Jeweler Charged With Misrepresenting Simulants as Diamonds

A Williamsville, N.Y., jeweler has been arrested and charged with grand larceny for allegedly misrepresenting diamond simulants as the real thing, according to the local police department’s Facebook page.

Paul Blarr, owner of RSNP Diamond Exchange, has been charged with three counts of grand larceny and one count of scheme to defraud—all felonies, the department said.

While the post did not specify what the alleged fakes were, an update advised concerned customers to get their items tested for moissainite or other simulants.

RSNP is closed now, according to Todd Scanlon, owner of Scanlon Jewelers, whose store is located nearby. Scanlon tells JCK that since the news broke, he’s had 40 or 50 RSNP customers come in to have their jewelry checked. Three items have been referred to police, including one instance when the stone was possibly switched to a mossainite.

Blarr also ran a store called Amherst Diamond Exchange, Scanlon says. A LinkedIn profile says he’s been in business for 19 years.

According to The Buffalo News, authorities believe there may have been have dozens of alleged victims—including, possibly, police officers.

Blarr could not be reached for comment. The investigating officer did not return a call from JCK.

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JCK News Director

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