EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
MajorsJan 12, 2016
Trial in Tiffany v. Costco Case Postponed
The trial phase in the ongoing legal battle between Tiffany & Co. and Costco over the warehouse club’s sale of rings falsely labeled as Tiffany has been pushed back until June.
New York-- The trial phase in the ongoing legal battle between Tiffany & Co. and Costco over the warehouse club’s sale of rings falsely labeled as Tiffany has been pushed back until June.
The trial, which will determine monetary damages in the case, originally was set to begin this past Monday (Jan. 11) but court documents show that the two parties remain at odds over exactly how many rings Costco sold as having a “Tiffany” setting.
Tiffany has argued, and the court has agreed, that it was about 2,500.
Costco has countered, however, that it was fewer, contending that some of those sales should be excluded because they lie outside the statute of limitations in the case, or were made after Costco quit putting “Tiffany” on its signage.
It is asking the court to reconsider its stance on the matter.
As the debate over Costco’s ring signage continues, court records shows that both Tiffany and Costco had asked the court to start the trial sometime after March 28.
In an order dated Jan. 7, U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain stated that the court’s next available date after March 28 is June 13.
Tiffany filed suit against Costco on Valentine’s Day 2013, accusing the warehouse club of trademark infringement and trademark counterfeiting for selling rings in its stores labeled as having a Tiffany setting that weren’t made by Tiffany & Co.
Costco fired back with a counterclaim that contended the term “Tiffany setting” had become generic, and could be used to describe any setting with multiple slender prongs holding a single gemstone.
In September, Judge Swain ruled in Tiffany’s favor, granting the jeweler’s motions for summary judgement on claims of trademark infringement and trademark counterfeiting while simultaneously dismissing Costco’s generic claims.
Costco’s motion for an interim appeal in the case was denied in November.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6MThe 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionThe company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote SpeakerBeau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101KA pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade SummitThe event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ CharmThe charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
