CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
CrimeJul 17, 2018
Third Suspect Tied to Murder of Austin Jeweler Arrested
Police said it is a “distinct possibility” that Johnny Roman Leon III was the shooter in the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of Ted Shaughnessy.
Austin, Texas—Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of an Austin jeweler earlier this year.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested 21-year-old Johnny Roman Leon III at 10:30 a.m. last Wednesday in College Station, Texas. He has been charged with criminal solicitation of a capital murder.
According to court records, investigators believe Leon conspired with Nicolas Shaughnessy to arrange the March 2 murder of Theodore Shaughnessy, Nicolas’ father. A spokesperson for the Travis County Sherriff’s Office also told National Jeweler it is a “distinct possibility” that Leon was the shooter but added that the case is still being investigated.
Nicolas Shaughnessy and his wife, Jaclyn Alexa Edison, are alleged to have hired someone to murder both Theodore (Ted) and Corey Shaughnessy so they could collect the $2 million in insurance that would come to Nicolas in the event of his parents’ deaths, as well as the additional $6 million he expected to get by selling his parents’ business, Gallerie Jewelers, and house.
According to police records, Corey Shaughnessy told investigators that she and her husband were awoken around 4 a.m. on March 2 by the sound of their dogs barking.
Ted grabbed his handgun and got up to investigate. Less than a minute later, Corey heard gunfire so she grabbed her handgun and got out of bed as well.
She and the intruder exchanged gunfire until she ran out of ammunition; it is believed the suspect was injured in the exchange, authorities said. Corey then hid in the closet and called 911, remaining there until police came.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered the body of 55-year-old Ted Shaughnessy with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the arrest affidavit for Leon, he and Nicolas Shaughnessy approached a man, identified only as a “source” in the affidavit, and offered him $10,000 to help kill Theodore and Corey Shaughnessy.
The source, who has not been named, was involved in the plan but was not originally told what he would be asked to do. They later told him “they needed two people to kill two people, by shooting them and possibly shooting some dogs,” the affidavit states.
No other information is being released about whether the unidentified source faces any charges.
Nicolas Shaughnessy and Jaclyn Alexa Edison were arrested in early June. Both
have been charged with criminal solicitation of capital murder.
Edison posted bond last month and is no longer being held.
Shaughnessy is being held at the Travis County jail on a $3 million bond. Leon is now being held at the jail on bond as well.
No one answered the phone at the store on Tuesday.
Edison posted bond last month and is no longer being held.
Shaughnessy is being held at the Travis County jail on a $3 million bond. Leon is now being held at the jail on bond as well.
No one answered the phone at the store on Tuesday.
The Latest
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
