Scholarship applications are being accepted now, and the window for the grant will open in May.
JSA Issues Warning about Serial Theft Suspects
The Jewelers Security Alliance said there is a woman wanted in four grab-and-runs and a crew perpetrating, or attempting to perpetrate, distraction thefts in three states.
New York--In a crime alert circulated Tuesday, the Jewelers Security Alliance warned jewelers of multiple incidences of theft, or attempted theft, being carried out by two separate entities.
The first is a series of grab-and-run thefts allegedly perpetrated by a black woman who is described as being in her late 20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and 120 pounds.
According to the JSA, on Sept. 29, she entered a mall jewelry store in Columbia, South Carolina while on her cell phone and told the employees she was just looking. She stopped at showcase, asked to see one of the most expensive items in the store and then ran with it.
The suspect visited another jewelry store in that same mall that day but left when employees delayed before removing anything from a showcase, the JSA said.
Prior to the Sept. 19 grab-and-run in Columbia, the suspect is believed to have perpetrated grab-and-run thefts at jewelry stores in Ablemarle, North Carolina (Aug. 26), Gastonia, North Carolina (June 28) and Rock Hill, South Carolina (October 9).
The JSA said the suspect has worn various disguises, including a pink and blue wig with a hat and sunglasses, and a “religious-style scarf” covering her head, neck and shoulders.
She has been spotted fleeing the scene in a four-door compact car that is silver.
In a separate alert, the JSA warned jewelers to be on the lookout for three white suspects--one man and two women--who entered a jewelry store in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh suburb, at 2:20 in the afternoon on Saturday, Oct. 7 and asked to see gold chains and bracelets.
According to the JSA’s account of the theft, the sales associate removed an entire tray of merchandise to show them and in the confusion of showing the items, pieces were taken from the tray.
After asking and being told the prices of several items, one of the female suspects pulled out a roll of cash but then said that they did not have enough money and made arrangements to come back the next day.
The same three suspects reportedly also attempted thefts in nearby Morgantown, West Virginia and St. Clairsville, Ohio on Oct. 6.
One female suspect is said to be in her 20s, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair that extends past her shoulders; she is said to be on her cell phone texting the entire time she is in stores. She is pictured above with the male suspect.
The second female suspect, pictured above at right, is described as being in her 50s, about the same height and weighing 200 pounds, and also with a “European accent.”
The Latest
She is remembered by loved ones as a “guiding force” behind the store and an active presence in her community.
The emerald earrings reference objects from designer Melinda Zeman’s childhood.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.