SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
MajorsJan 23, 2018
Judge Drops Thousands from Sterling Discrimination Case
Federal judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled that an arbitrator overstepped her bounds in including women who did not opt into the class.
New York--A federal judge ruled last week that the arbitrator in charge of the sex discrimination case against Sterling Jewelers overstepped her bounds in including women who did not opt into the class, and he cut thousands of women from the case.
Arbitrator Kathleen A. Roberts ruled in February 2015 that women could pursue claims of pay and promotion discrimination against the retailer as a class, and certified a class of approximately 70,000 individuals that included all women who had worked for Sterling within a specific range of dates, regardless of whether or not they had said they wanted to be part of the case.
Sterling appealed the decision twice and in July 2017, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the retailer, ruling that the issue of whether or not an arbitrator has the power to include people who do not opt into the class had never been “squarely addressed,” and remanded the issue to the U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
On Jan. 16, federal Judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled that the arbitrator does not have this power, writing in his decision, “Arbitrators are not judges. Nowhere in the Federal Arbitration Act does Congress confer upon these private citizens the power to bind individuals and businesses except in so far as the relevant individuals and businesses have bound themselves.”
“The court finds that the arbitrator here had no authority to decide whether the RESOLVE agreement permitted class-action procedures for anyone other than the named parties who chose to present her with that question and those other individuals who chose to opt in to the proceeding before her.”
RESOLVE is the name for Sterling’s internal dispute resolution system; upon hire, all employees agree to settle any workplace disputes in private arbitration, a practice some lawmakers are looking to force companies to change because, they say, it can discourage women who have been discriminated against or sexually harassed from speaking up.
The judge’s ruling cuts the size of the class down from 70,000 to the approximately 250 women who either filed the original arbitration claim under Title VII--which covers claims of promotion discrimination--or were part of the claim before the 2015 class certification that Rakoff just overturned.
There are, however, 10,000 other women who opted into a separate class in 2016 under claims brought under the Equal Pay Act (EPA).
Washington, D.C.-based attorney Joseph Sellers, who represents the women who filed
the case against Sterling, said he “respectfully disagrees” with Judge Rakoff’s decision and already has filed an appeal.
“At the very least, we think we should proceed to trial on behalf of the claims of more than 9,000 women. We hope the Second Circuit (Court of Appeals) will allow the balance of the women’s claims,” he said, referring to the 60,000 women excluded by Rakoff’s decision.
David Bouffard, the vice president of corporate affairs for Sterling parent company Signet Jewelers Ltd., said the company will be challenging the certification of the EPA class as well.
The sex discrimination case against Sterling began back in 2008 when a group of 12 women who used to work at the retailer’s stores accused it of paying women less than men and passing them over for promotions.
Filed as part of that case but not released until this past spring were more 1,000 pages of sworn statements obtained by The Washington Post that went beyond allegations of pay and promotion discrimination, painting a portrait of Sterling in the late ‘90s and early 2000s as a boys’ club where the sexist culture started at the top with now-departed CEO Mark Light.
These claims are not part of the class arbitration, and Sterling has repeatedly disputed them, saying they give a distorted and inaccurate picture of the company’s culture.
“At the very least, we think we should proceed to trial on behalf of the claims of more than 9,000 women. We hope the Second Circuit (Court of Appeals) will allow the balance of the women’s claims,” he said, referring to the 60,000 women excluded by Rakoff’s decision.
David Bouffard, the vice president of corporate affairs for Sterling parent company Signet Jewelers Ltd., said the company will be challenging the certification of the EPA class as well.
RELATED CONTENT: EEOC, Signet Reach Settlement in Discrimination CaseThe ruling, and subsequent appeal, is the latest in a convoluted case that has stretched on for nearly a decade and has included numerous rulings and appeals on the issue of allowing the women to pursue their claims as a class even though their case has to be heard in arbitration.
The sex discrimination case against Sterling began back in 2008 when a group of 12 women who used to work at the retailer’s stores accused it of paying women less than men and passing them over for promotions.
Filed as part of that case but not released until this past spring were more 1,000 pages of sworn statements obtained by The Washington Post that went beyond allegations of pay and promotion discrimination, painting a portrait of Sterling in the late ‘90s and early 2000s as a boys’ club where the sexist culture started at the top with now-departed CEO Mark Light.
These claims are not part of the class arbitration, and Sterling has repeatedly disputed them, saying they give a distorted and inaccurate picture of the company’s culture.
More on Majors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
