SourcingMay 20, 2024
2 Business-to-Business Platforms Secure Millions in Funding MajorsSep 26, 2024
Kendra Scott Eyes Network, Product Expansion Following New Investment
65 Equity Partners has made a “significant” minority investment in the company, though founder Kendra Scott retains a majority stake.
A pair of “toi et moi” lab-grown diamond earrings set in 14-karat yellow gold from Kendra Scott. The company has found a new minority investor in 65 Equity Partners and co-investors HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co.
Austin, Texas—Investment firm 65 Equity Partners announced earlier this month that it has sunk money in Kendra Scott Design Inc. to help the popular jewelry brand expand into new categories and open more stores.
The exact amount of the “significant” minority investment was not disclosed, though it was noted that the brand’s founder and namesake, Kendra Scott, will still hold a majority stake in the company.
Under the terms of the transaction, she also will acquire a larger equity position than what she currently holds.
HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co. invested alongside 65 Equity Partners, while
former investors Berkshire Partners and Norwest Venture Partners have had their preferred stock investments fully redeemed.
WWD reported last year that Berkshire Partners was looking to withdraw its investment in the company and move on.
In the statement announcing the transaction, 65 Equity Partners said Kendra Scott Design Inc. will “remain bullish in retail by opening new stores, collaborating with culturally relevant partners, and expanding into crucial categories in the upcoming years.”
When asked to provide more details on future plans for additional stores or product category expansion, a spokesperson for Kendra Scott Design Inc. said the company cannot provide any information beyond what was included in the statement.
In March of this year, the brand said it was looking to expand from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
At the same time, it announced the addition of lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry to its offerings, a move that followed its expansion into the engagement ring market and its addition of watches in April 2022.
Related stories will be right here …
The exact amount of the “significant” minority investment was not disclosed, though it was noted that the brand’s founder and namesake, Kendra Scott, will still hold a majority stake in the company.
Under the terms of the transaction, she also will acquire a larger equity position than what she currently holds.
HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co. invested alongside 65 Equity Partners, while
former investors Berkshire Partners and Norwest Venture Partners have had their preferred stock investments fully redeemed.
WWD reported last year that Berkshire Partners was looking to withdraw its investment in the company and move on.
In the statement announcing the transaction, 65 Equity Partners said Kendra Scott Design Inc. will “remain bullish in retail by opening new stores, collaborating with culturally relevant partners, and expanding into crucial categories in the upcoming years.”
When asked to provide more details on future plans for additional stores or product category expansion, a spokesperson for Kendra Scott Design Inc. said the company cannot provide any information beyond what was included in the statement.
In March of this year, the brand said it was looking to expand from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
At the same time, it announced the addition of lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry to its offerings, a move that followed its expansion into the engagement ring market and its addition of watches in April 2022.
Scott founded Kendra Scott Design Inc. in 2002.
She stepped down as CEO in 2021 but remains the company’s executive chair and chief creative officer.
Kendra Scott Design Inc. sells fashion, bridge, and fine jewelry, including 14-karat gold jewelry set with diamonds (natural and lab-grown), as well as watches, fragrances, and home accessories.
It has more than 130 stores and pop-up locations, and over 2,600 employees. Its products also are sold via wholesale partners including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, and 850-plus specialty boutiques.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe 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.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
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.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
