FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
EditorsSep 04, 2015
Right now, the force is with Signet
I missed hearing the live broadcast of Signet Jewelers’ second quarter earnings call last week, as I was on vacation visiting my family in Pittsburgh and soaking in some very Western Pennsylvania-esque things: a Pirates game at PNC Park (highly recommended); Fallingwater, the spectacular home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Kaufmann family in the Laurel Highlands (highly recommended); and my extended family (less highly recommended.)
Notice that I said noteworthy, not surprising: It’s no shock that a company that has a history of hitting the right note with consumers—Open Hearts with Jane Seymour is just one example—continues to introduce lines with great potential. And it’s even less surprising now, considering Signet’s size (its 3,500 stores make it the world’s largest specialty jeweler by store count and second only to Chow Tai Fook in sales), spending power and vertical integration. (Signet became a De Beers sightholder last year.)
Here are a few of the product highlights that caught my ear on the earnings call.
--Alex and Ani. Let’s start off with the big one. As we reported (perhaps under-reported) last week, Signet CEO Mark Light said on the call that they would be testing the popular fashion bangle brand in 108 of the approximately 250 Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores beginning mid-month. Following a question from an analyst, he made it clear that it wouldn’t be an Alex and Ani line designed exclusively for Jared but, rather, just an assortment of the brand’s already existing products.
--Star Wars. Go ahead. Watch the trailer for The Force Awakens below. I did while I was writing this, twice.
As everyone likely knows by now, the seventh installment in the epic space soap opera is set for release this December. Just this week, we’ve reported on two companies that have received licenses to sell Star Wars-themed fine jewelry, Berlin-based designer Malaika Raiss and Signet. Light said Kay Jewelers will be “one of select jewelers” that will peddle jewelry and beads based on the uber-popular movie franchise this holiday season.
WATCH: The trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Disney, which added Star Wars to its stable when paid $4 billion for Lucasfilm in 2012, is putting together a massive retail push for Star Wars VII, and analysts predict the new film could generate as much as $5 billion in merchandise sales in its first year of release.
The push actually starts today, Sept. 4, with the official release of The Force Awakens merchandise
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
on “Force Friday.” You can see the Charmed Memories Star Wars beads that Signet is selling on the Kay Jewelers website.
I don’t know how sales of Star Wars jewelry will stand up to, say, toys, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc., but I think jewelers would be happy with even a small cut of that estimated $5 billion. Not to mention, what retailer wouldn’t want to be involved in any kind of event that gets consumers inspired to buy? Excited, must they be.
--Miracle Links. Miracle Links are circular pendants available in karat gold or set with colored gemstones and diamonds that are a subtle take on personalized jewelry, which continues to be popular. A new mom has one larger link that represents herself and can tack on additional links in varying metal and stone colors as additional children are born. I can see this product having widespread appeal.
--Chosen Diamond. Signet hasn’t released a ton of detail on this one just yet and so far the test market is pretty small, only 60 Jared stores. Light said it will “resonate with the sentimentalist customer that Jared attracts,” as customers will be able to trace the journey of their diamond from mine to market. It sounds a lot like Forevermark, which is still being tested in select Jared stores, four in Virginia and six in Maryland.
There’s also a “new must-have jewelry product” that Signet first mentioned at its investor conference in June and that Light referenced again in the call last week. Whatever this “must-have” item is, Signet will be selling it in all its stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. beginning in late October and will support it with “one of the most comprehensive marketing programs in the history of our company,” Light said.
Enjoy the long weekend. It is shaping up to be an interesting fall.
I don’t know how sales of Star Wars jewelry will stand up to, say, toys, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc., but I think jewelers would be happy with even a small cut of that estimated $5 billion. Not to mention, what retailer wouldn’t want to be involved in any kind of event that gets consumers inspired to buy? Excited, must they be.
--Miracle Links. Miracle Links are circular pendants available in karat gold or set with colored gemstones and diamonds that are a subtle take on personalized jewelry, which continues to be popular. A new mom has one larger link that represents herself and can tack on additional links in varying metal and stone colors as additional children are born. I can see this product having widespread appeal.
--Chosen Diamond. Signet hasn’t released a ton of detail on this one just yet and so far the test market is pretty small, only 60 Jared stores. Light said it will “resonate with the sentimentalist customer that Jared attracts,” as customers will be able to trace the journey of their diamond from mine to market. It sounds a lot like Forevermark, which is still being tested in select Jared stores, four in Virginia and six in Maryland.
There’s also a “new must-have jewelry product” that Signet first mentioned at its investor conference in June and that Light referenced again in the call last week. Whatever this “must-have” item is, Signet will be selling it in all its stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. beginning in late October and will support it with “one of the most comprehensive marketing programs in the history of our company,” Light said.
Enjoy the long weekend. It is shaping up to be an interesting fall.
More on Editors
The Latest
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
