Harris Jewelry Ordered to Reopen Claims Portal for Refund Requests
A federal court found that the jewelry store chain violated terms of the settlement reached after it was accused of defrauding customers.

Founded in 1955 by U.S. Marine and World War II veteran Jerome L. Harris, Harris Jewelry had stores on and near military bases nationwide, meaning many of its customers were active duty servicemembers.
In July 2022, the Federal Trade Commission and a group of 18 states led by the New York Attorney General’s Office took legal action against the retailer, accusing it of cheating its customers through illegal financing and sales practices.
The complaint claimed that the New York-based jeweler took advantage of its customers by telling them that financing jewelry through the company would boost their credit scores, which was not true in most cases; telling customers they had to purchase the store’s Lifetime Jewelry and Watch Protection Plan in order to finance their purchase, which was not the case; and routinely adding protection plans costing between $40 and $350 to customers’ bills without disclosure.
These alleged actions violated several financial consumer protection laws, including the Military Lending Act.
Earlier this week, the court found Harris Jewelry violated the settlement by prematurely shutting down the claims portal, according to an FTC press release.
The new claims process will be open for 33 days, from Nov. 18 through Dec. 21.
The court’s action is meant to provide consumers “fair and sufficient time” to file claims for refunds.
Harris Jewelry also will have to renotify customers about the option to request a refund, the FTC said.
The FTC is encouraging consumers who purchased items from Harris Jewelry and paid for a protection plan and have yet to file a claim, or who have filed a claim but have not yet heard back, to request a refund via the Harris Jewelry website as soon as possible.
Harris Jewelry neither admitted nor denied the allegations but did agree under the settlement to issue refunds, which could total $10.9 million, to more than 46,000 customers who unknowingly paid for a warranty for their jewelry.
In addition to providing these refunds, the jeweler was ordered by the FTC to stop collecting millions of dollars in debt, issue refunds for overpayments, and assist with the deletion of any negative credit entries pertaining to debt in consumers’ credit reporting files.
As part of the settlement, the jeweler also had to entirely shut down its business.
It closed all 18 of its stores in the spring of 2021 and said it was moving its business online, citing declining sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Latest

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.


During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

The organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.

An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.