AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 09, 2016
Unique Settings Sued for Allegedly Failing to Pay Overtime
A former jewelry polisher has filed a collective action lawsuit against manufacturer Unique Settings of New York claiming that he put in 45- to 52-hour work weeks but wasn’t compensated at all for overtime.
Brooklyn, N.Y.--Unique Settings of New York is facing a collective action lawsuit for allegedly failing to pay non-exempt employees overtime and not providing them with accurate wage statements on payday.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Brooklyn on behalf of former Unique employee Patricio Vizuette and “all others similarly situated” against D.C. Group Inc. (d/b/a Unique Settings of New York) and its owner, Ozan Ekmel (Mel) Anda.
In the suit, Vizuette alleges that while employed at Unique between July 2008 and November 2014, he put in between 45 and 52 1/2 hours every week, starting at 9 a.m. and ending around 6 or 8 each night with a half-hour break for lunch.
Despite the fact that he was putting in nine, 10- or 11-hour days, he claims he was never paid for any hours over 40 “at any rate of pay, let alone at the minimum wage rate of pay, his regular rates of pay, or his overtime rates of pay,” court papers state.
Like all non-exempt workers, Vizuette was entitled to overtime (time and a half) under the New York Labor Law, the New York Compensation Codes Rules and Regulations, and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
The lawsuit also alleges that the jewelry manufacturer did not provide employees with proper, accurate wage statements on each payday, as required by the New York Labor Law.
Unique, the lawsuit alleges, “acted in the manner described herein so as to maximize their profits while minimizing their labor costs.”
Scott Ohnegian of Riker Danzig, the attorney representing D.C. Group/Unique in the case, said that Unique intends to “defend itself very vigorously” against the allegations raised in the lawsuit.
He also said that Vizuette was fired from Unique for allegedly stealing gold and might have become “disgruntled” with the company after they tried to block him from collecting unemployment.
Vizuette filed his lawsuit back in July.
In early February, attorneys for both D.C. Group/Unique and Vizuette, who is represented by Borrelli & Associates P.L.L.C., agreed that notice could be distributed to former and current manual laborers for the company, informing them that they might be entitled to join a lawsuit that alleges they did not receive proper overtime compensation. The notice covers employees who worked at Unique as far back as July 29, 2012.
Because it is a federal collective action--not a class action--current and former employees
must opt in to become part of the lawsuit. (In class actions, potential plaintiffs must opt out.)
Vizuette is seeking to recover his full payment of unpaid minimum wages, overtime compensation and liquidated damages.
Vizuette is seeking to recover his full payment of unpaid minimum wages, overtime compensation and liquidated damages.
More on Majors
The Latest
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
Weekly QuizMar 23, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.
CollectionsMar 22, 2023
Messika’s 2023 Campaign Pairs New Jewelry With Vintage CarsKendall Jenner once again is fronting the French brand’s campaign, joined by model and dancer Alton Mason.
Events & AwardsMar 22, 2023
Hari Krishna Exports Hosts Gala Amid UN Water ConferenceThe CEOs of Signet, Helzberg, and GIA spoke on a water conservation panel, and had lakes named in their companies’ honor.
Policies & IssuesMar 22, 2023
See Kwiat’s Bracelet for World Water DaySales of the sleek sterling silver and diamond design will go to nonprofit organization charity: water.
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
