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.
CrimeJan 05, 2021
Former Jewelry Wholesalers Charged With Setting Up Home Invasion
Police in Bowling Green, Kentucky arrested Jeffery and Patricia Weisman for allegedly planning the July 2020 robbery of their late friend’s home.
Bowling Green, Ky.—Police in Bowling Green, Kentucky have arrested four individuals in a July 2020 home invasion that involved stealing a safe containing about $1 million worth of antique jewelry.
Late last month, the Bowling Green Police Department charged Nicolas Enrique Cruz-Palacios and Javier Nunez, both 41 years old and from Old Hickory, Tennessee, along with Bowling Green couple Jeffery M. Weisman and Patricia Weisman in the robbery of a residence/home office that belonged to a late friend of the Weismans.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance reported on the home invasion in a crime alert sent out in August 2020.
According to JSA, at about 10:30 a.m. on July 13, three men disguised as delivery drivers knocked on the door of the residence/home office in Bowling Green.
The home belonged to the late Dr. Barbara G. Burch, the former provost of Western Kentucky University who died in January 2020 at the age of 81, leaving behind her husband.
One suspect allegedly pulled a gun on the employee who opened the door, tied her up and held her at gunpoint while the other two men wheeled out a large safe, loading it into a white van using a moving dolly.
The employee “suffered extensive injuries” during the robbery, JSA said, while the suspects—armed with knowledge of the house—spray-painted an exterior surveillance camera and used a portable Wi-Fi jammer to disable interior security cameras.
Cruz-Palacios and Nunez are alleged to have carried out the robbery. Online records from the Warren County Detention Center show they face charges of first-degree robbery, kidnapping, and second-degree assault.
Both men gave police the name of the third individual allegedly involved in the robbery, but they were not the same name, WNKY reported.
Cruz-Palacios and Nunez are being held on $25,000 cash bond each.
Jeffery, 70, and Patricia, 64—former jewelry wholesalers who knew, and were friends with, Burch—are alleged to have set up the robbery.
They face charges of complicity to first-degree robbery, complicity to kidnapping, complicity to second-degree assault and theft by unlawful taking. They have been released on $25,000 cash bond each.
The Weismans owned Boyer’s Wholesale and Barbara’s Tea Room, a business that sold antique jewelry and furniture and contained a café.
The tea room portion of the business was named after Burch, with the top of the menu reading: “Dedicated to my dear late friend Barbara Burch, who had the original idea for
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
this parlor,” a photo on the business’ Facebook page shows.
According to the page, the store/café held its grand opening in September but, by November, had announced it was going out of business due to “unforeseen circumstances” and liquidating all inventory. Its last day of operation was posted as Dec. 7.
According to the page, the store/café held its grand opening in September but, by November, had announced it was going out of business due to “unforeseen circumstances” and liquidating all inventory. Its last day of operation was posted as Dec. 7.
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.
