Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJun 09, 2015
Cartier suing Calif. jeweler for parroting designs
What do a parrot and a panther have in common? They’re both designs one Newport Beach jeweler allegedly copied from Cartier, according to a recent lawsuit filed by the luxury label.
A side-by-side comparison of the Cartier parrot pendant (left) and allegedly infringing designs from Lugano Diamonds. All images were provided in the case’s court papers. Click below to see larger images of pieces included in the lawsuit.
Los Angeles--Cartier has filed a lawsuit against Lugano Diamonds, accusing the Newport Beach, Calif. jeweler of knowingly selling parrot and panther pieces that are knockoffs of some of its most well-known designs.
Cartier Creation Studio S.A. filed suit against Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry Inc. for both copyright and design patent infringement on May 28 in California federal court. Lugano designs and sells high-end jewelry by appointment only at its showroom.
According to the lawsuit, the fur and feathers first started flying when someone at Cartier spotted an “imitation parrot necklace” in a March 6 posting on Lugano’s Facebook page.
A month later, a Cartier agent went to the Lugano showroom in Newport Beach and was told by employees there that the retailer recently sold one of these parrot necklaces for $68,000 and that Lugano could have another parrot necklace made upon request and could, in fact, “make additional copies of other Cartier products for cheaper prices than those offered by Cartier,” court papers state.
Lugano refused to comment on the lawsuit.
Cartier, which is owned by Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont, also alleges in the lawsuit that Lugano advertises, promotes and offers for sale an infringing copy of its “Panthère” earrings, which the agent spotted in the showroom, and Panthère ring, which the agent saw in another Facebook post.
The 168-year-old luxury brand has a U.S. Copyright for its “Parrot Necklace,” and a patent for the Panthère designs.
About a month after the agent’s visit to Lugano, Cartier’s lawyers sent the jeweler a cease-and-desist letter but Lugano has “continued to advertise their Parrot Infringing Necklace on their Facebook page,” court papers state. The parrot post was still up as of Wednesday morning.
Cartier is asking the court to, among other things, permanently block Lugano from copying and selling jewelry that allegedly infringes on Cartier copyrights or design patents; make available to Cartier all records related to this jewelry; and for monetary damages in the case.
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
