Headlines

$20M+ in Designer Jewelry Seized at Detroit Border

It was destined for a New York auction house.

Published

3 years ago

November 20, 2020

INSTORE Staff

Shown here is undeclared jewelry seized at Detroit Windsor Tunnel Nov. 16.

DETROIT — Federal authorities seized more than $20 million in designer jewelry at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel.

The jewelry was destined for a New York auction house where it was to be appraised and eventually sold on behalf of the owner, a Canadian citizen, according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

MLive reports that the jewelry included “a diamond necklaces, rings and bracelets by Harry Winston.”

The “undeclared and unmanifested” merchandise was discovered after an investigation revealed a courier service was hired to transport the package to a Detroit-based contact, who was to then make final delivery, authorities said.

The driver of the vehicle claimed no knowledge of the contents of the package, and was subsequently returned to Canada, according to the release.

The owner of the jewelry was informed the pieces would be seized based on importation contrary to law and for failure to declare the merchandise upon entry to the U.S.

“For the traveling public, this example underscores the importance of knowing what is in their possession when attempting to make entry into the United States, and declaring it accordingly,” said Port Director Devin Chamberlain. “Officers in Detroit did an excellent job in discovering and securing this high-value undeclared merchandise.”

Why This Jeweler Chose Wilkerson

Mark Lauer is the owner of Mark Michael Diamond Designs, the Minnesota-based jewelry gallery known for exceptional and uniquely designed diamond jewelry. Though he loved creating the beautiful jewelry his business was known for, retirement was an exciting alternative to the 60+ hours a week he’d spent building it up. He called Wilkerson to help with a retirement sale. “I did talk to two other companies, but I just didn’t feel they offered the same services that Wilkerson did,” he says. “I knew Wilkerson had the expertise to follow through and give me the service and results that I wanted. They’re the number one rock stars in this industry.”