Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
CrimeOct 04, 2016
What We Can Learn from the Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist
The famous-for-being-famous star attracted some rare unwanted attention when she was the target of gun-wielding thieves in Paris.
Internet sources are speculating that this 20-carat diamond engagement ring, which appeared on Kim Kardashian West’s Instagram on Sept. 30, may have been stolen during the Paris robbery that targeted the reality star.
Paris--Kim Kardashian West never met a headline she didn’t like but, as they say, there’s a first time for everything.
Kardashian West was the victim of a robbery late Sunday night or early Monday morning in Paris at her suite at the l’Hotel de Pourtalès, as reported by numerous news sources.
The French Interior Ministry told CNN that five men threatened the hotel’s concierge to gain access to Kardashian West’s suite.
Once inside, two of the men allegedly put a gun to Kardashian West’s head, then tied her up and locked her into a bathroom before making off with a ring valued at $4.49 million and other jewelry valued at $5.6 million, plus two cell phones.
National Jeweler was unable to confirm which items of jewelry were stolen as of press time, from Kardashian West’s publicist or French officials.
However, Kardashian West made headlines recently when she debuted a second engagement ring, reported to feature a 20-carat diamond. The ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz, who also created the star’s first 15-carat engagement ring from husband Kanye West.
Internet speculation is rampant that the newly acquired bauble was stolen in the heist.
Kardashian West might be one of the trickiest security cases there is, and there are parallels between her and the jewelry retail world.
She’s a member of a family who has actively courted fame through various reality television shows, augmented by a constant social media presence: blogs, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and even their very own apps.
A ritual flaunting of beauty, wealth and privilege is what keeps Kardashian West relevant and inundated with lucrative business deals. She’s shared her enviable rock on social media more than once.
Parading her wealth is her job, but it also makes her a target for crime.
Likewise, for jewelry sellers, social media is an essential promotional tool, but there’s no controlling who might be taking stock of a jeweler’s inventory.
Common best practices for social media, like not advertising one’s location, are difficult for Kardashian West, who has actively sought the attention of paparazzi over her career, and are equally difficult for jewelers who operate brick-and-mortar stores or showrooms and need to advertise their location so customers can find them.
What’s surprising is that Kardashian West was without security during the crime. The only buffer between her and the thieves was a hotel employee.
To learn from Kardashian West’s mistake, jewelers should stay
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
diligent on the security measures they can control.
Take a look at our extensive list of jewelry store safety practices.
Here are a few highlights:
• Don’t advertise absences. And when you are gone, keep all merchandise in a safe.
• Run background checks on employees. Some are speculating that the Kardashian West heist could have been an inside job.
• Keep the sales floor fully staffed. Kardashian West was alone with her jewelry; make sure you’re not.
Take a look at our extensive list of jewelry store safety practices.
Here are a few highlights:
• Don’t advertise absences. And when you are gone, keep all merchandise in a safe.
• Run background checks on employees. Some are speculating that the Kardashian West heist could have been an inside job.
• Keep the sales floor fully staffed. Kardashian West was alone with her jewelry; make sure you’re not.
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
