Majors

Saks Fifth Avenue Opens ‘The Vault’

MajorsSep 06, 2019

Saks Fifth Avenue Opens ‘The Vault’

The luxury retailer more than doubled the space dedicated to high jewelry and timepieces at its New York City flagship store.

20190906_The_Vault_Saks_Fifth_Avenue.jpg
Saks Fifth Avenue just opened The Vault, which features six jewelry shop-in-shops and eight watch boutiques, at its New York City flagship store. (Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue/Justin Bridges)
New York—Saks Fifth Avenue shoppers may now enter The Vault, a space dedicated to high jewelry and watches on the lower level of the retailer’s New York City flagship store.

The retailer worked with architecture and design firm Gensler to convert the 12,000-square-foot basement storage area of its Fifth Avenue flagship into retail space, doubling the square footage previously dedicated to jewelry.

The construction of The Vault is part of the larger renovation that included the remodeling of the jewelry department on the second floor, which opened last spring.

“We have created the ultimate luxury destination for high fine jewelry and watches in New York City,” Tracy Margolies, chief merchant at Saks Fifth Avenue, said in a press release on the opening of The Vault.

Customers are invited down into the swanky space, which opened Wednesday, by way of a designer escalator created by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.

The decor is modeled after the “opulent” bank interiors of the 1920s as well as the detailing present in luxury watches, featuring vault doors, leather accents, metal textures and sculptures inspired by safety deposit boxes.

There are six fine jewelry shop-in-shops occupying the space: Boucheron, Chanel, Chopard, Graff, Piaget and Repossi.

These are the first U.S. shop-in-shops for Paris-based brands Boucheron and Repossi.

Saks is the exclusive retailer in New York for Assael, Dena Kemp, Nini Jewels and Tabbah, which are sold in The Vault too along with a number of other jewelry brands, including Adam Foster Fine Jewelry, Lorraine Schwartz, Katy Briscoe, Martin Katz, Montblanc, Oscar Heyman, Piranesi, and Robert Procop, with some offering one-of-a-kind store exclusives.

SEE: One-of-a-Kind Jewelry on Display in The Vault

Customers can step into one of the two private VIP viewing rooms to get a closer look at the jewelry and watches.

Eight watch brands are in The Vault as well: Baume & Mercier, Frank Muller, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, TAG Heuer and Vacheron Constantin.

Baume & Mercier’s space will be its first vendor-designed shop in a retailer in North America.

Saks Fifth Avenue noted it now has the largest selection of men’s watches in its history.

“With a unique atmosphere and impressive merchandise selection, Saks is delivering one-of-a-kind experiences, creating personal connections with our customers and transforming the way they shop for these valuable and lifelong pieces,” President Marc Metrick said.

The Vault is the latest step in the retailer’s $250 million “Grand Renovation” plan for its New York City flagship, which also included remodeling its shoe and beauty departments.

Metrick said The Vault was the “epitome” of the retailer’s new luxury strategy, which focuses on individuality, personalization and ease.

In The Vault, an exhibition space has been set aside to feature brand partners, guest curators, special collaborations and other events.

Tiffany & Co. will be the special guest in the space for the opening weeks.

The Tiffany collection on display includes diamond earrings weighing more than 16 carats, a 6-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond ring and a necklace with a sapphire weighing more than 14 carats set in diamonds.

The International Lounge offers multilingual concierge service to cater to shoppers visiting from abroad, as well as luggage and coat storage, package pick-up and other services.

Jewelry and watch repair services also are available.

Customers can head to the International Visitors Center to take a tour of the historic flagship.

Saks has digital initiatives in the works as well, including monthly online jewelry trunk shows and exclusive digital events for top clients. 
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

1872-x-1052-July-ad (2).png
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Etsy office Dumbo Brooklyn
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of Workforce

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

Syna Star Gazer Pendant
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars Pendant

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

An interior shot of the Musee Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M Heist

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Claire’s new piercing experience
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall collection rings
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income Shoppers

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America Book Cover
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

Ani Khachian
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-Elect

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

JCPenney storefront
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney Stores

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

The Roaring Jewel Martini
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K Martini

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

Bulgari San Diego Store Exterior
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San Diego

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Mugshots of four men
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s Home

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American Market

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

Gemlok earrings
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires Gemlok

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now Unidad Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry Brand

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store Robberies

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

Spider-Man Citizen watch and pin on a web
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s Dream

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Chatham Men’s Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s Collection

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

Pomellato Marvelous Griffe earrings
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Edina Kiss Popsicle Pendant and Karina Choudhrie Ice Cream Charm
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

Macy’s Herald Square store sign
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn Down

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

Stock image of a polished diamond being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO Says

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte in Washington, D.C.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect

David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy