FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsFinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1
CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
The “Sabine” cluster diamond engagement ring in 18-karat yellow gold with two emerald-cut diamonds and a cluster of round diamonds ($3,590, setting only) from Brilliant Earth’s “Mosaics” collection. The jewelry retailer saw sales decline 4 percent in the first quarter.
San Francisco—Brilliant Earth had a mixed start to the year with first-quarter net sales down while the total number of orders rose by double digits.
The jewelry retailer noted an improvement in engagement ring sales and a strong Valentine’s Day performance.
It recorded its 15th consecutive quarter of profitability since going public in 2021.
“The positive engagement ring unit trends, coupled with our most successful Valentine’s Day ever, reinforces our confidence in our premium brand positioning and differentiated product offerings,” CEO Beth Gerstein said in a statement.
Net sales in the first quarter 2025, which ended March 31, were down 4 percent year-over-year to $93.9 million, compared with $97.3 million in Q1 2023.
The results were in line with the company’s expectations of $93.5 million to $95.5 million in sales.
Gross profit was $55 million, or a 59 percent gross profit margin, compared with $58.3 million, or a 60 percent gross profit margin, in the prior-year period.
The total number of orders in the first quarter rose 12 percent, with repeat orders up 13 percent, while the average order value (AOV) fell 14 percent.
Brilliant Earth has noted in previous quarters that non-bridal jewelry sales are increasing but the category has a lower average price point, which is bringing down its AOV.
On an earnings call Tuesday, CEO Beth Gerstein shared quarterly highlights, including its engagement ring sales, the most popular fashion jewelry styles, and the potential impact of tariffs on its business.
As for tariffs, Gerstein said the same thing Pandora executives said earlier this week—the company is monitoring the situation closely.
“We feel confident that our geographically diversified supplier base and strong supplier relationships limited direct exposures to China,” she said. “Our price optimization engine and agile data-driven team give us a competitive advantage over the industry to navigate changes in any environment.”
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Kuo said the company expects gold prices and tariffs to have only a limited impact on gross margin in Q2.
“Over the balance of the year, assuming that tariff rates and metal prices are the same as they are today, we expect to be able to further mitigate their impact through our pricing and procurement strategy,” he said.
As for the high price of gold, Gerstein also discussed possible price increases, noting it leans on data for those decisions.
“The pricing optimization engine allows us to be really thoughtful about how we’re pricing,” she said. “So, we’re going to continue to implement new tests and try and understand what the appetite is from the consumer level.”
Brilliant Earth is keeping its costs down as much as it can, she said, and is aware of the pressure consumers are feeling.
She added that its proprietary collections allow it to have more flexibility in pricing.
Related stories will be right here …
The jewelry retailer noted an improvement in engagement ring sales and a strong Valentine’s Day performance.
It recorded its 15th consecutive quarter of profitability since going public in 2021.
“The positive engagement ring unit trends, coupled with our most successful Valentine’s Day ever, reinforces our confidence in our premium brand positioning and differentiated product offerings,” CEO Beth Gerstein said in a statement.
Net sales in the first quarter 2025, which ended March 31, were down 4 percent year-over-year to $93.9 million, compared with $97.3 million in Q1 2023.
The results were in line with the company’s expectations of $93.5 million to $95.5 million in sales.
Gross profit was $55 million, or a 59 percent gross profit margin, compared with $58.3 million, or a 60 percent gross profit margin, in the prior-year period.
The total number of orders in the first quarter rose 12 percent, with repeat orders up 13 percent, while the average order value (AOV) fell 14 percent.
Brilliant Earth has noted in previous quarters that non-bridal jewelry sales are increasing but the category has a lower average price point, which is bringing down its AOV.
On an earnings call Tuesday, CEO Beth Gerstein shared quarterly highlights, including its engagement ring sales, the most popular fashion jewelry styles, and the potential impact of tariffs on its business.
As for tariffs, Gerstein said the same thing Pandora executives said earlier this week—the company is monitoring the situation closely.
“We feel confident that our geographically diversified supplier base and strong supplier relationships limited direct exposures to China,” she said. “Our price optimization engine and agile data-driven team give us a competitive advantage over the industry to navigate changes in any environment.”
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Kuo said the company expects gold prices and tariffs to have only a limited impact on gross margin in Q2.
“Over the balance of the year, assuming that tariff rates and metal prices are the same as they are today, we expect to be able to further mitigate their impact through our pricing and procurement strategy,” he said.
As for the high price of gold, Gerstein also discussed possible price increases, noting it leans on data for those decisions.
“The pricing optimization engine allows us to be really thoughtful about how we’re pricing,” she said. “So, we’re going to continue to implement new tests and try and understand what the appetite is from the consumer level.”
Brilliant Earth is keeping its costs down as much as it can, she said, and is aware of the pressure consumers are feeling.
She added that its proprietary collections allow it to have more flexibility in pricing.
Gerstein said trends in engagement ring sales have been “encouraging” and she has seen some normalization compared with the past few years.
The company saw positive year-over-year unit growth in engagement rings as well as an increase in appointment bookings to browse engagement rings in its showrooms.
Gerstein noted strong growth in engagement rings priced under $5,000, with its signature collection performing especially well.
Its sales of wedding and anniversary bands also were strong, particularly in men’s wedding bands and women’s eternity bands.
Its non-bridal fine jewelry business performed well, particularly around Valentine’s Day.
Brilliant Earth’s “Diamonds on the Menu” campaign highlighted authenticity and connection with a focus on diamonds, leading to its strongest Valentine’s Day period ever, said Gerstein.
Popular collections included its diamond essentials, as well as its “Heart” and “Signature” collections, and its Jane Goodall collection.
“Fine jewelry remains one of our key areas of investment and growth drivers for the business as it allows us to introduce new customers to the Brilliant Earth brand as well as provide additional purchase opportunities for our repeat customers, whether it’s a gift for themselves or others,” Gerstein said.
Though it started as an online-only business, Brilliant Earth has been expanding its brick-and-mortar network in recent years, with its current store count at 41.
The company opened a new location in Southlake, Texas, in February, and plans to open one to two new showrooms this year, including one in Alpharetta, Georgia.
For the second quarter, the company is expecting net sales to be flat to down 3 percent year-over-year.
For the full year, Brilliant Earth is maintaining its guidance, forecasting net sales will be up 1 to 3 percent.
More on Financials
The Latest
ColumnistsMay 25, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
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.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
