December 01, 2008
Members in Article: Toby K. Henderson | Dianne F. Marx | Jessica L.S. Kimes
On November 18, 2008, a jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Case No. C3-06-371), awarded U.S. Diamond & Gold Jewelers, Inc. dba Stafford Jewelers (Stafford Jewelers), an Ohio-based diamond wholesaler and retailer of diamonds located in Centerville, Ohio, at least $6,900,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus attorneys’ fees. The verdict is against Julius Klein Diamonds (JKD), an international, New York-based, manufacturer and distributor of diamonds and a De Beers sightholder.
On November 18, 2008, a jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Case No. C3-06-371), awarded U.S. Diamond & Gold Jewelers, Inc. dba Stafford Jewelers (Stafford Jewelers), an Ohio-based diamond wholesaler and retailer of diamonds located in Centerville, Ohio, at least $6,900,000.00 in compensatory damages, plus attorneys’ fees. The verdict is against Julius Klein Diamonds (JKD), an international, New York-based, manufacturer and distributor of diamonds and a De Beers sightholder.
This case arose out of the disappearance of a 5.56 carat natural, "fancy," "intense" pink diamond, valued wholesale at between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000, that was shipped by Stafford Jewelers to JKD in New York in order that JKD would obtain a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification of the pink diamond, possibly purchase the pink diamond and, if not purchased, return the pink diamond with the GIA certificate to Stafford Jewelers.
After hearing the evidence, the unanimous jury found that JKD was unjustly enriched by its acquisition of the valuable pink diamond without compensating Stafford Jewelers; that JKD wrongfully converted and exercised dominion and control over the pink diamond; and that JKD was found liable of civil liability for a criminal act (theft).
The jury also found unanimously that JKD knowingly participated in or ratified the acts of an agent or servant that demonstrated malice.
Dianne Marx, Toby Henderson and Jessica Kimes represented Stafford Jewelers in the lawsuit. According to Ms. Marx, "[t]he jury sent a strong, strong message that this kind of conduct absolutely will not be tolerated in our society."
ABOUT STAFFORD JEWELERS
U.S. Diamond & Gold Jewelers, Inc., dba Stafford Jewelers, is an Ohio-based, independently owned and operated diamond wholesaler and retailer of diamonds and other fine jewelry. It operates a retail store in Centerville, Ohio, and has done so for 21 years.