Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Watches of Switzerland Goes Public, The RealReal Plans IPO
Here’s what you need to know about the newest publicly-traded luxury retailers.

New York—Publicly-traded watch and jewelry companies are few and far between, a drop in the bucket compared with tech and biotech stocks, but recently notable names have thrown their hats into the stock market ring.
Watches of Switzerland announced in May that it was considering an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange.
The watch company debuted on the exchange later that month and has a market cap of £706.4 million ($898.2 million) as of press time.
The company went public in an effort to slash its mounting debt and raise capital to grow its presence in the United States.
The brand is well-established in the United Kingdom with 125 stores but has gradually been increasing its footprint in the U.S. since 2017, opening a handful of retail locations.
Its flagship is located in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, and its latest store is in Hudson Yards, a recently opened upscale development in Manhattan that has been called “a billionaire’s fantasy city.”
But Tiffany & Co. is one of the only luxury retailers listed on the S&P 500, so there may be room for more high-end retailers on Wall Street.
Luxury e-tailer and reseller The RealReal Inc. announced its IPO aspirations in January and declared its upcoming trading debut on the Nasdaq last week.
The online consignment site, which was founded in 2011, specializes in secondhand luxury apparel and accessories, offering brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.
In the jewelry category, the editors’ picks of the month include an iconic Cartier Love bracelet in 18-karat yellow gold for $4,550 (estimated retail price of $6,300) and an 18-karat rose gold Chopard sport watch for $15,295 (estimated retail price of $29,900).
A team of more than 100 brand authenticators, including gemologists and horologists, verify markers of authenticity, like serial tags and hologram stickers.
The company is not yet profitable, reporting a net loss of $75.8 million in 2018. Revenue is on the rise, however, climbing 55 percent year-over-year to $207.4 million.
The site processed 1.6 million orders in 2018, a 42 percent increase compared with the previous year, with an average order value of $446.
The RealReal has been building out its brick-and-mortar presence, opening its third New York City location on the Upper East Side.
It has 10 in-person consignment offices in total, located in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and Washington, D.C.
The date of its Nasdaq debut has not been announced.
The Latest

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.


Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.