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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
