The world of antique jewelry appraisal has been rocked by a dramatic family dispute, with accusations of theft, betrayal, and legal battles between siblings.
Keian, a renowned star from Antiques Roadshow and a respected jewelry appraiser, is embroiled in a heated legal fight with his sisters.
The 67-year-old has filed a $165 million lawsuit, alleging that his younger sisters, Ellen, 61, and Robin, 66, are the true culprits behind a web of deceit and theft involving the family jewelry business.
Allegations of Stolen Jewels and Family Betrayal
The conflict began in February when Ellen and Robin accused Kevin of stealing $6 million worth of jewelry from their grandfather’s jewelry business, Cluster Jewelry.
According to them, Kevin took precious items from the store founded by their grandfather and great uncle.
However, Kevin claims that the jewelry he took was either owned by him, their elderly father, Berj, 95, or the William Doyle Auction House, where Berj launched a jewelry department in 1974.
Kevin insists that he was merely acting on his father’s behalf, and most of the items were later returned to the store.
The Battle Over Ownership
While Kevin maintains his innocence, the family dispute over ownership of Cluster Jewelry has taken a darker turn.
Kevin and his father, Berj, allege that Ellen and Robin have been systematically looting the business.
The lawsuit claims that at least $1 million worth of diamonds and jewelry has gone missing without proper documentation.
This alleged mismanagement has caused major financial strain on the business, leading to a refusal from the landlord to renew the lease in New York City’s prestigious Diamond District.
Berj, who co-founded the business, had always intended for his three children to share ownership.
However, the lawsuit states that Ellen manipulated their father into signing a document in 2014 that made her and Robin the sole owners of Cluster Jewelry, excluding Kevin entirely.
This legal move, according to the suit, was done without Berj’s full understanding and against his wishes, as Ellen failed to explain the consequences clearly.
Kevin’s Arrest and Defamation
The conflict escalated when Kevin was arrested after the sisters accused him of stealing from the family business.
In the wake of his arrest, Ellen and Robin sent out a letter claiming Kevin had never been an owner of Cluster Jewelry and was no longer an employee, despite tax documents listing him as a one-third owner.
This public accusation spread quickly through the Diamond District, causing significant damage to Kevin’s professional reputation.
Kevin says he lost clients and industry contacts as a result.
The lawsuit further claims that the sisters have been systematically misappropriating funds from the business and have refused to provide the necessary financial documentation when requested.
The sisters are accused of conducting their actions in secret, stealing from the family legacy without proper accountability.
Shocking Claims of Physical Assault
The lawsuit includes shocking allegations of physical assault.
Kevin and Berj accuse Robin of assaulting both of them, with video evidence allegedly showing Robin attacking Kevin outside the family’s jewelry store.
In a separate incident, Robin is accused of striking their elderly father, causing him physical pain and emotional distress.
The court documents highlight the disturbing nature of these alleged actions, describing Robin’s behavior as a “profound moral failure.”
Despite these allegations, the sisters attempted to file a protective order against Kevin, which was dismissed due to lack of merit.
The family conflict has caused immense emotional turmoil for Kevin and Berj, with Kevin experiencing humiliation and distress, while Berj suffers from anxiety over the future of the family business and the betrayal by his daughters.
Seeking Justice and Damages
Now, Kevin and Berj are turning to the New York State Supreme Court for justice.
They are asking the court to bar Ellen and Robin from making further defamatory statements, retract the false ones already made, and recognize Kevin’s rightful ownership of one-third of the family business.
The lawsuit seeks $165 million in damages, including compensation for emotional distress, lost reputation, and the financial damage caused by the sisters’ alleged actions.
This bitter family feud has captured the public’s attention, as it unravels a tale of family betrayal, theft, and a quest for justice that could change the future of a once-thriving family business.
The case continues to unfold, and the Zavian family’s jewelry legacy hangs in the balance.