employees should avoid going to extreme measures to thwart a thief. It’s the same advice that the Jewelers’ Security Alliance gives, not to resist in the event of a robbery but, instead, to just comply to avoid injury.
This surveillance camera footage that the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office posted to its YouTube channel shows the grab-and-run robbery and the employee’s subsequent pursuit of the suspect. The grab-and-run occurs at 2:54, with a second angle on it at 5:49.
The suspect is described as a 25- to 30-year-old black male, about 6 feet 1 inch tall, with a trimmed beard and wearing a dark blue hat, black t-shirt, dark pants and black shoes. He was last seen going northbound on Interstate 75.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Anonymous reporting also is available online at CrimeStopperstb.com.
The Latest
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.