PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
CrimeApr 06, 2015
Fake jewelry, watches pass handbags for most seized
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shows that authorities nabbed $375 million in counterfeit jewelry and watches last year, compared with $342 million in fake wallets and bags.
New York--Watches and jewelry overtook handbags and wallets as the most-seized counterfeit goods by value last year, according to a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
According to the report, U.S. Customs and Border Protection nabbed $375.4 million worth of counterfeit watches and jewelry last year, accounting for 31 percent of the total dollar amount of fake goods seized. (Dollar figures are based on the manufacturers’ suggested retail price.)
Fake handbags and wallets made up 28 percent of the total dollar figure, with $342 million in goods seized in 2014.
But, even with fake watches/jewelry moving into first, the 2014 dollar figure represents a decline in total value--in 2013, that number was at $502.8 million. The handbags/wallets category also was much higher that year, at $700.2 million.
In volume terms, the number of seizures of counterfeit watches and jewelry was up last year due to increased outreach and education, the report states, rising from 1,729 in 2013 (comprising 6 percent of all seizures) to 1,937 last year, which was 7 percent of the total.
Watches and jewelry ranked sixth in terms of the volume of seizures in 2014, falling behind “wearing” apparel and accessories, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals and personal care items, handbags and wallets, and footwear.
The top five countries where counterfeit goods were coming from changed only slightly from 2013 to 2014.
While China and Hong Kong remained No. 1 and 2--making up more than 88 percent of the total between them--Canada, which hadn’t been on the list the year before, appeared at No. 3, followed by India and the United Arab Emirates.
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.
