PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
CrimeMar 28, 2017
2 Jewelers Arrested for Allegedly Selling Counterfeit Goods
Police seized what they estimate is millions in fake merchandise during an investigation into The Lord of the Rings jewelry store in Miami.
Miami--Two jewelers in Miami were arrested by police earlier this month for allegedly selling counterfeit goods in their store.
The Miami-Dade Police Department, Northside District said it arrested Tania Varona, 57, on March 7 and Jimmy Hernandez, 40, on March 21. The two are co-owners of a jewelry store called The Lord of the Rings.
According to a statement from the police, the arrests came as part of an investigation into the possible sale of counterfeit goods at the store.
After inspecting the premises, investigators discovered and seized thousands of counterfeit name-brand products like Cartier, Channel, Tous, Tory Burch, Michael Kors and Rolex, among others. Police say the store was selling the goods for about 10 percent of the price the genuine goods would have cost.
The Miami police displayed the haul for the public to help educate them, and also posted videos of what it seized to its social media accounts.
#MDPD confiscated over $31 million ⯑ of counterfeit goods which resulted in 2 arrests. More info on #MDPD's Week In Review #MDPDProtecting pic.twitter.com/wEUyDHhTjn
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) March 24, 2017
The police estimate the retail value of the goods they seized, had they been genuine, at around $31 million.
No one could be reached at the store for comment.
Both Varona and Hernandez have bonded out of jail, according to police. They are charged with counterfeiting goods in excess of $20,000.
The police department did not respond to an inquiry about court dates by press time.
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.
