Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
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,
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.”
The Latest

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.


Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.