TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsOct 08, 2014
Fine jewelry part of JCP’s turnaround strategy
The fine jewelry section of its stores is one area J.C. Penney, which just gave its Modern Bride line a makeover, expects to contribute to growth over the next couple years.
The new Modern Bridge signature collection includes rings that retail for as much as $10,000, part of an effort by the chain to attract the more well-heeled modern brides as middle-market consumers struggle.
New York--The fine jewelry section of its stores is one area J.C. Penney, which just gave its Modern Bride line a makeover, expects to contribute to growth over the next couple years.
In an analyst meeting held Wednesday in New York, J.C. Penney Co. Inc. CEO Myron E. Ullman III outlined how J.C. Penney plans to achieve EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, a measure used to show a company’s current operating profitability) of $1.2 billion by 2017.
The Plano, Texas-based retailer’s EBITDA (non-GAAP) stood at $90 million at end of the second quarter (Aug. 2), a vast improvement from negative EBITDA of $252 million reported in the prior-year period. The company also has experienced three consecutive quarters of positive sales.
Ullman said he is positioning the retailer to be the “preferred shopping choice for Middle America.”
At the center of the company’s plan to find itself well into the black by 2017 are three areas of the business J.C. Penney executives said they expect to generate incremental sales growth between then and now. This includes revitalizing the highest traffic area of its stores, the center core, which includes the jewelry and fashion accessories as well as beauty departments.
The retailer also said it wants to focus on attracting new and younger customers by adding more Sephora shop-in-shops, opening Disney-branded shops and, possibly, adding Hallmark shop-in-shops that would carry greeting cards and the like. J.C. Penney is testing those in 15 stores this fall.
“J.C. Penney is in a far stronger position today than it was when we began our turnaround effort 18 months ago. While we recognize that there’s more work to be done in a highly competitive retail environment, I couldn’t be more encouraged by the significant progress our teams have made in such a short amount of time,” Ullman said in a company statement.
Also at the analyst meeting Wednesday, J.C. Penney executives discussed the factors that have contributed to the company’s progress. Among them was its addition of brands, considered one of the keys to success in retail today.
During its 18-month turnaround, the Plano, Texas-based retailer added private, national and exclusive brands to its products. As noted, J.C. Penney also upped its offerings for its Modern Bride-branded line of engagement rings and wedding bands, pushing its top price point to $10,000 in an effort to attract more affluent brides-to-be.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
While J.C. Penney has recorded three straight quarters of positive same-store sales, the company said Wednesday that September sales were soft, leading it lower its sales guidance for the third quarter. All other guidance of the third quarter and full fiscal year remains the same.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
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.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
