NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
What We Can Learn from the Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist
The famous-for-being-famous star attracted some rare unwanted attention when she was the target of gun-wielding thieves in Paris.
Paris--Kim Kardashian West never met a headline she didn’t like but, as they say, there’s a first time for everything.
Kardashian West was the victim of a robbery late Sunday night or early Monday morning in Paris at her suite at the l’Hotel de Pourtalès, as reported by numerous news sources.
The French Interior Ministry told CNN that five men threatened the hotel’s concierge to gain access to Kardashian West’s suite.
Once inside, two of the men allegedly put a gun to Kardashian West’s head, then tied her up and locked her into a bathroom before making off with a ring valued at $4.49 million and other jewelry valued at $5.6 million, plus two cell phones.
National Jeweler was unable to confirm which items of jewelry were stolen as of press time, from Kardashian West’s publicist or French officials.
However, Kardashian West made headlines recently when she debuted a second engagement ring, reported to feature a 20-carat diamond. The ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz, who also created the star’s first 15-carat engagement ring from husband Kanye West.
Internet speculation is rampant that the newly acquired bauble was stolen in the heist.
Kardashian West might be one of the trickiest security cases there is, and there are parallels between her and the jewelry retail world.
She’s a member of a family who has actively courted fame through various reality television shows, augmented by a constant social media presence: blogs, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and even their very own apps.
A ritual flaunting of beauty, wealth and privilege is what keeps Kardashian West relevant and inundated with lucrative business deals. She’s shared her enviable rock on social media more than once.
Parading her wealth is her job, but it also makes her a target for crime.
Likewise, for jewelry sellers, social media is an essential promotional tool, but there’s no controlling who might be taking stock of a jeweler’s inventory.
Common best practices for social media, like not advertising one’s location, are difficult for Kardashian West, who has actively sought the attention of paparazzi over her career, and are equally difficult for jewelers who operate brick-and-mortar stores or showrooms and need to advertise their location so customers can find them.
What’s surprising is that Kardashian West was without security during the crime. The only buffer between her and the thieves was a hotel employee.
To learn from Kardashian West’s mistake, jewelers should stay
Take a look at our extensive list of jewelry store safety practices.
Here are a few highlights:
• Don’t advertise absences. And when you are gone, keep all merchandise in a safe.
• Run background checks on employees. Some are speculating that the Kardashian West heist could have been an inside job.
• Keep the sales floor fully staffed. Kardashian West was alone with her jewelry; make sure you’re not.
The Latest
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.