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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Financials
The Latest
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
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.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
