ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
