Inside Theft
Stories from the jewellery biz20 total reviews
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Well this was an entertaining look at the murky jewelry industry. Who knew? I think it's shameful there is THAT MUCH theft. I've never stolen a thing, (just hearts).
Loved the hair gel trick. Curious--what is supposed to happen with the gold shavings at the end of any working day? I'm surprised they'd be able to accumulate enough gold shavings to accumulate thousands of dollars a year.
Fascinating story, Ingrid! Loved it.
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2015
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Well this was an entertaining look at the murky jewelry industry. Who knew? I think it's shameful there is THAT MUCH theft. I've never stolen a thing, (just hearts).
Loved the hair gel trick. Curious--what is supposed to happen with the gold shavings at the end of any working day? I'm surprised they'd be able to accumulate enough gold shavings to accumulate thousands of dollars a year.
Fascinating story, Ingrid! Loved it.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2015
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They call the shavings sweeps and they are vacuumed out to go through refinery, but there was enough in the shelf before the machines were turned on to get several hundred dollars a week in a busy factory. Thanks.
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
Both crime and suspicions abound these days, It costs us honest people dearly as nearly everything worth anything is subject to theft at some point. Interesting and thought-provoking write, my friend~Debbie
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2015
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Both crime and suspicions abound these days, It costs us honest people dearly as nearly everything worth anything is subject to theft at some point. Interesting and thought-provoking write, my friend~Debbie
Comment Written 14-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2015
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Thanks for the visit.
Comment from GWHARGIS
I work at a pharmacy and the most often lifted item is hand lotion. Can't imagine why that is but it is. It used to be shoe inserts. Weird, hunh? Great look into the behind the scenes jewelry biz. I don't know why but I always see you as a young Kate Hepburn when you talk about your life back then. Lol. Great story. Gretchen
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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I work at a pharmacy and the most often lifted item is hand lotion. Can't imagine why that is but it is. It used to be shoe inserts. Weird, hunh? Great look into the behind the scenes jewelry biz. I don't know why but I always see you as a young Kate Hepburn when you talk about your life back then. Lol. Great story. Gretchen
Comment Written 12-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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I believe I have a vivid imagination, but for the life of me I can't figure out the value of shoe inserts as a ticket to prison. Thanks.
Comment from DALLAS01
Ingrid, This really captured my attention. Especially the revelation about the sunglasses. You wove some interesting facts into my day. I especially appreciated the following reminder:
We pay the price for other people's crimes. Even if we turn away and say, 'it's none of my business,' there is a compound penalty we accept for our indifference.
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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Ingrid, This really captured my attention. Especially the revelation about the sunglasses. You wove some interesting facts into my day. I especially appreciated the following reminder:
We pay the price for other people's crimes. Even if we turn away and say, 'it's none of my business,' there is a compound penalty we accept for our indifference.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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This is just one industry's secrets. Imagine what goes on in some of these other factories and offices. Thanks.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Shared with William, as I often do with your stuff. He enjoys your writing as much as I do! Solid piece that keeps the reader hooked. It's fascinating and not a little scary to see what goes on 'behind the scenes' so to speak.
Stealing from Walmart, eh? How far have we fallen. LOL!
xx
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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Shared with William, as I often do with your stuff. He enjoys your writing as much as I do! Solid piece that keeps the reader hooked. It's fascinating and not a little scary to see what goes on 'behind the scenes' so to speak.
Stealing from Walmart, eh? How far have we fallen. LOL!
xx
Comment Written 12-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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The security guy never noticed the bulge in my sweats (dressed for the occasion) That's where I had the steaks stashed. LOL Thanks for the stars.
Comment from maggieadams
So interesting...thanks for sharing. I especially liked the bencher's hair gel story. Was that one guy or is it a strategy that management is taught to look for? It sounds like thieves had to be very sharp...I'm so naieve...never even dawned on me that the diamond/gold industry is fraught with theft all along the chain.
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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So interesting...thanks for sharing. I especially liked the bencher's hair gel story. Was that one guy or is it a strategy that management is taught to look for? It sounds like thieves had to be very sharp...I'm so naieve...never even dawned on me that the diamond/gold industry is fraught with theft all along the chain.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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I guess one guy thought it up and then it became a cultish diabolical strategy. There was one guy caught with stones under his tongue that fell out when the guard asked a question. Thanks for reading.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
when your mind goes... your words flow...you know this accumulated information needs a home, right? Well, it's right at home here for us to be thoroughly entertained by. My next door neigbour is a jeweler... he sets his own pieces, a real craftsman... some of the stories he's told me about the skulduggery that goes on behind the scenes and even some in plain view... well it's enough to have your beady little eyes peeled at all times.
This story was so well written... and yes, very interesting... just wondering if anyone noticed Elvis's hair shining gold flecks in the light?
...And me being a people watcher for too many years to count, found this side of the fence an intriguing place to be... a scan, a look of suspicious inquiry... nah, doesn't worry me... if you're going to do your job... do it to the best of your ability... just don't be a dick about it... smile))))))))))).
You so know this was a six rating, don't you? But I know you're not going to miss out on the loin's share with such beautifully and free-flowing written words.
