MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
FinancialsMay 26, 2016
Signet Sees Same-Store Sales Rise 2% in First Quarter
Despite a “choppy” retail environment, the company saw comps and total sales increase on the strength of its Ever Us collection, diamond fashion jewelry and select branded bridal.
One of the rings in Signet Jewelers Ltd.’s “Ever Us” collection of two-stone jewelry. The collection continues to be a success for Signet, and CEO Mark Light said in its first quarter conference call that they were testing out line extensions in time for the holiday season.
Hamilton, Bermuda--Signet saw positive growth in its first quarter of the fiscal year, with comps and total sales both increasing, due in large part to the success of its Ever Us two-stone line, diamond fashion jewelry and select branded bridal.
Same-store sales in the three-month period ended April 30 grew by 2 percent, while total sales were up 3 percent to $1.58 billion (a 4 percent increase on a constant-exchange-rate basis).
In a conference call Thursday morning, CEO Mark Light said that the company is testing a number of extensions to its successful Ever Us line, including new diamond ring styles as well as bracelets and necklaces, in time for the holiday season.
The company also is testing a collection of Vera Wang fashion diamond jewelry and pearl jewelry, joining the trend of jewelry companies collaborating with established fashion brands on designs.
Additionally, Signet is “resetting” its Pandora presentation, Light said, with new shop-in-shops. The company will release a television advertising campaign behind the brand in the fourth quarter.
Signet also is rolling out its Chosen Diamond program, which kicked off last fall and allows customers to trace the journey of their diamond from mine to market, to all stores, and will bring new technology to its stores that will allow “clienteling,” as Light referred to it, for employees to establish relationships and engage customers based on their previous purchase history and profile.
By division, Sterling’s same-store sales in Q1 were up 2 percent on the strength of select branded bridal jewelry as well as fashion jewelry, Charmed Memories and lower-priced promotional items that drove transactions. Total sales for Sterling in the three-month period rose 4 percent to $980.4 million.
The Zale Division also saw comps increase nearly 3 percent on diamond fashion jewelry and branded bridal as well as lower-priced promotional items, while sales hit $450.4 million, a 3 percent increase compared with the year-earlier period. Total sales for Zale’s U.S. jewelry division rose 4 percent to $330 million.
The company said that Sunday (May 29) marks the two-year anniversary since the close of the acquisition of Zale, and notes that the “integration continues to go extremely well across all aspects of our business.”
Meanwhile, e-commerce sales for Signet in the first quarter were $80.1 million, making up 5 percent of total sales. This is a $3.2 million increase compared with the prior-year period.
The
company reaffirmed its annual guidance for the year, noting that it expects same-store sales growth of between 1 percent and 2 percent in the second quarter, and an increase in comps of 2 to 3.5 percent for the full year.
More on Financials
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
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.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
