The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
7 Charged with Selling Fake Native American Jewelry
The defendants allegedly produced the pieces in a factory in the Philippines but were passing them off as authentic Native American-made jewels.
Phoenix—Seven people have been indicted for allegedly importing jewelry from the Philippines and selling it as authentic Native American-made pieces.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal grand jury returned a 38-count indictment on Feb. 26 against suspects based in both the Philippines and United States.
The indictment accuses them of operating a fraudulent scheme to import Native American-style jewelry into the U.S. from the Philippines and sell it to retail stores and individuals across the Southwestern U.S. as authentic jewelry made by Native Americans.
The fraud and money laundering scheme started in January 2016, the Justice Department said, and violated federal laws including the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The IACA prohibits the display or sale of any goods that falsely suggest they are Native American-produced, a Native American product or the product of a particular Native American and/or Native American tribe.
Richard Dennis Nisbet, 70, and his daughter, Laura Marye Lott, 31, both of Peoria, Arizona, are named in the indictment as the pair who were overseeing the scheme.
The defendants allegedly took several measures to ensure the jewelry resembled authentic Native American-made jewelry, including copying designs from genuine Native American artists, using traditional Native American motifs and symbols, and stamping the jewelry with the initials of Native American artists.
Court documents state the jewelry was imported into the U.S. through FedEx, or smuggled into the country by hand or through the Philippines Postal System to locations in Arizona, with Lott delivering the pieces to retail stores in Arizona, Texas and other states and collecting payment.
The indictment also names Christian Coxon, 45, owner and operator of the Turquoise River Trading Company jewelry store in San Antonio, Texas, which claims to specialize in Native American-made jewelry; and Waleed Sarrar, 43, of Chandler, Arizona, owner and operator of Scottsdale Jewels in Arizona, which also advertises “authentic Indian-made jewelry” for sale.
According to court documents, Coxon and Sarrar conspired with Nisbet and Lott to pass off the imitation jewelry as authentic Native American-made jewelry.
Court documents also allege that none of the jewelry items were indelibly marked with the country of origin, as U.S. customs law requires.
None of the calls placed to the U.S.-based defendants by National Jeweler on Monday were answered or returned.
The indictment also names three international defendants who have been charged in the case: Mency Remedio, a factory manager in the Philippines;
The Latest

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.


Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.