AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
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
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
