A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
7 security mistakes made at trade shows
A former Israeli Defense expert who now heads a jewelry-focused security firm runs down the main missteps exhibitors make that lead to losses.
New York--A little more than a month from now, the industry will converge on Las Vegas for five days of buying and selling and, most likely, monetary losses due to stone swaps, snatch-and-grabs and case cutting.
Jewelers’ Security Alliance statistics show that in 2014, trade shows ranked behind only highways/streets and parking lots as the most frequent scenes for off-premises crimes last year--and those are just the losses that were reported to the JSA.
At a meeting held Thursday in New York, Itay Hendel, head of ISPS-USA Security Consultants LLC, a firm with offices in Israel and New York that does security training for the jewelry industry, used security footage shot in booths at trade shows worldwide and clips from local newscasts to highlight the main mistakes exhibitors and traveling salespeople make that lead to losses.
His overriding message to those who attended his lecture, which was sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., was this: Ultimately, exhibitors have to be the ones in control of what’s going on in their booths at all times, who’s coming in, who’s going out, and how they’re behaving when inside.
“It’s about control,” he said. “No one will step to our booth without our permission.”
1) Not watching smartphones carefully enough. Probably one of the biggest security conundrums confronting both retailers and exhibitors these days is the ubiquity of smartphones. People and their phones are seemingly inseparable --they use them to take pictures, text and share on social media constantly.
While Hendel said that exhibitors don’t need to ban the use of smartphones in their booth entirely, they need to watch people who have them in hand. It’s fine if they want to use the phone to take a picture of a stone but they don’t need to keep it in their hand while handling loose diamonds, he said. Hendel there have been a number of incidences at trade shows recently where the perpetrators used a smartphone to help them pull off a stone swap.
2) Letting surfaces get cluttered. Don’t let visitors to the booth, or to a retail store for that matter, clutter the table or the showcase with show maps, shopping bags or random pieces of paper. As Hendel showed in a video, thieves often use maps and the like to distract from theft, and jewelry easily can be slipped into shopping bags.
3) Thinking it’s just a coincidence.
4) Not controlling booth traffic. Hendel said exhibitors shouldn’t let people “just stand around” in their booth. If no one is available to offer that person one-on-one help, ask them to come back in 15 minutes. Don’t let visitors outnumber salespeople. Hendel also recommended appointing one person per booth to be in charge of security. “They don’t need to be focused on sales only,” Hendel said.
5) Not taking precautions with new clients. Have another salesperson there if a visitor to the booth is unknown to the business, and have one of the salespeople stand next to them. Also, ask this prospective new client for a business card.
6) Leaving the showcase unlocked, even for a second. This might seem like common sense, but thieves have snatched many an item from an open showcase. Open it, get what’s needed, lock it, and take the keys out and put them in your pocket, Hendel said.
7) Lacking an emergency communication plan. Pick a phrase like “It’s too hot” or “It’s too cold” to act as a secret message that alerts other employees in the booth to potential danger. Also, have phone numbers for the shipping company, insurance company and show security on hand.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.