Financials

Kering’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Were ‘Exceptional’

FinancialsApr 22, 2022

Kering’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Were ‘Exceptional’

CFO Jean-Marc Duplaix said Boucheron, Pomellato, and the other jewelry brands put on an “outstanding performance.”

20220422_Kering Boucheron hair jewel.jpg
A hair jewel from Kering-owned Boucheron’s latest high jewelry collection, set with full-cut and rose-cut diamonds in white gold. The company’s jewelry brands performed well in the first quarter.
Paris—Kering had a stellar start to its fiscal year, reporting double-digit revenue growth for all of its luxury brands.

Here are five important takeaways from the company’s most recent earnings report.

It was a strong first quarter for Kering.

Kering posted revenue of €4.96 billion ($5.37 billion), a 27 percent increase year-over-year on a comparable basis.

The luxury conglomerate owns a slew of high-end brands, including Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as jewelry brands like Boucheron and Pomellato.

All of its brands posted double-digit year-over-year revenue growth.

Revenue from its directly operated stores was up 23 percent year-over-year and up 32 percent compared with the same period in 2019.

Online sales continued to grow during the quarter, said Kering, accounting for 15 percent of total direct sales.

“While we remain attentive to economic and geopolitical conditions, we invest in all our brands, whose attractivity will continue to fuel our growth and profitability,” said CEO François-Henri Pinault in a press release.

Kering did not provide fiscal guidance for the year ahead.

Jewelry had an “exceptional” year.

The company’s jewelry brands fall into its “other houses” division, alongside Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga.

Its jewelry portfolio includes Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, and Qeelin.

First-quarter revenue in the “others” division totaled €973.4 million ($1.05 billion), a 35 percent increase on a comparable basis.

In this division, retail sales were up 45 percent while wholesale revenue was up 22 percent.

“In jewelry, our houses posted outstanding performances,” said Chief Financial Officer Jean-Marc Duplaix during the company’s earnings call Thursday.

Boucheron’s sales “grew sharply in key Asian markets,” he said, and the brand also did well in Japan and Europe.

The brand’s latest high jewelry collection, “New Maharajahs,” was released earlier this year.

“Pomellato’s permanent best-sellers led the growth, and its high jewelry was extremely well-received,” said Duplaix.

“Qeelin’s sales were again very dynamic. The success of Chinese New Year mitigated recent headwinds.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

China’s COVID-19 restrictions pose a problem for Kering.

China has been tightening its restrictions to protect its citizens from a rise in COVID-19 cases.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for the largest portion of its revenue at 37 percent, with North America right behind at 26 percent.

“We opened 2022 on a very solid first quarter in a more uncertain environment, notably impacted by tightening COVID restrictions in China since March,” said Pinault in a press release.

Gucci, a consistent bright spot on Kering’s balance sheet, had its strong growth in North America and Europe “overshadowed by its exposure to China,” said Kering, adding that it is working to “fully capture the vitality of the market.”

For North America, as well as Western Europe and Japan, overall sales growth for the company was strong, said Kering.

Watches move out as eyewear moves in.

Kering’s former watch brands, Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin, were notably missing from the “other houses” division this quarter.

Kering sold its entire stake in Sowind Group, which owns the Swiss watch manufacturers, to its current management in January.

The luxury company has been building its eyewear portfolio, growing to 16 brands, including glasses from its fashion houses as well as jewelry brands Cartier, Boucheron, and Pomellato.

Last month, Kering inked an agreement to acquire Maui Jim, a Hawaii-based sunglasses brand. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022.

In July 2021, Kering Eyewear acquired Danish luxury brand Lindberg.

Kering also partnered with Richemont in March 2017 to manufacture and distribute eyewear from Cartier and other brands, making Richemont a shareholder of Kering Eyewear.

There may be new faces on Kering’s board.

At a March 4 meeting, Kering’s board of directors, alongside its Appointments and Governance Committee, affirmed some changes to the board while putting others up for a vote.

Sophie L’Hélias, an expert on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, resigned, which the board confirmed. Marketing expert Yseulys Costes’ term of office was not renewed.

Daniela Riccardi, CEO of French luxury brand Baccarat and an independent director on Kering’s board, will have her term of office renewal put up for a vote at the board’s annual general meeting on April 28.

Véronique Weill, Yonca Dervisoglu, and Serge Weinberg were appointed as independent directors, but will need the board’s vote of approval at the meeting later this month.

The Latest

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Photo from 2026 Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Nanis Sway Earrings
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

De Beers Group’s SynthDetect 2 diamond screening instrument
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.

Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
14th century gold seal ring
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 Friends

Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s Desk

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

John Carter and Michael Richards
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley Award

The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

Cynthia Erivo x Zoe Chicco The Chrysalis Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to Transformation

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Kevin Patton
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.

Graphic for episode 9 of My Next Question featuring Pamela Froman and Remy Sasha
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy Edelstein

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

L’Objet x Jessica McCormack Homeware Collection
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares Collection

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Stock image of police cars with flashing lights
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and Grabs

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Brian Hood, president of Bromberg & Co.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New President

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

Midas Chain’s House of Midas Bridal Catalog
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal Catalog

The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Florence Pugh Wearing Bulgari at 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Technology Therapy Group founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends You

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

Armadani Retail Support Program Marketing Imagery
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday Season

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Signet Jewelers Joan Hilson
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the Holidays

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The Retail Smiths Principal Sherry Smith
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your Christmas

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond,” 22.09 carats and fancy yellow
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for Auction

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Adornos photography exhibit
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

Stock image of rough emeralds mined by Gemfields
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 Months

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

Kealeboga Pule and Black Coffee
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care Program

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Scattered Sapphire Cigar Band
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Make A Wish East Tennessee
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV Opens

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy