MajorsMar 24, 2021
The Tiffany v. Costco Battle Wages On MajorsJul 21, 2021
Tiffany, Costco Settle Long-Standing Lawsuit
The contentious battle over the term “Tiffany Setting” has come to a close via a settlement.
Tiffany & Co. reached a settlement agreement with Costco following a years-long trademark infringement lawsuit. (Image courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
New York—The contentious, 8-year-long legal battle between Tiffany & Co. and Costco Wholesale Corp. has come to an anticlimactic end.
The companies have reached a settlement, the terms of which have not been disclosed, and the case has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning Tiffany cannot sue Costco again on the same grounds.
In a statement to National Jeweler, a lawyer representing Costco said the parties have “amicably resolved their dispute.”
Tiffany declined to comment.
The saga began Valentine’s Day of 2013 when Tiffany took Costco to court, suing the big-box retailer in New York federal court for trademark infringement, counterfeiting and unfair business practices for selling “Tiffany” rings that were not made by Tiffany.
An estimated 3,349 customers bought “Tiffany” rings at Costco during the period covered by the lawsuit, according to court documents.
Related stories will be right here …
The companies have reached a settlement, the terms of which have not been disclosed, and the case has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning Tiffany cannot sue Costco again on the same grounds.
In a statement to National Jeweler, a lawyer representing Costco said the parties have “amicably resolved their dispute.”
Tiffany declined to comment.
The saga began Valentine’s Day of 2013 when Tiffany took Costco to court, suing the big-box retailer in New York federal court for trademark infringement, counterfeiting and unfair business practices for selling “Tiffany” rings that were not made by Tiffany.
An estimated 3,349 customers bought “Tiffany” rings at Costco during the period covered by the lawsuit, according to court documents.
In a countersuit, Costco said the term “Tiffany” setting had become genericized and could be used by any company to mean a ring with multiple, slender prongs holding a single stone.
In 2015, a federal judge ruled in Tiffany’s favor and granted the jeweler’s motion for summary judgment (a judgment entered by the court without a full trial) in the case.
A jury ordered Costco to pay Tiffany $5.5 million for unlawful profits, including $3.7 million in direct profits and $1.8 million in additional benefits from the ring sales, and $8.25 million in punitive damages.
The judge trebled the $3.7 million to $11 million, for grand total of $21 million Costco was to pay Tiffany.
In August 2020, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the summary judgment on appeal from Costco.
A unanimous ruling found that if a jury had heard the case, jurors likely wouldn’t be confused by Costco’s use of the word “Tiffany” or believe the rings were made or endorsed by Tiffany & Co.
The appeals court sent the case back down to the district court to hash out the issues of punitive damages and a jury.
The case dragged on, with Costco filing a motion to prevent a jury trial and stop Tiffany from seeking punitive damages, which Tiffany disputed based on prior court rulings.
An in-person trial was possible for July, but a settlement remained on the table, as per court documents. The companies had discussed one prior to going to trial in 2016.
Tiffany v. Costco was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
