Berkley Asset Protection

10/28/2025

Please join us in welcoming John Colletta to Berkley Asset Protection as a Jewelers Block Underwriter.

John joins us from the brokerage side of the business. In addition, he has worked extensively in the jewelry industry with Rapaport and as a jeweler himself. John holds a Graduate Gemologist certification and went to Central Michigan University and majored in Business.

“Having been a broker, I know the day-to-day challenges that they face and excited to help them with their business," says Colletta.

"John has a lot of industry knowledge,” says President Chip Dowd. "He will be able to step immediately and assist brokers address the needs of their clients.”

For more information, contact [email protected].

08/20/2025

Last week, a Seattle jeweler suffered a devastating 90-second smash-and-grab robbery—four masked suspects made off with Rolex watches, an emerald necklace, and other high-value items totaling nearly $2 million.

While not all robberies are preventable, it is imperative to safeguard your business to help lessen loss and damage. Please visit https://berkleyassetpro.com/loss-prevention/ for loss prevention tips or feel free to reach out to directly.

https://www.newsweek.com/rolexes-emeralds-stolen-2-million-seattle-jewelry-heist-2114700

08/06/2025

A Pennsylvania UPS worker has been charged with stealing over $145,000 in jewelry from packages meant for customers. The thefts were discovered after complaints of empty deliveries led to an internal investigation and surveillance footage showing the suspect removing items from boxes.

For jewelers and retailers, this is a reminder: shipping insurance isn’t optional.

The Pennsylvania woman has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking and mail theft.

07/30/2025

Art Basel Miami Beach 2025 has confirmed 285 exhibitors for its December show at the Miami Beach Convention Center for one of the year’s most anticipated events.

This edition welcomes the “big four”—Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, and David Zwirner—alongside leading blue-chip galleries from across the globe. Noteworthy U.S. exhibitors include Acquavella Galleries, Marian Goodman Gallery, Matthew Marks, and Tibor de Nagy, celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Art Basel Miami Beach has named the 285 exhibitors that will participate in its 2025 edition, running December 3–7.

07/16/2025

According to a new report from Bob’s Watches, the average resale price of a Rolex has skyrocketed 555% over the past 15 years — from just over $2,000 in 2010 to $13,426 in 2025. Even with market corrections, Rolex watches continue to prove their value as more than just luxury pieces — they’re becoming significant assets.

Read more:

The report is a 'record of actual internal sales data from serious collectors and buyers.'

07/14/2025

In response to the devastating July 4th floods in Central Texas, jewelry brands across the state are stepping up in powerful ways. Jewelers like James Avery, Kendra Scott, Lindsey Leigh and others are raising money through sales, collection and donations to help victims of the floods.


https://www.khou.com/article/news/state/texas-news/texas-flood/jewelry-stores-donate-texas-flood-recovery/285-219601e6-a31e-4667-885a-efc38ba0d6cf

07/12/2025

Fashion history was made this week when Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag sold for a jaw-dropping $10.1 million at Sotheby’s Paris — smashing records as the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction. The bag was won by an anonymous Japanese collector after a 10 minute bidding war.

Lauren Sanchez, the new Mrs. Bezos, was reportedly the underbidder on the first ever Hermes Birkin at Sotheby's Paris on Thursday.

07/11/2025

Colorado State University has slightly revised its 2025 Atlantic hurricane forecast: 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
The drop from earlier predictions is due to increased Caribbean wind shear, which can disrupt storm formation. Still, with warmer Atlantic waters and neutral ENSO conditions, the season remains above average. https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/updated-hurricane-forecast-csu-july-2025

Be sure to have an emergency plan in place. For helpful tips, visit https://berkleyassetpro.com/property-hurricane/.

A hostile atmosphere over the Caribbean Sea has helped lead prominent weather experts at Colorado State University to give a slight downgrade in their hurricane forecasts for the rest of this season.

07/07/2025

Two jewelry stores in Artesia, CA were hit simultaneously by a massive smash-and-grab involving 20–30 masked thieves. Armed with hammers and crowbars, they stormed the shops in under a minute, causing over $1 million in damages. Authorities are investigating.

Full story: https://ktla.com/news/california/artesia-jewelry-store-damages-estimated-to-be-over-1m/

For helpful tips to safeguard your business against crime and other risks, visit: https://berkleyassetpro.com/loss-prevention/

Two jewelry store owners in southeast Los Angeles County are continuing to pick up the pieces from simultaneous smash-and-grab burglaries earlier this week. On Friday, the L.A. County Sheriff& #8217…

07/04/2025

Happy 4th from .

07/03/2025

After a decade of meticulous restoration, the Vatican Museums have unveiled the final and most significant Raphael Room — the Hall of Constantine. The process revealed a novel mural technique used by Raphael himself, the application of oil paint directly to the wall and a grid of nails embedded in the walls, according to the Associated Press.

The decade-long cleaning and restoration project led to the discovery of figures painted in oil directly on the walls by Renaissance master Raphael.

07/02/2025

Congratulations to Matthew Harrison, AU, AINS on his well-deserved promotion to Jewelers Block Senior Underwriter! Matt has consistently demonstrated sharp underwriting skills and a deep knowledge of our industry in his 12 years at . We wish him continued success.