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.
MajorsJan 11, 2018
Sterling Suing Alex and Ani for Breach of Contract
Alex and Ani went to Jared, and it didn’t go so well.
Akron, Ohio--Alex and Ani went to Jared and, apparently, it didn’t go so well.
Court papers filed in federal court in Ohio show that Sterling Jewelers Inc., operator of the Jared the Galleria of Jewelry chain, is suing the Providence, Rhode Island-based bangle brand for breach of contract.
Sterling, a wholly owned subsidiary of Signet Jewelers Ltd., and Alex and Ani inked an agreement in August 2015 to do a test run of the brand’s bangles in about 100 Jared stores.
Under
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Alex and Ani’s sales terms, Sterling was allowed to sell its bangles at particular brick-and-mortar Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores but was barred from employing “certain discounting strategies,” which included both marking down the bangles and selling them at any of the company’s outlet stores.
The merchandise didn’t move for Sterling, with the retailer stating in its lawsuit that, “because of the Alex and Ani sales terms, Sterling encountered difficulty selling the products and sales of the products soon began underperforming and continued to underperform into 2016.”
Sterling also stated in the suit that Alex and Ani’s “ongoing concerns about possible negative effect on its brand” prevented it from selling its backlog of inventory to a third-party seller.
Between this and the restrictions on discounting, the retailer was sitting on as much as $6 million of Alex and Ani inventory at one point.
In July 2016, about a year after the initial agreement was reached, Sterling and the bangle brand reached an agreement whereby Alex and Ani would buy back $3 million in merchandise.
The following month, Sterling returned the first shipment of jewelry, worth nearly $900,000. Alex and Ani accepted the shipment, and a company representative told Sterling it would get its money as soon as the shipment was processed.
More than a year later, Sterling still has not received its money for the first shipment, court papers state, nor has Alex and Ani repurchased the rest of the $3 million in merchandise in the agreement.
At the end of August 2016, Sterling terminated its agreement with Alex and Ani, then attempted to “mitigate its damages” by discounting the Alex and Ani jewelry so the retailer could move it, but was hit with multiple cease-and-desist letters by Alex and Ani, which were “wrongfully claiming” Sterling was violating their agreement.
Sterling is seeking about $2.6 million in damages plus interest and attorneys’ fees, as set forth in the 2015 agreement.
Alex and Ani’s attorney, Mark J. Geragos, of Los Angeles law firm Geragos & Geragos, said Wednesday that his client and Sterling Jewelers already have engaged in “very cordial and informal” talks, and he expects the lawsuit will end up getting dismissed quickly.
Sterling Jewelers Inc. originally filed suit against Alex and Ani LLC in the Court of Common Pleas for Summit County, Ohio, the county where Signet is headquartered, in November.
The case was moved to federal court in December at Alex and Ani’s request.
The merchandise didn’t move for Sterling, with the retailer stating in its lawsuit that, “because of the Alex and Ani sales terms, Sterling encountered difficulty selling the products and sales of the products soon began underperforming and continued to underperform into 2016.”
Sterling also stated in the suit that Alex and Ani’s “ongoing concerns about possible negative effect on its brand” prevented it from selling its backlog of inventory to a third-party seller.
Between this and the restrictions on discounting, the retailer was sitting on as much as $6 million of Alex and Ani inventory at one point.
In July 2016, about a year after the initial agreement was reached, Sterling and the bangle brand reached an agreement whereby Alex and Ani would buy back $3 million in merchandise.
The following month, Sterling returned the first shipment of jewelry, worth nearly $900,000. Alex and Ani accepted the shipment, and a company representative told Sterling it would get its money as soon as the shipment was processed.
More than a year later, Sterling still has not received its money for the first shipment, court papers state, nor has Alex and Ani repurchased the rest of the $3 million in merchandise in the agreement.
At the end of August 2016, Sterling terminated its agreement with Alex and Ani, then attempted to “mitigate its damages” by discounting the Alex and Ani jewelry so the retailer could move it, but was hit with multiple cease-and-desist letters by Alex and Ani, which were “wrongfully claiming” Sterling was violating their agreement.
Sterling is seeking about $2.6 million in damages plus interest and attorneys’ fees, as set forth in the 2015 agreement.
Alex and Ani’s attorney, Mark J. Geragos, of Los Angeles law firm Geragos & Geragos, said Wednesday that his client and Sterling Jewelers already have engaged in “very cordial and informal” talks, and he expects the lawsuit will end up getting dismissed quickly.
Sterling Jewelers Inc. originally filed suit against Alex and Ani LLC in the Court of Common Pleas for Summit County, Ohio, the county where Signet is headquartered, in November.
The case was moved to federal court in December at Alex and Ani’s request.
More on Majors
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
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.
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.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
