Jewellers Roger and Georgette Aznavorian faced court recently where it was revealed that the alleged theft involved 170 victims.
The jewellery items were allegedly stolen from customers at their store in Caulfield North from 2008 to December 2010. Certain pieces, including rings and watches, were said to be valued at more than $50,000. It has also been reported that some jewellery had been pawned for cash.
The pair was arrested and charged in February this year following a two-year police investigation.
During the latest court hearing, the Herald Sun reported that magistrate Angela Bolger said the number of witnesses must be reduced from 170 to a more manageable level.
"On its face value, calling 170 witnesses to say I own the goods, I handed them over and I didn't get them back, doesn't serve any purpose," Bolger explained.
The couple will appear again in court next month.