Claremont jeweller accuses daughter-in-law of $700,000 theft
A legal fight involving a family-run high-end Claremont jeweler has spilled into the WA Supreme Court amid accusations that the boutique store owner’s daughter-in-law stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the company.
Legal documents released by the WA Supreme Court lay out civil proceedings against Rebecca Luetke-Brinkhaus, partner of Karl Brinkhaus and daughter-in-law of Brinkhaus Jewelers founder Doris Brinkhaus.
Documents filed last week by legal heavyweight Martin Bennett of Vantan Pty Ltd, the company behind Brinkhaus Jewellers, alleged that Luetke-Brinkhaus stole more than $700,000 from the company between 2019 and 2024 while working as an accountant.
The article alleged that Luetke-Brinkhaus “withdrew funds totaling $726,000 from the plaintiff’s accounts during this period without the plaintiff’s knowledge, consent or permission.”
The company is seeking cash damages, alternative damages, interest and costs totaling $726,000.
In posts removed from the company’s website, Luetke-Brinkhaus was described as one of three jewelers in the family business, which was founded in 1983 by her mother-in-law, Doris Brinkhaus.
Brinkhaus runs the business together with his son Karl Brinkhaus.
On the site, Doris Brinkhaus, who lives in Swanbourne, told how she moved to Australia “after falling in love with Perth after holidaying in the city a few years ago”. The family is originally from Canada.
“Doris works side by side with her son Karl and daughter-in-law Rebecca, creating bespoke jewelery including engagement rings, wedding rings and statement pieces,” said descriptions of the business, which have since been removed.
“A lot has changed in Perth over the years but the one thing that has remained the same is Doris’ passion and love for jewellery, her family and friends.
Rebecca Luetke-Brinkhaus was identified as a Canadian-born certified gemologist.
“Bec, who previously worked in a gem lab in Vancouver and New York, knows diamonds inside and out,” states an online description.
“You will see his smiling face keeping our accounts in order, both in the showroom and in front of the computer, with his passion for making people happy.”
The legal documents were sent to Luetke-Brinkhaus’ address at the Duncraig house she owns with Karl Brinkhaus.
