TechnologyJul 25, 2024
Amazon, BBB Sue Website Allegedly Peddling Fake Reviews MajorsAug 01, 2024
Verragio Sues Online Retailer for Allegedly Copying Designs
The company filed a lawsuit against The Art of Jewels for allegedly mimicking its signature engagement ring and wedding band designs.
A Verragio engagement ring. The brand filed a lawsuit in California federal court against San Francisco-based online retailer The Art of Jewels and Fine Art alleging the company has copied its designs and infringed on the “Verragio Crest” trademark.
New York—Verragio is accusing another jewelry company of copying its engagement ring and wedding band designs.
The New York-based brand filed a lawsuit against The Art of Jewels and Fine Art LLC on July 26 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The San Francisco-based retailer, which bills itself as the “#1 Lab Grown Diamond Marketplace” in the United States, was founded in 1990, as per its website, and sells online in the U.S. and Canada via its website and a 1stDibs shop.
In the lawsuit, Verragio accuses The Art of Jewels and Fine Art of copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting and infringement, and unfair competition.
Reached via email Wednesday, The Art of Jewels said it could not provide comment on Verragio’s lawsuit because it has not yet been served with the complaint.
Verragio founder, owner, and CEO Barry Nisguretsky, who also goes by “Barry Verragio,” has designed jewelry for more than 25 years, obtaining copyrights for several designs he has created for Verragio, including the company’s signature “Verragio crest.”
Court documents show screenshots of several Verragio’s rings alongside the alleged copies by Art of Jewels, which include its trademarked signature crest, Verragio contends.
The New York-based brand filed a lawsuit against The Art of Jewels and Fine Art LLC on July 26 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The San Francisco-based retailer, which bills itself as the “#1 Lab Grown Diamond Marketplace” in the United States, was founded in 1990, as per its website, and sells online in the U.S. and Canada via its website and a 1stDibs shop.
In the lawsuit, Verragio accuses The Art of Jewels and Fine Art of copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting and infringement, and unfair competition.
Reached via email Wednesday, The Art of Jewels said it could not provide comment on Verragio’s lawsuit because it has not yet been served with the complaint.
Verragio founder, owner, and CEO Barry Nisguretsky, who also goes by “Barry Verragio,” has designed jewelry for more than 25 years, obtaining copyrights for several designs he has created for Verragio, including the company’s signature “Verragio crest.”
Court documents show screenshots of several Verragio’s rings alongside the alleged copies by Art of Jewels, which include its trademarked signature crest, Verragio contends.
“Verragio’s federally registered Verragio Crest trademark is a unique and distinctive design which Verragio incorporates into its jewelry designs to distinguish its products and designate a single source of origin,” the company said in court documents.
The lawsuit states that the allegedly copied designs have “irreparably harmed” Verragio, as well as the general public, by causing confusion.
This is not the first time Verragio has gone to court to defend its intellectual property.
In 2017, the company said it sent out 30 cease-and-desist letters and filed 10 lawsuits in the span of 18 months after learning from other jewelry designers and retailers that there was a proliferation of Verragio lookalikes in the market.
“Verragio is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding our intellectual property, empowering our valued retailer partners with the confidence to exclusively showcase the unique and innovative Verragio brand,” Nisguretsky said in a statement to National Jeweler Wednesday.
The company is requesting the court issue a permanent injunction to stop The Art of Jewels and Fine Art from making jewelry that it said infringes on its copyrights, as well as a trial by jury.
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards WinnersAt the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsThe FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 YearsThe fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at BonhamsThe Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida JewelerJohn Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
