PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
OtherOct 07, 2014
128 more victims emerge in NY jeweler fraud case
Paul Blarr, the jeweler charged earlier this year with selling simulants that he misrepresented as real diamonds and plated gold as karat gold, pleaded guilty to four new charges Monday after hundreds more victims were uncovered, the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney’s Office said.
Williamsville, N.Y.--Paul Blarr, the jeweler charged earlier this year with selling simulants that he misrepresented as real diamonds and plated gold as karat gold, pleaded guilty to four new charges Monday after hundreds more victims were uncovered, the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney’s Office said.
Blarr pleaded guilty to two counts of scheme to defraud in the first degree, grand larceny in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree--the highest charges for which the defendant could have been convicted if the case had gone to trial--before Erie County Court Judge Michael Pietruszka.
These charges encompass 128 victims, which means that in addition to the May guilty plea of 11 charges that covered 89 victims, the total number of Blarr victims is now 217, prosecutors said.
Blarr, 47, used to own Amherst Diamond Exchange and R.S.N.P. Diamond Exchange. He admitted in court Monday that between Jan. 1, 2004 and March 22, 2014, he sold counterfeit jewelry to 26 more victims, which included selling simulants that he misrepresented as real diamonds.
He also admitted that he accepted items from 102 victims to sell on consignment but failed to do so.
In May, Blarr pleaded guilty as charged to one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree and 10 counts of grand larceny in the third degree, encompassing 89 victims who lost $630,000.
RELATED CONTENT: Jeweler admits to selling fakes for last 16 years
More time then was given between the May guilty plea and the sentencing so prosecutors could continue to investigate the case.
Blarr is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2015, where he faces up to 50 years in state prison.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Other
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.
