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

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales

The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.

Christina Puchi Gemstone Earrings
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the Universe

Our Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.

Reeds Jewelers Fayetteville
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates Flagship

The New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Graff USA Executive Vice President Katy Chen
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA

Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.

Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Elise & Amy Greenberg
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg

For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?

It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Stephanie Gottlieb Movado watches
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist Stack

Movado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.

Polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report Says

The two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.

Wolf x Marla Aaron Some of the Things Box
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your Things

The “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.

Coleman Clark and Mitchell Clark
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell Clark

Fourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.

Manual Marcial de Gomar
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90

The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.

Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference 2026 Graphic
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 Program

This year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano Jewelry

The high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.

Stephanie Gottlieb Wholesale Lab-Grown Collection
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Wholesale

The jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.

Sean Dunn
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean Dunn

Dunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.

Bulgari pink diamond
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' Diamond

The 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Island Jewel candle
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like Home

The “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.

TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner

The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.

Stock image of a person holding holidays bags
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday Season

Stores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.

Elisa Solomon x Serendipity 3 Frozen Hot Chocolate Charm
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ Charm

The charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.

8 carat fancy blue diamond
AuctionsOct 09, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Goes Unsold at UK Jewelry Auction

The top lot of Elmwood’s recent fine jewelry sale in London was a 1.84-carat, D color Tiffany & Co. solitaire diamond ring.

Ebel sport classic watch
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5M

The watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.

Stock image of paper money and coins
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins

This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.

Brent Neale Back to Basics Collection Pink Garnet Capsule
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’

It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.

Ethical Gem Fair Brooklyn
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to Brooklyn

The trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.

×

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