NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
Signet continues to post strong sales
Same-store sales increased 4 percent in the retailer’s fiscal first quarter, with both bridal and diamond fashion jewelry performing particularly well.
Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. reported Thursday that its first quarter comps rose 4 percent year-over-year, with its U.K. stores and newly acquired Zale division leading the way.
Total sales in the quarter ended May 2 reached $1.53 billion, up from $474.5 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to the acquisition of Zale completed in May 2014.
In North America, Zale division stores--Zales, Piercing Pagoda and Gordon’s Jewelers as well as Peoples and Mappins Jewellers in Canada--outperformed Sterling Jewelers, which includes Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores.
Zale posted a 6 percent year-over-year increase in same-store sales during the quarter, while Kay’s comps were up 4 percent and Jared’s same-store sales essentially were flat.
Diamond jewelry, both fashion and bridal, branded and non-branded, did well in all stores, Signet CEO Mark Light said during the company’s earnings call Thursday morning.
Sales were strong of the Diamonds in Rhythm and Unstoppable Love lines of diamond fashion jewelry carried in Kay/Jared and Zales, respectively.
Signet also launched an Instagram and Pinterest account for Kay Jewelers during the quarter.
For Jared, Signet’s weakest performer in the quarter, Light said they are testing radio advertising targeting bridal customers and launched the chain’s first brand book during the quarter, used for direct mail marketing and in stores.
Overall, the first quarter of fiscal 2016 marked the 22nd consecutive quarter of positive comps for Sterling Jewelers, while Zale, which Signet acquired last year, also has been consistently posting positive numbers.
“I feel as good as ever about our future for the near, the medium and long term,” Light said.
The Latest

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.


Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.





















