Financials

Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

FinancialsMar 13, 2025

Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Woman wearing Brilliant Earth jewelry
A model wears Brilliant Earth jewelry, including pieces from its collaboration with Jane Goodall. The jewelry company posted declining sales in its recent financial results.
San Francisco—Brilliant Earth posted declining revenue in Q4 and for the full year, though it saw a rise in total orders and growing demand for its non-bridal fine jewelry offerings.

The San Francisco-based retailer is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

On an earnings call Wednesday evening, CEO Beth Gerstein said, “We continue to operate in a highly dynamic environment encompassed by pricing shifts in both lab and natural diamonds, normalizing engagement trends, and changing trends in consumer sentiment.”

Gerstein noted that Q4 marked its 14th consecutive quarter of profitability as a public company.

Net sales in the fourth quarter, which ended Dec. 31, were down 4 percent year-over-year to $119.5 million, with net income up 35 percent to $2.6 million.

Gross profit was $71.2 million, or a 60 percent gross profit margin, compared to $73 million, or a 59 percent gross profit margin, in the prior-year period.

The total number of orders in the fourth quarter rose 10 percent to 58,357 orders, though the average order value (AOV) fell 13 percent year-over-year to $2,048.

The company has noted in previous quarters that sales of non-bridal fine jewelry are on the rise, but the category has a lower average price point, which is bringing down its AOV.

The brand’s holiday performance, included in Q4, exceeded its expectations, said Gerstein, particularly during Cyber Week, both online and in stores.

Black Friday was its biggest day for appointment bookings in company history, she added.

For the full year, the company saw net sales down 5 percent to $422.2 million, with net income down 16 percent to $4 million.

Gross profit for the fiscal year was $254.4 million, or a 60 percent gross profit margin, compared to $257 million, or a 58 percent gross profit margin, in the prior year.

Total orders were up 7 percent year-over-year to 186,030 orders, but AOV was down 11 percent to $2,269.

Customers are returning to shop with the jeweler more than once, with the company noting repeat orders grew 18 percent year-over-year in Q4 and 17 percent for the full year.

“This trend reaffirms the resonance of our strong brand and compelling product designs. As more consumers discover our joyful shopping experience, it’s gratifying to see them returning time and time again, especially in a peak gifting quarter,” said Gerstein on the call.

Brilliant Earth is best known for its bridal offerings but has been expanding its fine jewelry selection, branching out into cocktail rings and men’s jewelry.

It has also collaborated with popular designers for new collections, including Tacori, Jade Trau, and Logan Hollowell. Its recent partnership with Jane Goodall was its most successful fine jewelry collaboration to date, said Gerstein.

It was a “banner quarter” for non-bridal fine jewelry, said Gerstein. The most popular styles included diamond tennis jewelry, diamond studs and hoops, and jewelry from its “Sol” collection.

Brilliant Earth also expanded its “under $1,000” assortment to appeal to those buying holiday gifts for others or themselves. 

The company said its showroom bookings for fine jewelry grew double digits in Q4, accounting for a record 27 percent of appointments in December.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Fine jewelry has been a bright spot for its balance sheet as engagement ring sales continue to struggle in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking at the bridal market, the average selling price for engagement rings was down in Q4, said Gerstein, noting that Brilliant Earth saw a stronger performance in price ranges under $5,000, a price point where it has seen the strongest consumer demand.

However, she noted the best year-over-year units comp for engagement rings in Q4 compared to other quarters this year.

“We believe the trajectory of our bridal business can be improved over last year as we amplify our brand with continued success in differentiating designs, diamond leadership, and an industry-leading omnichannel experience,” said Gerstein.

Its signature bridal collection did especially well, she said, adding that it recently introduced the new “Flawless” collection, featuring flawless and internally flawless diamonds.

Gerstein also highlighted its “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign, which challenges customers to change their perceptions about diamonds and emphasizes the impact their choices have on communities and the environment.

Though it started as an online-only business, Brilliant Earth has been expanding its brick-and-mortar presence in recent years, ending 2024 with 40 locations.

The company plans to open two to three new showrooms this year, including its most recent showroom opening in Southlake, Texas.

Looking to the year ahead, the company is expecting first-quarter net sales of $93.5 million to $95.5 million with adjusted EBITDA of $0 to $1.5 million.

For fiscal 2025, Brilliant Earth is forecasting net sales growth of 1 to 3 percent year-over-year with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 3 to 4 percent. 

The company will continue to make medium and longer-term investments in 2025, including in employee costs as it continues its expansion, said Chief Financial Officer Jeff Kuo on the call.

“We believe that these investments, including in our premium brand, product assortment, and innovative omnichannel experience, drive compelling [return on investment] and will begin to show returns starting in the second half of 2025 and beyond,” said Kuo.

The company previously stated its medium-term target is to see a net sales growth rate in the low-teens with double-digit growth in its adjusted EBITDA margin in 2027.

The company also released its 2024 Mission Report, highlighting its commitment to “transparency, sustainability, compassion, and inclusivity.”

The Latest

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
A Marvelous Journey: The Collection of Maurice Tempelsman
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to Auction

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

Dakota Badia and Nancy Badia
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in Aspen

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

AGS at Peter Yantzer Building dedication
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule Ceremony

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas store
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in September

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About You

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

Screenshot of the Tracr website homepage
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned Platform

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The 1916 Company Coast to Coast Roadshow
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, Again

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

Jessica Alba in Gabriel & Co. campaign
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

James Marks
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

Sothebys 10-carat blue diamond, 120 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Zahn-Z Big Zaha Art Deco Ring
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design Awards

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

Rapaport's rebranding
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport Trade

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8M

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

Cultus Artem River of Heaven Necklace
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ Desert

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

Sean Dunn, Amy Greenberg, Elise Greenberg, Coleman Clark, Mitchell Clark
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

A screen shot of The Clear Cut's website
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy