Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Pandora Drops 183 More Retailers in the Americas
The fourth-quarter cut brings the year-end total to 529 unbranded doors closed in the Americas, most of which were located in the United States.

Copenhagen, Denmark--Pandora announced Tuesday that it cut distribution to 183 silver, white, and travel-level retailers in the Americas in the fourth quarter, most of which were located in the United States.
The 183 retailers cut from the company’s distribution network in the fourth quarter follows cuts of 105, 125 and 116 made in the first, second and third quarters, respectively, and brings the year-end total to 529 “unbranded” doors closed.
That equals nearly 38 percent of Pandora’s entire network of unbranded retailers in the Americas. Pandora had 1,402 when 2015 started; by Q4, that number was down to 873.
Pandora’s continued closing of silver, white and travel-level retailers in the Americas is part of its overall strategy to increase distribution worldwide to shop-in-shops, gold level retailers and its concept stores, what it refers to as the “branded” portion of its distribution network.
CEO Anders Colding Friis said Tuesday that Pandora opened almost 400 concept stores worldwide in 2015, which was “another great year” for the company.
Globally, Pandora saw its sales increase 40 percent (29 percent in local currency) year-over-year, reaching $2.52 billion. This included a 34 percent (17 percent in local currency) increase in fourth quarter revenue in the U.S., driven by network expansion, including its new online store, regional like-for-like growth rates and strong Christmas sales.
Revenue from concept stores accounted for more than half (62 percent) of Pandora’s total sales for the year, and increased 54 percent when compared with 2014.
Gross margin rose from 70.5 percent to 72.9 percent while net profit increased 19 percent to $552.9 million.
In 2016, Pandora said it will continue to focus on its branded store network and plans to open more than 250 concept stores worldwide, roughly 20 percent (50) of which will be in the Americas.
In addition, Pandora already announced that it is partnering with Signet Jewelers Ltd. to build out Pandora shop-in-shops in more than 200 Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores, a project that will begin this year.
The company also now sells online direct to consumers in the U.S.
The Latest

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.


One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.

Hollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.

The New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.




















