Headlines

Hawaiian Jeweler Faces Up to Five Years in Prison for Selling Illegal Ivory

Published

8 years ago

March 17, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Authorities went undercover to bust him.

Curtis Wilmington, the owner of Hawaiian Accessories in Oahu, could serve up to five years in prison for selling illegal ivory, Hawaii News Now reports. The article says authorities determined Wilmington had smuggled the ivory from Mexico and Alaska, had it carved into fish hooks in the Philippines, and then falsely claimed the pieces were made in Hawaii. He was busted when undercover agents went to his store and purchased the fish hooks.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”