SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
MajorsFeb 27, 2019
Sterling, Alex and Ani Lawsuit Settled
The case has been closed after more than a year of litigation and back-and-forth breach of contract claims.
Akron, Ohio—The lawsuits between Signet-owned Sterling Jewelers Inc. and Alex and Ani LLC has ended with a fizzle instead of a bang after about 14 months of litigation.
The case was dismissed with prejudice by Judge Sara Lioi of the Northern District of Ohio federal court, meaning it can’t be tried again.
No specific settlement details were made public, though it is known that each party agreed to pay its own legal fees.
The legal drama dates back to August 2015 when Sterling Jewelers agreed to sell Alex and Ani’s bangles in 100 Jared stores in a test-run trial.
Per the agreement, the bangles could not be marked down or sold at outlets.
However, Sterling claimed these restrictions cut into sales, leaving the retailer with as much as $6 million in unsold Alex and Ani inventory.
In July 2016, the parties reached an agreement for Alex and Ani to buy back about $3 million in merchandise.
Sterling sent back around $900,000 in inventory, which Alex and Ani accepted, but had not paid for more than a year later.
Sterling terminated the agreement in August 2016 and discounted Alex and Ani’s merchandise to try to recoup some of its losses, despite several cease-and-desist letters from the jewelry brand.
In November 2017, Sterling filed suit against Alex and Ani in the Court of Common Pleas for Summit County, Ohio, the county where Signet is headquartered, accusing it of breach of contract. The case was moved to federal court in Ohio the following month at Alex and Ani’s request.
The Sterling suit asked for about $2.6 million in damages, plus interest and attorneys’ fees.
Alex and Ani fired back with a counterclaim against Sterling parent company Signet Jewelers Ltd., arguing that Sterling breached the contract by selling through “unauthorized channels.”
Alex and Ani’s counterclaim states that it became aware on Aug. 26, 2016 that Sterling was selling 459 of its bangle styles on Jared.com at a discount, but had not terminated the agreement until Aug. 30, 2016.
“It is apparent from the timing that Sterling terminated the agreements in an attempt to avoid the consequences of breach of the agreements,” the countersuit stated.
The attorneys representing Alex and Ani did not respond to a request for comment regarding the settlement.
Signet Vice President of Corporate Affairs David Bouffard said: “The matter was resolved and settled to the parties’ mutual satisfaction.”
More on Majors
The Latest
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
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.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
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.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
