CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
TechnologyMay 10, 2015
Blue Nile store to open in New York mall
The online retailer revealed a bit more about its plans to open a store where consumers can try on--but not buy--jewelry during the company’s earnings call Friday morning.
Seattle--Blue Nile revealed a bit more about its plans to open a store where consumers can try on--but not buy--jewelry during the company’s earnings call on Friday morning.
The company confirmed that the store will be, as previously speculated, in Roosevelt Field, a mall in Garden City (Long Island), N.Y. that is home to a Kay Jewelers, Zales, Na Hoku, Rolex, Swarovski and a Fast-Fix jewelry store and repair shop, as well as an Apple store and mid-tier retailers such as Ann Taylor, Gap and Aldo.
A Blue Nile spokesman declined to reveal exactly when the store will open but, when asked about its size and location, said it would be a “small space” near Macy’s and the yet-to-open Lord & Taylor store.
Roosevelt Field is the same mall where Blue Nile set up a try-on-but-don’t-buy showcase within a Nordstrom store, an experiment that has now ended. The Seattle-based e-tailer also had a showcase in the Nordstrom flagship in Seattle.
The store, Blue Nile’s first standalone physical space, is designed just as a place for customers to try on Blue Nile jewelry. Any purchases still must be made online, at least for now.
In addition, New York is one of the states where Blue Nile already must collect sales tax, as all online retailers have been required to do so in the Empire State since 2008. So, having this “webroom concept experience,” which constitutes a physical presence in the state, won’t change anything tax-wise for the e-tailer in New York.
The company’s revelations about its latest retail experiment came during the its first quarter results conference call, held Friday morning.
The e-tailer reported that sales in the period ending April 5 fell short of its expectations due to softness in the high-end market--the company said it sold $2 million less of products over $50,000 during the quarter--and in an industry that CEO Harvey Kanter described as “experiencing overall challenges.”
Total sales reached $106.5 million, a 3 percent increase when compared with the first quarter 2014. Net income totaled $1.2 million, and was flat year-over-year. Gross profit as a percent of net sales improved slightly, from 18.4 percent to 18.8 percent, due to fewer big sales, which generally have slimmer margins.
U.S. engagement ring sales were up 2 percent, from $59.7 million to $61.0 million, with the company moving more units at lower price points.
Non-engagement ring
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
sales declined 0.3 percent. Kanter said that sales of fashion jewelry were up year-over-year but wedding band sales were flat, despite the fact that Blue Nile was less promotional with that category.
International net sales were up 9 percent (16 percent at constant exchange rates), from $17.9 million to $19.5 million.
Despite a first quarter that fell short of expectations, Blue Nile executives said they are maintaining their guidance for the fiscal year. They added that they expect diamond prices, which have been falling, to stabilize and then increase in the second half of the year.
During the first quarter, Blue Nile announced that its next branded line of engagement rings and fashion jewelry would be with Colin Cowie, who also is going to serve as a spokesperson for the e-tailer. A well-known wedding designer, Cowie already is familiar to many in the jewelry industry because of his previous partnership with the Platinum Guild International (PGI USA).
The Cowie-branded line of baubles joins a growing collection of branded merchandise on Blue Nile, which also has lines of bridal and fashion jewelry created with fashion designers Zac Posen and Monique Lhuillier.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect the fact that the yet-to-open department store that Blue Nile will be located near is a Neiman Marcus, not a Lord & Taylor, as previously reported.
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’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.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
