Pink Panther Suspects Snatched in Monaco

There's plenty of positive news to be read and discussed in the jewelry industry, such as new designers and old favorites launching new lines, celebrities stepping out in outrageous costume jewelry fashion sets, and all manner of industry gossip. But whether it affects you personally or not, there's no denying that one particularly relevant part of the international jewellery industry is the issue of theft. At stores and in homes, from vaults and museums, both famous pieces and unknown items that had much of their value in sentiment alone, jewelry is one of the biggest and most widespread targets for theft. It's fairly easy to understand why; jewelry attracts scores of thieves with its high degree of portability and its immense value. Though security measures and other efforts to calm the surge of jewellery theft have been moderately successful in preventing some thefts, there are still determined elements who make their careers out of misappropriating gems intended for a different kind of "customer."
Among these elements, the group appropriately named Pink Panther is one of the most famous as well as the most tough to crack jewelry thieving rings in the world. Thought to have made off with over one hundred fifty million dollars worth of jewelry over the course of one hundred twenty robberies in twenty different countries, the group is comprised of over two hundred members, many of whom are based in the former Yugoslavia and nearby regions in Southeastern Europe. News regarding jewelry theft tends to be a bit disheartening, but for those who have been impacted by the Panthers' activity, the report that three of the ring's members were arrested last week in Monaco may be decidedly positive.
The three men were apprehended during their departure from a popular Monaco casino, and it is believed that they had been planning a robbery nearby at one of the casino district's many fine jewelry stores. One of the three men may be an important Panther leader, the Serbian Dragan Mikic, who is suspected of being a principle figure within the group since being released from jail just four years ago.
The arrests have come after three recent apprehensions of suspected Pink Panther members. The crackdown ids representative of an increasing urgency among international police and investigative agencies on crime within the jewelry industry, especially as the luxury market suffers the heavy blows of the global economic downturn. Of course, it's unlikely that the Pink Panthers will be targeting costume jewellery as they seek to increase their fortunes (unless a particularly accomplished piece manages to fool the gang). Though jewelry thieves will probably always be around to some extent, costume jewellery owners can revel in the beauty and substance of delightful pieces without worrying over their ability to defend a necklace or ring in a struggle for wealth. Still, we wish the toiling authorities ample opportunities for success as they work to safeguard the industry from an increasingly difficult and dangerous problem.

Mail Surprise! Company Attempts to Bait Consumers with Promises of Jewelry

It seems that people will do just about anything for money, and this simple observation is exacerbated considerably in times of financial stress. From robberies to half-baked ideas and desperate bids for generating a bit of wealth, schemes tend to pop up around the clock and head out into the worlds of trade and finance to test the waters and see what they can sink their hooks into. While agencies like the Better Business Bureau, or BBB, exist to help consumers locate and understand less than honest agencies and corporations, as well as to provide a platform to sound off and report unethical practices, not everyone is privy to the latest goings-on. With the sheer amount of information that passes between businesses and consumers these days, it's likely that any given person will come across a few crafty scams in their lifetime, and may not even know it. Well, jewelry lovers, beware: a plan to bilk consumers out of small amounts of money over a long time in exchange for promises of undervalued jewelry has recently hatched, and is making its way around America in the hopes of collecting enough cash to make its creators filthy rich.
As the Chicago Sun-Times reported today, many people have begun to receive nondescript green postcards in their mailboxes. The postcards report that the addressee has a package waiting for them, which contains jewelry valued at $50 -- referred to as a “cultured pearl necklace” -- and that they can receive it as soon as they send off a $6.95 shipping and handling fee. While the cards may seem similar to those sometimes sent by the post office or a corporate shipping company, they're not; they're actually from a company called Consumer Clearinghouse Distributors, which has racked up a lot of negative brownie points with the BBB lately. The company's methods are fairly sketchy, but there's more to the tale. The Consumer Clearinghouse Distributors' President, a Mr. Michael Connors, has been sued multiple times for his involvement in multiple companies that were found to sweet talk or swindle customers out of their hard-earned cash.
So what does the green postcard scam do, exactly? Well, if you send the “shipping and handling fee,” it certainly accepts the funds. Beyond that, it will attempt to get consumers to enroll in “special offers” and programs that charge them more small fees for other products. It's dubious that any products, including the original cultured pearl necklace, are ever actually sent, however. When times are tough and the eye catches sight of a glamorous bit of sparkle, it can be tempting to give in and go after the gold. But it usually pays to be prudent, and finding excellent and affordable costume jewellery is as easy and comfortable as hopping online.



Champagne pearl drop earrings, for instance, are an easily accessible and elegant option that won't leave you wondering where your funds went.




Pretty in purple, a Swarovski crystal brooch with a classic rose design has all the right looks and none of the nefarious trickery.

Crime Watch: Jewelry Thefts Up 17% for 2008

The first thing that comes to mind for sellers and owners of fine jewelry probably isn't theft. But the problem of jewellery snatching, whether by means of a complicated and well-planned heist or a simple on the spot “grab and run” scenario, has been around ever since humans began wearing sparkling gems. While the number of jewelry-related crimes has ebbed and flowed over the years, there are certain conditions which seem to influence the rate of occurrences. Unfortunately for anyone with a worrisome disposition, one of those conditions is a faltering economy.
Case in point: the Jewelers' Security Alliance, or JSA, via the Jewelers' Circular Keystone, reported its annual statistics for 2008 this week, and the results are a bit nerve-wracking. The report details an increase of 17% in the number of jewelry-related crimes for the year, as compared to those committed in 2007. While the JSA notes that this does not necessarily indicate the state of the economy as being a factor, the specific details of the report suggest otherwise. The number of impromptu jewelry thefts committed on the spot by amateurs was up 49%, a startling increase that suggests more and more people desperate for quick cash are resorting to trying their hand at gem-grabbing.
But how do these numbers break down, and what do they mean in terms of lost revenue? Well, the crimes amount to 1,505, and the three states reporting the highest number of thefts are California, Florida, and Texas (the same states with the highest number of thefts for the previous year). The total approximated loss in terms of the stolen jewelry's value? It tallies up to 103.5 million, an alarming sum even within the context of the mega-money fine jewelry industry.
While there certainly aren't any calls just yet to lock away fine jewels forever -- the vast majority of these crimes occurred in jewelry stores, not in homes or public places --, those with particularly valuable pieces might want to consider toning it down out of doors, storing precious pieces in a secure location when not worn, and getting in touch with fashion that doesn't require insurance forms with costume jewelry.
Incorporating all the classic looks of fine pieces, from pearly affairs to crystal brooches, diamond stud earrings to sterling silver bracelets and bangles, and adding its own unique, creative flair, costume jewelry is a natural choice for carefree beauty and pizazz, no matter the state of the economy. Combination sets of finely-detailed necklaces and matching earrings are one of costume jewelry's greatest fortes, creating classic looks with refined features that nevertheless, come with price tags that won't make them a net loss.



Crystal and silver-toned necklace and earring set, bedazzling with nearly 400 individual stones.




Elegant, vintage-inspired set featuring gold findings and clear Swarovski crystals.