ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
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
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