With our thoughts we create,
an easy road to a hash reality,
James vx's
******Stars!!!!!!
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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Hi Ingrid,
when your mind goes... your words flow...you know this accumulated information needs a home, right? Well, it's right at home here for us to be thoroughly entertained by. My next door neigbour is a jeweler... he sets his own pieces, a real craftsman... some of the stories he's told me about the skulduggery that goes on behind the scenes and even some in plain view... well it's enough to have your beady little eyes peeled at all times.
This story was so well written... and yes, very interesting... just wondering if anyone noticed Elvis's hair shining gold flecks in the light?
...And me being a people watcher for too many years to count, found this side of the fence an intriguing place to be... a scan, a look of suspicious inquiry... nah, doesn't worry me... if you're going to do your job... do it to the best of your ability... just don't be a dick about it... smile))))))))))).
You so know this was a six rating, don't you? But I know you're not going to miss out on the loin's share with such beautifully and free-flowing written words.
With our thoughts we create,
an easy road to a hash reality,
James vx's
******Stars!!!!!!
Comment Written 11-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2015
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You are right. Do the best job, but I can tell you very seriously that I've been involved with a lot of security, and they're not supposed to be spotted. But, hey, this was Wal-Mart. Some place that have security guards have people who are simply the right size to wear the red jacket.
Thanks, James.
Comment from gypsymoth
This was pleasant to read since it is well written. It's also interesting.
The irony of being mistrusted with Walmart sunglasses after you
had access to uncut diamonds. If one were prone to being a thief ,
I would think they would at least be a 'High caliber' thief. You
can only make that trip to Hell once:)
Gypsymoth
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2015
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This was pleasant to read since it is well written. It's also interesting.
The irony of being mistrusted with Walmart sunglasses after you
had access to uncut diamonds. If one were prone to being a thief ,
I would think they would at least be a 'High caliber' thief. You
can only make that trip to Hell once:)
Gypsymoth
Comment Written 11-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2015
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I love your last line. Thanks very much.
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Thank you, sometimes it runs through
my head to keep me on my track:)
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I was at Wal-Mart once and I watched someone steal. They walked past two or three Wal-Mart employees and as she walked by you could see the tag of the item hanging out from her shirt. Had I not worked retail I probably would not have noticed. I didn't say anything because if they were that stupid then it's their own fault but you're right we all pay for it. I was at work around Christmas once and a mom with her three kids set off the alarm. She took off leaving the three small children. She was stealing multiple things, got scared and ran leaving all of her kids behind. Our managers were great and gave all the kids hand warmers and had a little science class with them as he explained how the stuff inside worked. They ended up catching her but I don't even want to think about what she got charged with. I think we counted like seven or eight charges they could charge her for. I don't know what people are thinking. I couldn't imagine working in a jewelry store. When I got engaged I found my engagement ring at JC Penny, yes I picked it out, and it was on sale. I had them write all the numbers down and when I got home I told my then boyfriend that I didn't care if he was going to wait two years to ask but he had to go buy it now cuz it was on sale. No need to pay full price when you can get it half off. I find the Diamond Center and Kays to be a rip off. I'll stick with JC Penny, Sears, Kohls and stores like that
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2015
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I was at Wal-Mart once and I watched someone steal. They walked past two or three Wal-Mart employees and as she walked by you could see the tag of the item hanging out from her shirt. Had I not worked retail I probably would not have noticed. I didn't say anything because if they were that stupid then it's their own fault but you're right we all pay for it. I was at work around Christmas once and a mom with her three kids set off the alarm. She took off leaving the three small children. She was stealing multiple things, got scared and ran leaving all of her kids behind. Our managers were great and gave all the kids hand warmers and had a little science class with them as he explained how the stuff inside worked. They ended up catching her but I don't even want to think about what she got charged with. I think we counted like seven or eight charges they could charge her for. I don't know what people are thinking. I couldn't imagine working in a jewelry store. When I got engaged I found my engagement ring at JC Penny, yes I picked it out, and it was on sale. I had them write all the numbers down and when I got home I told my then boyfriend that I didn't care if he was going to wait two years to ask but he had to go buy it now cuz it was on sale. No need to pay full price when you can get it half off. I find the Diamond Center and Kays to be a rip off. I'll stick with JC Penny, Sears, Kohls and stores like that
Comment Written 11-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2015
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My company sold them all and I personally sold to Zales. JC Penny has some legitimate sales, but listen, many department stores mark up their stiff 5 times to show a regular price then show 50% off. Often the sale price is more than the regular price at other stores. An informed shopper is still the best tool you have,
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Yeah I know. It's like everything
Comment from Curly Girly
This was a fascinating read about the jewellery industry. Most informative. There is nothing worse than to be made to feel guilty for trying on a product. I too, would have walked out.
Typo:
The price of theft compounds at ever point,
The price of theft compounds at everY point,
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2015
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This was a fascinating read about the jewellery industry. Most informative. There is nothing worse than to be made to feel guilty for trying on a product. I too, would have walked out.
Typo:
The price of theft compounds at ever point,
The price of theft compounds at everY point,
Comment Written 11-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2015
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Thanks for the alert. Edit now.
