Jewellery store owner describes horror after Adelaide thief pepper sprays staff

A woman has been arrested over a dramatic jewellery store heist in Adelaide where a staff member was allegedly sprayed in the face with pepper spray.

Police allege the woman, disguised in a blonde wig, sunglasses and a hat, entered the store on James Place in Adelaide's CBD yesterday, asking to view a jewellery display tray.

When the staff member showed the tray of expensive gold chains to the woman she sprayed her in the face with homemade pepper spray before stealing the tray and running from the store.

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Police said the store's owner ran after the woman and managed to get the jewellery back before the woman ran off, dropping the bottle of liquid and a Taser.

The owner of the store, Classic Jewellers, said the woman claimed to be blind before attempting to take off with the tray with $70,000.

The owner said the woman allegedly took out a taser and attempted to use it on him when he caught up with her to take back the stolen jewellery.

But despite the attempt, the owner said around 80 per cent of the jewellery was lost after it scattered across the street.

A staff member was later taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

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Today police arrested a 42 year-old Unley woman in connection to the incident, charging her with aggravated robbery, possess prohibited weapon and breach of bail.

She was refused bail and will appear in court.