CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeMar 23, 2018
JSA: Smash-and-Grab Robberies, Cybercrime Up in 2017
The 2017 Annual Crime Report shows that while dollar losses were flat, certain patterns of crime against the jewelry industry have picked up.
New York--The Jewelers Security Alliance has released its 2017 Annual Crime Report, and the 21-page summary shows that while dollar losses in crimes against the jewelry industry were nearly flat, total crime was up.
According to the report, total losses decreased from $72.4 million in 2016 to $72.1 million in 2017.
Meanwhile, the total number of crimes against the industry were up 12 percent, rising from 1,234 in 2016 to 1,394 last year.
The JSA’s John Kennedy told National Jeweler that the organization is particularly concerned when it sees spikes in certain types of crimes, representing a pattern, of which there were a few in 2017.
According to the JSA, it saw such a large uptick in cybercrime that for the first time ever, it broke the losses out separately. The average dollar loss from this type last year was $1.2 million.
Meanwhile, smash-and-grab robberies were up nearly 15 percent; in 2016, there were 62 and last year, there were 71. It also shows that more than 50 percent of smash-and-grab incidents occurred in mall stores.
In the second half of the year, a half-dozen smash-and-grab robberies hit the Midwest over a period of a little more than a month. The pattern spread to the Northwest, where four jewelry stores in Oregon and Washington were hit.
Grab-and-run thefts also increased 32 percent, from 420 in 2016 to 556 in 2017.
There were five homicides of jewelers in 2017, compared with six in 2016. There also was a case of the death of a Good Samaritan, data which was unlisted in the years prior, as well as the homicide of a customer.
A 65-year-old customer was shot to death inside a Miami jewelry store in January. That same month, a man who tried to stop a jewelry store robber who was running through the mall was shot and killed.
There were a couple of positive notes in the report as well.
There was a decrease last year in the percentage of robberies in which the robbers displayed a gun—down from 62 percent in 2016 to 50 percent of robberies in 2017—as well as a decrease in violence during robberies—down from 32 percent in 2016 to 28 percent last year.
Off-premise crimes, including traveling salesperson losses, fell to 39 in 2017, representing the lowest total in more than two decades, according to the JSA.
It attributes
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the continued decline to the “dedicated interest” by law enforcement, especially the FBI working with local law, the reduced number of traveling salespeople due to the changing nature of the industry and greater education and information sharing between the industry and police.
Additionally, when one looks at homicide numbers in terms of a ten-year period, the decade representing 1996 to 2006 saw the homicide of 82 jewelers, while only 42 jewelers were killed from 2007 to 2017, a 50 percent decline.
The JSA said that not only are local law enforcement and the FBI arresting violent gangs quicker and the industry is sharing more information regarding violent gangs, but also that jewelers aren’t resisting robberies as often, with the organization helping raise awareness on all fronts.
Kennedy also said that it’s possible the enforcement of higher penalties for crimes with guns has caused some robbers to turn to other means, like smash-and grab-robberies without guns.
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
Additionally, when one looks at homicide numbers in terms of a ten-year period, the decade representing 1996 to 2006 saw the homicide of 82 jewelers, while only 42 jewelers were killed from 2007 to 2017, a 50 percent decline.
The JSA said that not only are local law enforcement and the FBI arresting violent gangs quicker and the industry is sharing more information regarding violent gangs, but also that jewelers aren’t resisting robberies as often, with the organization helping raise awareness on all fronts.
Kennedy also said that it’s possible the enforcement of higher penalties for crimes with guns has caused some robbers to turn to other means, like smash-and grab-robberies without guns.
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
The Latest
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
