CrimeJul 11, 2022
3 Charged in Robberies Targeting Traveling Salespeople CrimeJul 21, 2022
FBI Investigates Multi-Million-Dollar Brinks Truck Jewel Heist
Items belonging to 18 exhibitors at the International Gem & Jewelry Show were stolen, valued at more than $100 million.
Millions of dollars’ worth of jewels and watches were stolen from a Brinks truck near Los Angeles earlier this month. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/GeorgHH)
Los Angeles— The FBI is now part of the investigation into a multi-million-dollar jewelry heist that affected more than a dozen trade show exhibitors.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a call about an armored truck break-in July 11, pulling up to a “Flying J” rest stop.
The scene before them was reminiscent of a silver screen heist à la Ocean’s Eleven.
The Brinks truck was loaded at the International Gem and Jewelry Show in San Mateo, filled with jewelry, gems, and high-end watches.
The driver was transporting the goods to another event at the Pasadena Convention Center, Brandy Swanson, director of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, told the Associated Press.
Along the way, the driver pulled into a gas station in Lebec.
Unknown suspect(s) broke into the locked vehicle, stealing between 25 and 30 bags with merchandise belonging to 18 exhibitors, said Swanson.
The exhibitors reported their losses at more than $100 million, but a statement from Brinks calculated the losses at less than $10 million.
The discrepancy may be due to underinsurance, said Arnold Duke, president of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, in an interview with ABC7 News.
“It’s a common practice for these jewelers to underinsure,” said Duke. “Simply because if you insure everything you have, it’s just very, very expensive. I’m talking about thousands of dollars every week, and they’re on the road 40-some weeks a year.”
In a statement, Brinks said, “We are working with law enforcement, and we will fully reimburse our customers for the value of their assets that were stolen, in accordance with the terms of our contract.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the FBI, is conducting a criminal investigation into the theft.
Those with information are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Related stories will be right here …
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a call about an armored truck break-in July 11, pulling up to a “Flying J” rest stop.
The scene before them was reminiscent of a silver screen heist à la Ocean’s Eleven.
The Brinks truck was loaded at the International Gem and Jewelry Show in San Mateo, filled with jewelry, gems, and high-end watches.
The driver was transporting the goods to another event at the Pasadena Convention Center, Brandy Swanson, director of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, told the Associated Press.
Along the way, the driver pulled into a gas station in Lebec.
Unknown suspect(s) broke into the locked vehicle, stealing between 25 and 30 bags with merchandise belonging to 18 exhibitors, said Swanson.
The exhibitors reported their losses at more than $100 million, but a statement from Brinks calculated the losses at less than $10 million.
The discrepancy may be due to underinsurance, said Arnold Duke, president of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, in an interview with ABC7 News.
“It’s a common practice for these jewelers to underinsure,” said Duke. “Simply because if you insure everything you have, it’s just very, very expensive. I’m talking about thousands of dollars every week, and they’re on the road 40-some weeks a year.”
In a statement, Brinks said, “We are working with law enforcement, and we will fully reimburse our customers for the value of their assets that were stolen, in accordance with the terms of our contract.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the FBI, is conducting a criminal investigation into the theft.
Those with information are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
