Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
CrimeFeb 28, 2017
Jewelry Store Distraction Thefts ‘Rampant,’ JSA Says
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued another bulletin warning retailers of small bands of distraction thieves who are hitting jewelry stores around the country.
New York--The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued another bulletin warning retailers of small bands of distraction thieves who are hitting jewelry stores around the country, a problem JSA President John J. Kennedy said is “rampant” in the industry right now.
A continuation of the trend first noted by the JSA in October, the three latest incidences involved jewelry stores in Ohio, Maryland and Texas.
The most recent distraction theft relayed by the JSA happened Feb. 23 in St. Clairsville, Ohio, which is located near Wheeling, West Virginia.
While viewing the pieces, they were able to distract the associate and take one gold chain.
On Feb. 21 in Hanover, Maryland, the JSA said that the man pictured below at the far right distracted store employees while the other two men stole a “high-end” watch.
Anyone with information about this particular crime is asked to call Corporal William Seekford of the Anne Arundel (Maryland) Police Department at 410-222-2400.
Prior to that, a husband-and-wife team are suspected in the theft of a high-end gold watch from a jewelry store in Dallas on Nov. 9.
They allegedly asked to see several watches and while there were three or four on the counter, the man put his hand over one of them, distracted the employee and slipped the watch into his jacket pocket.
His wife added to the distraction by trying on a watch and holding her arm up in the air at the same time.
According to the JSA, other tactics used in this string of distraction thefts including reaching into showcases, using wrapping paper or boxes as a method of distraction or concealment, or covering up items with a large purse while counting out a cash payment.
While the uptick in distraction thefts is recent, there is nothing new about certain types of jewelry crime surging, Kennedy said.
In 2014, the industry witnessed what JSA described as an “explosion” in the number of smash-and-grab robberies,
crimes where the perpetrators were entering jewelry stores with hammers and smashing up display cases.
But the numbers fell in 2015 after police arrested about 70 people in Detroit, Oakland, California, and Texas who were members of two fairly large, separate gangs perpetrating the attacks.
The recent spate of distraction thefts is thought to be the work of numerous small groups of individuals, Kennedy said.
The JSA advises that store owners and their employees show only one item at a time and keep showcases locked except when they are removing or returning merchandise.
In addition, the JSA provided a list of characteristics common among these recent distractions thefts.
They include: suspects ask to see a large number of items--typically heavy gold chains and watches-- that they have placed or spread out on the showcase; they enter in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies in their arms or children in strollers to project a sense of innocence; they find a reason to suddenly leave at the point of sale but promise to return; and they speak in a foreign language that was described by one sales associate as “an unknown European language.”
But the numbers fell in 2015 after police arrested about 70 people in Detroit, Oakland, California, and Texas who were members of two fairly large, separate gangs perpetrating the attacks.
The recent spate of distraction thefts is thought to be the work of numerous small groups of individuals, Kennedy said.
The JSA advises that store owners and their employees show only one item at a time and keep showcases locked except when they are removing or returning merchandise.
In addition, the JSA provided a list of characteristics common among these recent distractions thefts.
They include: suspects ask to see a large number of items--typically heavy gold chains and watches-- that they have placed or spread out on the showcase; they enter in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies in their arms or children in strollers to project a sense of innocence; they find a reason to suddenly leave at the point of sale but promise to return; and they speak in a foreign language that was described by one sales associate as “an unknown European language.”
More on Crime
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysRetailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva AuctionThe nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.
SourcingOct 22, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 22, 2025
Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Bird on a Rock’ Finds New PerchChief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
JFC Kicks Off Halloween Costume ChallengeFive dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
Hillsborough Antique Show Gets New OwnerRecently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.
GradingOct 21, 2025
GIA Examines Rare Bicolor Pink DiamondThe stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.
MajorsOct 21, 2025
Pomellato Brings ‘Global Attitude’ to Rodeo Drive FlagshipHollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.
Lab-GrownOct 21, 2025
Grown Brilliance Opens First FlagshipThe New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.
Events & AwardsOct 21, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MADThe Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.
AuctionsOct 20, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 10-Carat Vivid Pink DiamondMaking its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.
