U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, KY, seized five shipments containing a total of almost 2,200 pieces of counterfeit jewelry.
On June 19, the first shipment arrived from China, heading to a home in Pennsylvania. Officers seized 318 bracelets for bearing unauthorized versions of Cartier trademarks. Later in the night, CBP seized another shipment, this one arriving from Hong Kong and heading to a home in Tampa. This second shipment contained more inauthentic jewelry — 490 necklaces, 205 pairs of earrings and 80 rings — bearing unauthorized trademarks owned by Van Cleef and Arpels.
On the night of June 20, officers seized three shipments all containing inauthentic Cartier bracelets, 800 in total. All of these shipments came from China; two of the shipments were heading to a home in Fayetteville, NC, and the third shipment was heading to Michigan.
The 2,193 items were deemed by CBP to bear counterfeit marks. Had the goods been genuine, the five shipments would have had a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of over $25.32 million, according to the agency.
“Intellectual property theft threatens America’s economic vitality and funds criminal activities and organized crime,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, Chicago Field Office. “When consumers purchase counterfeit goods, legitimate companies lose revenue, which can force those companies to cut jobs. Our officers are dedicated to protecting private industry and consumers by removing these kinds of shipments from our commerce.”
Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
