CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent CalendarsThe trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
MajorsApr 01, 2015
Arbitrator slams Sterling for ‘misleading’ memo
The arbitrator in the ongoing gender discrimination suit against Sterling Jewelers called an email the retailer sent to employees about the case a “troubling” document that contains “misleading partial truths and omissions.”
New York--The arbitrator in the ongoing gender discrimination suit against Sterling Jewelers called an email the retailer sent to employees about the case a “troubling” document that contains “misleading partial truths and omissions.”
On Feb. 2, arbitrator Kathleen Roberts issued her most recent major decision in the case, ruling that that current and former female employees of Sterling Jewelers Inc. can pursue claims challenging the retailer’s pay and promotion practices as a class, though she threw out claims that the alleged discrimination was intentional.
According to court papers, the following day, Sterling sent an email titled “Legal Update: Arbitrator Finds No Convincing Proof of Companywide Discriminatory Pay and Promotions Policies at Sterling” to all its employees, a communication that caused the women’s attorneys to cry foul because, they said, it was “biased and misleading.”
Claimants’ lawyers filed an emergency motion asking the arbitrator to restrict Sterling’s communications with members of the class, including those who still work for the retailer, and to force the retailer to issue a notice correcting its memo.
On March 16, Roberts declined the motion for corrective notice, stating that members of the certified class will receive arbitrator-approved information about the award in the future, but chastised Sterling in her ruling.
She wrote that the memo “presents a seriously incomplete and misleading description of the award that diminishes the significance of the award and could potentially discourage interest and participation in the class arbitration,” court papers state.
Sterling Jewelers spokesman David Bouffard said while they “respectfully disagree” with the arbitrator’s characterization of their corporate communication, the arbitrator did conclude that the memo “did not significantly impact the arbitration process.” The retailer, which has maintained throughout the case that the discrimination claims are not representative of its corporate culture, has appealed the arbitrator’s Feb. 2 ruling.
Among the points of the Sterling memo that Roberts found misleading is the title, which “improperly and erroneously suggests” that her Feb. 2 ruling contains a determination on the merits of the intentional discrimination claims in the case.
However, Roberts stated, all that was determined was that claimants failed to present the sufficient proof necessary to pursue claims of intentional pay and promotion discrimination as a class. The standard of proof she used in the case was the one set by the huge Walmart class action, a case that has created “substantial hurdles” for pursuing claims of
intentional discrimination as a large class.
She also noted that the claimants and other current and former employees are free to pursue claims of intentional discrimination individually.
Roberts also stated that the memo doesn’t clearly convey the main point of her Feb. 2 ruling: that she has cleared the way for tens of thousands of current and former female employees of Sterling Jewelers to pursue claims that the retailer’s pay and promotion practices had a disparate impact on women.
Going forward, she has prohibited Sterling’s attorneys from contacting class members, including those who are current employees of the jeweler, about the arbitration without the consent of class counsel or her order.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
