CHANTILLY, VA. — A jewelry dealer who had just finished exhibiting at the DC Big Flea Antique Market show at the Dulles Expo Center was too tired to drive home, so returned to the Marriott Residence Inn at approximately 7:30 pm on January 11. She locked the trailer full of merchandise, valued at about $400,000, and attached it to the van with a lock.
“When we went outside the next morning at approximately 10 am, we found the trailer had been stolen. We called the police, who filed a report,” said the dealer.
The jewelry collection that was stolen consisted of approximately 600–800 pieces, although the dealer said she was not finished putting together the inventory at this time, so is not sure of the exact amount.
“I have been collecting antique and estate jewelry for more than 25 years,” said the dealer. “Our collection was unique. We not only sold to the public, we also exhibited at wholesale shows in Las Vegas and Highpoint, N.C. In addition, we supplied most of the jewelry to the Steven Spielberg Lincoln movie, filmed in Richmond. We supplied jewelry to American Horror Story, Season 3 and other major movies and television shows. Lots of our pieces were one-of-a-kind or hard to find. I also ‘repurposed’ jewelry, redesigning antique pieces and remaking them into newer, more wearable pieces. For instance, I would take a platinum and diamond 1930s watch, have it cut, add stones and make it into a unique piece. I would make an antique brooch into a ring or pendant.”
The Wells Cargo trailer was later recovered and was taken to police headquarters for fingerprinting, according to the dealer. Only a few pieces of jewelry were found remaining in the trailer. Also stolen were nine Arizona lighted tabletop showcases, a handicapped Go-Go Scooter, jewelry displays, security camera system, electrical supplies, portable display walls, laptop computer, suitcase with personal clothing and personal jewelry. “It was as if someone drove up to a retail jewelry store, put wheels on it and drove away,” said the understandably distraught dealer. She added that she is willing to offer a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the thieves or the recovery of her merchandise.
Anyone having information as to the whereabouts of these items is asked to contact Detective Chad Ellis of the Fairfax County Police Department, who is investigating the case. The case number is 20150120080. Ellis’s phone is 703-814-7026 and his email is Chad.ellis@fair faxcounty.gov .
