TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
FinancialsAug 18, 2016
Sterling introduces new outlet concept, Jared Vault
Sterling Jewelers is converting some of the Ultra Diamond outlets it purchased in 2012 into Jared Vault stores, a chain of outlet stores that sell overstock from Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.
Akron, Ohio--Sterling Jewelers is converting some of the Ultra Diamond outlets it purchased in 2012 into Jared Vault stores, a chain of outlet stores that sell overstock from Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.
During a conference call held Thursday morning, company executives said they opened 18 Jared Vault stores in the first quarter, and expect to convert another 13 in the second quarter for a total of 31, essentially completing the transition of all Ultra stores into either Kay Outlet or Jared Vault stores.
While a company spokesman declined to provide a specific listing of the locations of the 31 Jared Vault stores, he did confirm they are located throughout the South, with some in the Northeast and a few in the West and Midwest.
“We are really excited by what we have seen in Jared Vaults,” Mike Barnes, CEO of Signet Jewelers Ltd., Sterling’s parent company, said during the call. “I don’t want to get too far in front of it but it was really dramatic the change we saw when we changed the nameplates.
“Vault gives it the feeling you are getting something valuable and not just discounted merchandise.”
Signet made the announcement Thursday morning during its first quarter earnings call with investors and analysts.
Sales were strong for the retailer in the first part of the year, and company executives said they continued to be strong in May, especially for Mother’s Day.
Signet’s U.S. division, comprised of Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and a number of regional brands, posted a 3 percent year-over-year increase in same-store sales. Kay Jewelers turned in the strongest performance, with comps up 4 percent as compared with a 2 percent increase for Jared. An increase in the number of transactions at both drove the same-store sales increase.
Total U.S. sales rose 5 percent to $903.5 million. Fashion diamond jewelry, bridal and watches were the company’s best-sellers in the first quarter.
E-commerce sales rose 21 percent to $30.9 million, and more than 40 percent of visitors to the company’s e-commerce websites came from mobile devices.
Including Signet’s U.K. division, first quarter same-store sales were up 3 percent year-over-year, with the U.K. division posting
a 4 percent increase in same-store sales. Total sales for the company rose 6 percent, from $993.6 million to $1.06 billion.
The Zale shareholder vote on the Signet merger is set for May 29.
Editor's note: This story was updated after publication on May 22 to add a comment from Signet Jewelers Ltd. on the location of its Jared Vault stores.
Operating income was $150.7 million, compared with $142.8 million a year ago.
“We remain pleased with our performance also for the first several weeks of May, including Mother’s Day,” Barnes said, adding that the retailer’s second quarter sales performance has been better than expected to date.
Also on Thursday, Signet released a statement reiterating its commitment to the $21-per-share price it is offering to buy rival Zale Corp., a price that has come under fire from certain groups of investors who say it is too low and are encouraging Zale’s shareholders to vote against the acquisition.
Signet urged Zale shareholders to vote for the merger. The company also said in the event the transaction doesn’t go through it remains “acutely focused on its own business.”The Zale shareholder vote on the Signet merger is set for May 29.
Editor's note: This story was updated after publication on May 22 to add a comment from Signet Jewelers Ltd. on the location of its Jared Vault stores.
More on Financials
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
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.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
