The 197-carat Russian Crown jewel was the leading lot of Sotheby's white-glove Royal & Noble Jewels sale this week.
Tiffany’s Sales in the Americas Are Up 8% So Far This Year
And CEO Alessandro Bogliolo teased the introduction of what the company describes as an “innovative diamond ring concept.”

New York—Tiffany & Co.’s turnaround plan seems to be working.
On Tuesday, the New York-based retailer reported better-than-expected second quarter and first half results, and raised its guidance for the full year.
In the Americas region (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Chile), total net sales rose 8 percent in both the first half and second quarter, with same-store sales rising 9 percent and 8 percent, respectively. (Percentage increases were the same on a constant-exchange-rate basis.)
Sales rose across most of the region, Tiffany said, with spending by local customers—not tourists—accounting for the increase.
Worldwide, net sales increased 12 percent (11 percent on a constant-exchange-rate basis) to $1.1 billion in the second quarter, with same-store sales rising 8 percent (7 percent on a constant-exchange-rate basis).
Meanwhile, first-half total sales were up 13 percent (11 percent on a constant-exchange-rate basis) to $2.1 billion and comps rose 9 percent (7 percent on a constant-exchange-rate basis).
Net earnings increased 26 percent year-over-year in the second quarter and 38 percent in the first half of the year.
Gross margin improved from 62.5 percent to 64 percent in the second quarter, and from 62.3 percent to 63.5 percent in the first half.
In the company news release announcing the results, CEO Alessandro Bogliolo teased the introduction of what he called an “innovative diamond ring concept,” Tiffany True, in North America in the second half of the year, along with a special focus on product personalization, high jewelry and a “whimsical holiday campaign.”
He also said: “While in the early stages of addressing our six key strategic priorities, we are pleased with initial customer reaction to our new communication, product and in-store initiatives. The launch of ‘Paper Flowers’ … is moving toward full global distribution, and we believe our evolved brand message is gaining momentum.”
The retailer backed the launch of Paper Flowers with a new marketing campaign, “Believe in Dreams,” which involved painting the town its signature robin’s egg blue, covering New York City icons like taxi cabs and subway stations in the cool tone.
Paper Flowers is the first new major collection since Tiffany Keys in 2009 and the first designed under Reed Krakoff.
It helped propel the company’s in-house jewelry lines to become the top performer of 2018 so far, with Tiffany Jewelry Collections outselling both engagement rings and designer lines from Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2018, the retailer
Tiffany now forecasts sales will rise by a high-single-digit percentage over last year, though it does expect operating margin to sink due to significant selling, general and administrative expense growth, which includes the money it is spending to renovate its Fifth Avenue flagship and increased investments in marketing and technology.
“We believe that the thoughtful combination of making short- and long-range strategic investments is necessary to achieve the full growth potential of this legendary brand,” Bogliolo said.
Tiffany ended the second quarter with 320 stores worldwide, up from 312 a year ago.
Its store count in the Americas remained largely flat year-over-year: 123 as of July 31 compared with 124 at the same point last year.
The Latest

The “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.

Alter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.

With over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.

Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.


Three of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.

Unseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

The curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.

The next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.

The 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.

If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.

An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.

These nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.

The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.

GIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.

The “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.






















