FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesFinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds
The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
“Pandora Brilliance” lab-grown diamond rings. The Danish jewelry giant will now add carbon footprint labeling to its lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora had an underwhelming start to its fiscal year as low consumer sentiment, particularly among lower- and middle-income consumers, weighed on its North American sales.
However, the jewelry company said it is preparing for the next stage of its evolution, with a greater focus on design, evolving its marketing model, and appealing to new and existing markets.
It also is changing how it markets lab-grown diamonds in an effort to generate more interest in the category, which recorded a double-digit drop in sales in Q1.
In a statement released Wednesday alongside its first-quarter results, Pandora said it “over indexed” on its “playful” jewelry aesthetic, noting it’s seen growth in its more underrepresented aesthetics, including “sparkling,” “bold,” and “organic.”
Its “Bridgerton” jewelry collab is the “perfect” example of its new approach, said Pandora, showing clear product differentiation and growth beyond charms.
Pandora also collaborated with musical group Katseye on the “Minis” collection and in July, it will launch “Pandora Wonders,” a multi-year program in which the jewelry company will partner with artistic communities to promote craftsmanship and design.
On the company’s earnings call Wednesday, CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier said the retailer also will add carbon footprint labeling to its lab-grown diamonds.
“This means that consumers will be able to see the climate impact of every Pandora diamond and compare that with a mined diamond,” she said.
She stated on the call that Pandora’s lab-grown diamonds have a carbon emission “90 percent lower” than a mined diamond of the same size. Pandora likened their carbon footprint to a pair of jeans.
The retailer commissioned its own third-party study but based the 90 percent comparison on a study commissioned by the Diamond Producers Association (now the Natural Diamond Council) in 2019.
That study is now seven years old and, according to Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire, and was deemed faulty by the U.S. National Advertising Division for not using enough data.
“Pandora is about being accessible, and being accessible is also about being transparent. We do think that this will reshape how the environmentally conscious consumers will be choosing within the category. As a leader, we have to be present, providing the facts,” Pablos-Barbier said on the call.
Related stories will be right here …
However, the jewelry company said it is preparing for the next stage of its evolution, with a greater focus on design, evolving its marketing model, and appealing to new and existing markets.
It also is changing how it markets lab-grown diamonds in an effort to generate more interest in the category, which recorded a double-digit drop in sales in Q1.
In a statement released Wednesday alongside its first-quarter results, Pandora said it “over indexed” on its “playful” jewelry aesthetic, noting it’s seen growth in its more underrepresented aesthetics, including “sparkling,” “bold,” and “organic.”
Its “Bridgerton” jewelry collab is the “perfect” example of its new approach, said Pandora, showing clear product differentiation and growth beyond charms.
Pandora also collaborated with musical group Katseye on the “Minis” collection and in July, it will launch “Pandora Wonders,” a multi-year program in which the jewelry company will partner with artistic communities to promote craftsmanship and design.
On the company’s earnings call Wednesday, CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier said the retailer also will add carbon footprint labeling to its lab-grown diamonds.
“This means that consumers will be able to see the climate impact of every Pandora diamond and compare that with a mined diamond,” she said.
She stated on the call that Pandora’s lab-grown diamonds have a carbon emission “90 percent lower” than a mined diamond of the same size. Pandora likened their carbon footprint to a pair of jeans.
The retailer commissioned its own third-party study but based the 90 percent comparison on a study commissioned by the Diamond Producers Association (now the Natural Diamond Council) in 2019.
That study is now seven years old and, according to Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire, and was deemed faulty by the U.S. National Advertising Division for not using enough data.
“Pandora is about being accessible, and being accessible is also about being transparent. We do think that this will reshape how the environmentally conscious consumers will be choosing within the category. As a leader, we have to be present, providing the facts,” Pablos-Barbier said on the call.
Pandora’s first-quarter revenue was down 3 percent year-over-year at actual exchange rates (up 2 percent on an organic basis) to 7.12 billion Danish kroner ($1.1 billion), with like-for-like sales growth flat.
In North America, Pandora saw like-for-like sales dip 2 percent, which the company attributed to the decline in consumer sentiment and slowing store traffic.
“We delivered 2 percent organic growth in the quarter, in line with our expectations, and are advancing our initiatives to re-energize Pandora’s growth engine,” Pablos-Barbier said in the company’s Q1 results news release.
“At the same time, we are expanding into new materials, positioning Pandora as a multi-material jewelry brand over time. We remain focused on executing our strategic plans despite the uncertain economic and geopolitical backdrop.”
The retailer announced in February that it would start selling platinum-plated jewelry to mitigate the impact of volatile gold and silver prices.
It piloted a selection of platinum-plated bracelets in 30 stores across Northern Europe and online in Q1, with plans to launch the selection globally in the second half of the year, with a broad rollout planned for 2027.
By 2027, Pandora said it plans to transition at least 50 percent of its relevant silver jewelry to platinum-plated pieces, with the rest to follow by 2028, with most production in-house.
“Today, over a third of our sales already come from outside silver. Plating today is pretty much a quarter today of our sales,” Pablos-Barbier said on the call.
Pandora’s like-for-like sales were down 1 percent for its core segment, which includes its “Moments” and “Me” collections and its collaborations.
The decline was offset slightly by the strength of its “Talisman” collection. Earlier this year, Foundrae filed a lawsuit against Pandora, alleging the company copied its medallion designs for the “Talisman” collection.
Its “fuel with more” segment, which includes lab-grown diamond jewelry as well as the “Timeless” and “Signature” collections, saw 1 percent like-for-like growth in the quarter.
Sales of its lab-grown diamond jewelry collection totaled 75 million Danish kroner ($11.8 million) in the quarter, meaning the category accounted for about 1 percent of the company’s total sales.
Like-for-like growth down 15 percent year-over-year.
By channel, online sales were down 1 percent in Q1, while like-for-like sales at its physical stores were flat.
Pandora closed net 15 stores and 33 shop-in-shops in Q1, in line with its expectations.
Its store count stands at 2,796, with 2,178 of those stores operated by Pandora.
Pandora said it plans to open 50 to 75 net concept stores, though it will close a net 25 to 50 Pandora operated shop in shops.
Looking ahead, Pandora maintained its forecast of -1 to +2 percent organic growth with an EBIT margin of 21 to 22 percent.
“Pandora remains mindful of the geopolitical environment and the elevated economic uncertainty,” the company said in its release.
In Q2, current trading shows flat like-for-like growth.
Pandora’s Q2 results are set to be released Aug. 13.
More on Financials
The Latest
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
