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
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
