CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
MajorsJul 23, 2019
Judge Certifies Signet Investor Lawsuit as a Class Action
It now includes all persons or entities that acquired Signet common stock from Aug. 29, 2013 to May 25, 2017.
New York—A federal judge in New York has certified a lawsuit filed by shareholders against Signet Jewelers Ltd. as a class action and declined the retailer’s request to revisit the ruling.
The lawsuit, filed in 2016 by The Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi, accuses the retailer of misrepresenting two aspects of the company: the health of its credit portfolio (which the company has since outsourced) and the depth and breadth of allegations of a culture of “pervasive” sexual harassment.
The suit now includes all persons or entities that acquired Signet common stock from Aug. 29, 2013 to May 25, 2017.
The day following the class certification, July 11, Signet’s counsel asked the judge for clarification regarding evidence pertaining to the sexual harassment aspect of the suit, particularly the role its Code of Conduct played in misleading investors.
Signet had sought dismissal of the sexual harassment aspect of the lawsuit in May, claiming that its Code of Conduct was an example of “puffery” and acting in contrast to it shouldn’t be viewed as misleading investors.
(Claiming a statement is “puffery”—that it is so general the average person would not rely upon it as fact—is often used as a defense against claims of fraud, especially claims of false advertising.)
U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon denied Signet’s motion, noting that some statements included in a company’s code of conduct can be specific enough for investors to rely upon when deciding to invest in a company and highlighted the importance of context given Signet’s ongoing legal proceedings, particularly Jock, et al. v. Sterling Jewelers Inc., the case filed in March 2008 by several women accusing the company of discriminatory pay and promotion practices based on their gender.
“The problem for defendants is that … Signet’s codes of conduct and ethics—again, reincorporated by reference in Signet’s SEC filings and posted on Signet’s website after Jock was filed—touted certain values and practices that constitute the exact opposite of what the company allegedly valued and practiced,” she wrote in a court filing.
The investors’ counsel viewed the request for clarification as Signet’s latest attempt to dismiss the company culture aspect of the case after five failed attempts to do so, calling it the “sixth bite at the proverbial apple.”
McMahon sided with the plaintiffs in a handwritten memo scribbled on top of Signet’s request for clarification, writing: “I agree with the plaintiff’s counsel—my ruling is crystal clear. There is nothing to
clarify. Your understanding is completely, totally and utterly wrong.”
The case, known as In re Signet Jewelers Limited Securities Litigation, is currently in pre-trial proceedings.
Signet Jewelers declined to comment on the judge’s decisions, saying it does not comment on pending legal matters.
The case, known as In re Signet Jewelers Limited Securities Litigation, is currently in pre-trial proceedings.
Signet Jewelers declined to comment on the judge’s decisions, saying it does not comment on pending legal matters.
The Latest
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
