IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
FinancialsAug 18, 2016
Sterling introduces new outlet concept, Jared Vault
Sterling Jewelers is converting some of the Ultra Diamond outlets it purchased in 2012 into Jared Vault stores, a chain of outlet stores that sell overstock from Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.
Akron, Ohio--Sterling Jewelers is converting some of the Ultra Diamond outlets it purchased in 2012 into Jared Vault stores, a chain of outlet stores that sell overstock from Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.
During a conference call held Thursday morning, company executives said they opened 18 Jared Vault stores in the first quarter, and expect to convert another 13 in the second quarter for a total of 31, essentially completing the transition of all Ultra stores into either Kay Outlet or Jared Vault stores.
While a company spokesman declined to provide a specific listing of the locations of the 31 Jared Vault stores, he did confirm they are located throughout the South, with some in the Northeast and a few in the West and Midwest.
“We are really excited by what we have seen in Jared Vaults,” Mike Barnes, CEO of Signet Jewelers Ltd., Sterling’s parent company, said during the call. “I don’t want to get too far in front of it but it was really dramatic the change we saw when we changed the nameplates.
“Vault gives it the feeling you are getting something valuable and not just discounted merchandise.”
Signet made the announcement Thursday morning during its first quarter earnings call with investors and analysts.
Sales were strong for the retailer in the first part of the year, and company executives said they continued to be strong in May, especially for Mother’s Day.
Signet’s U.S. division, comprised of Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and a number of regional brands, posted a 3 percent year-over-year increase in same-store sales. Kay Jewelers turned in the strongest performance, with comps up 4 percent as compared with a 2 percent increase for Jared. An increase in the number of transactions at both drove the same-store sales increase.
Total U.S. sales rose 5 percent to $903.5 million. Fashion diamond jewelry, bridal and watches were the company’s best-sellers in the first quarter.
E-commerce sales rose 21 percent to $30.9 million, and more than 40 percent of visitors to the company’s e-commerce websites came from mobile devices.
Including Signet’s U.K. division, first quarter same-store sales were up 3 percent year-over-year, with the U.K. division posting
a 4 percent increase in same-store sales. Total sales for the company rose 6 percent, from $993.6 million to $1.06 billion.
The Zale shareholder vote on the Signet merger is set for May 29.
Editor's note: This story was updated after publication on May 22 to add a comment from Signet Jewelers Ltd. on the location of its Jared Vault stores.
Operating income was $150.7 million, compared with $142.8 million a year ago.
“We remain pleased with our performance also for the first several weeks of May, including Mother’s Day,” Barnes said, adding that the retailer’s second quarter sales performance has been better than expected to date.
Also on Thursday, Signet released a statement reiterating its commitment to the $21-per-share price it is offering to buy rival Zale Corp., a price that has come under fire from certain groups of investors who say it is too low and are encouraging Zale’s shareholders to vote against the acquisition.
Signet urged Zale shareholders to vote for the merger. The company also said in the event the transaction doesn’t go through it remains “acutely focused on its own business.”The Zale shareholder vote on the Signet merger is set for May 29.
Editor's note: This story was updated after publication on May 22 to add a comment from Signet Jewelers Ltd. on the location of its Jared Vault stores.
More on Financials
The Latest
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
