Diamond Switch Artist Working the West Coast
-- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 7/13/2007 7:19:00 AM
The Jewelers Security Alliance has issued a warning for jewelers on the West Coast that a diamond switch artist is working an area stretching from Oregon to Southern California.
JSA says the San Diego Police Department has information regarding a white male diamond switch artist who has six pending diamond switch cases on the West Coast. He enters retail jewelry stores and asks to see the largest set of diamond earrings in the store. He then exits the store after viewing them and returns shortly thereafter to conduct the diamond switch for cubic zirconia.
JSA says the switch artist tends to focus on high-end department stores. He has hit stores in Santa Monica, Calif., and Portland, Ore., among other locations. He is believed to have contacts in California, Arizona, Alabama, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada.
The suspect is described as being 34 years old, six-foot-tall and weighing 185 lbs. with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Timothy Johnson, San Diego Police Department, 619-744-9515.
