CrimeJun 03, 2021
Customs Seizes $718K in Fake Designer JewelryCrimeAug 06, 2021
Customs Seizes $5.6M in Counterfeit Jewelry, Watches
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky found counterfeit David Yurman jewelry, Rolex watches, and more.
Counterfeit David Yurman jewelry and Rolex watches were among the fake pieces seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky last month.
Louisville, Ky.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky intercepted three packages containing counterfeit jewelry and watches worth about $5.6 million.
On July 30, officials seized a package containing 580 counterfeit pieces of David Yurman jewelry. If genuine, the package would be worth about $365,400.
A second shipment was found that day containing 2,411 counterfeit watches said to be from various designer brands. If these watches were authentic, they’d be worth more than $4.46 million.
The final shipment arrived on July 31, containing 10 counterfeit Rolex watches with a genuine worth of $756,500.
All shipments came from Hong Kong and were headed to Ontario; California; Jonesboro, Georgia; and Worcester, Massachusetts, respectively.
An import specialist from CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise examined the items and confirmed they were counterfeits.
Related stories will be right here …
On July 30, officials seized a package containing 580 counterfeit pieces of David Yurman jewelry. If genuine, the package would be worth about $365,400.
A second shipment was found that day containing 2,411 counterfeit watches said to be from various designer brands. If these watches were authentic, they’d be worth more than $4.46 million.
The final shipment arrived on July 31, containing 10 counterfeit Rolex watches with a genuine worth of $756,500.
All shipments came from Hong Kong and were headed to Ontario; California; Jonesboro, Georgia; and Worcester, Massachusetts, respectively.
An import specialist from CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise examined the items and confirmed they were counterfeits.
“These types of seizures happen every night. Our officers are very well trained and vigilant in stopping these illegal shipments from reaching their destinations,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office, in a press release about the seizures.
“Whether it is Intellectual Property Right violations, narcotics, unapproved items, or counterfeit products, our officers will continue to protect our local communities and our ports of entry.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online to educate consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
To avoid purchasing counterfeit goods, CBP recommends buying products directly from authorized retailers and to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
When shopping online, the organization recommends reading seller reviews and checking for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
For more information, visit the CBP website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
