EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
MajorsFeb 13, 2020
Sterling Wants To Take Pay Bias Case to Highest Court
The retailer wants the Supreme Court to reverse the latest ruling in its long-running legal battle over pay and promotion discrimination.
Sterling Jewelers Inc. is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review the most recent ruling in the pay and promotion discrimination case first filed against it in 2008.
New York—Sterling Jewelers Inc., a subsidiary of industry giant Signet Jewelers, wants the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the latest ruling in its long-running legal battle over pay and promotion discrimination.
In November 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit overturned a lower court’s ruling that cut thousands of women from the case.
The appeals court said the arbitrator in the case—which was filed in 2008 by a group of women who allege they were paid less than men and passed over for promotions while working at the jeweler—was within her rights when she certified the case as a class action that includes tens of thousands of current and former female employees.
Sterling has long argued against this notion, contending that the arbitrator, Kathleen A. Roberts, can only include the dozen women who originally sued the jeweler and the couple hundred who affirmatively opted into the arbitration proceeding.
Under Sterling’s interpretation, the number of claimants would be cut down from about 70,000 to less than 300.
The case has gone back and forth on appeals over this issue nearly a half-dozen times, and now it could be headed to the highest court in the land.
Following the Second Circuit’s ruling in November, Sterling requested an en banc hearing (a hearing in front of multiple judges, not just a three-judge panel) of the appellate court’s decision on Dec. 2.
The court, which rarely grants such reviews, denied that petition on Jan. 15.
On Jan. 21, Sterling indicated its intention to file a petition with the Supreme Court to review the case and asked the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to stay its mandate (essentially, pause any proceedings in the case) in the meantime, which was granted.
In its motion for the stay, the jewelry retailer said it is “reasonably probable” the Supreme Court will grant its petition and there is a “fair prospect” the majority of the court’s nine justices will vote to reverse the appellate court’s most recent decision in the case.
“The issues at hand are legally significant, and appropriate for review by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Sterling parent company Signet said in a statement to National Jeweler.
“A recent Supreme Court decision endorsed Sterling’s position on this matter, and we will request its further review of the case based on those principles. We believe the claims in this matter are without merit and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
are not substantiated by the relevant facts and statistics. We will continue to vigorously defend against these claims, as they do not accurately reflect our company or our culture.”
But Joseph M. Sellers, one of the Washington, D.C.-based attorneys who represents the women, pointed out that the appellate court’s November 2019 decision was unanimous, and that none of the Second Circuit’s active judges voted in favor of an en banc review.
“We feel that this reflects this was a sound decision, and we hope and expect the [Supreme] Court will deny review,” he said.
The Supreme Court hears cases from October through April. Its current term opened Oct. 1, and the court is scheduled to hear arguments through April 29.
Signet’s certiorari petition is due April 14, meaning that while the court may rule to grant or deny the petition before the end of this term, it most likely will not hear the case (if it chooses to do so) until fall 2020 at the earliest, when the new term begins.
But Joseph M. Sellers, one of the Washington, D.C.-based attorneys who represents the women, pointed out that the appellate court’s November 2019 decision was unanimous, and that none of the Second Circuit’s active judges voted in favor of an en banc review.
“We feel that this reflects this was a sound decision, and we hope and expect the [Supreme] Court will deny review,” he said.
The Supreme Court hears cases from October through April. Its current term opened Oct. 1, and the court is scheduled to hear arguments through April 29.
Signet’s certiorari petition is due April 14, meaning that while the court may rule to grant or deny the petition before the end of this term, it most likely will not hear the case (if it chooses to do so) until fall 2020 at the earliest, when the new term begins.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
