Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jeweler Gets Probation in Scam Targeting Marines
Former Romano’s Jewelers owner Ramil Abalkhad was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to identify theft and fraud in November.
Vista, Calif.--Ramil Abalkhad, the former owner of Romano’s Jewelers, was sentenced to three years of probation for his role in a scheme that defrauded Marines who shopped at his California jewelry stores.
Abalkhad pled guilty to charges of identity theft and fraud in November and was ordered to pay $55,000 in restitution to his victims.
The judge ruled that if that amount was paid in full by the date of his sentencing, Feb. 27, then he could receive probation instead of jail time.
Abalkhad did pay, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office confirmed Monday, and the judge sentenced him to three years’ probation.
Abalkhad, former Romano’s manager Carlos Torres and former employee Nellie Cha Noland first were charged in March 2015 in California Superior Court following a criminal investigation by the U.S. Marine Corps.
According to the original complaint, Abalkhad told Noland to obtain the social security numbers of active duty military personnel who were Romano’s Jewelers customers and had credit accounts with the store.
He then had Noland ask a Marine to use the social security numbers to reset the passwords of other military service members’ Defense Finance Account Service (DFAS) MyPay accounts. MyPay accounts function like bank accounts and can be directly linked to other accounts so money can be withdrawn to pay bills.
After the passwords were changed, the Romano’s employees used them to gain access to the accounts and add unauthorized charges, the complaint states.
Despite the guilty plea, Abalkhad’s attorney A. David Youssefyeh has maintained his client’s innocence, telling National Jeweler back in November that Abalkhad felt it was “his duty” to plead guilty because of his lack of supervision of his employees, not because he was personally involved in the fraud.
He also said that Abalkhad is no longer involved in the management of the Romano’s Jewelers stores that remain open.
Noland and Cha, both of whom also pled guilty in the case and testified against their former boss, are scheduled to be sentenced on March 16.
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.