She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Kering’s Jewelry Houses See Double-Digit Growth in 2019
CEO François-Henri Pinault said the company “remains confident” despite the coronavirus’ effect on the key Chinese market.

Paris—Luxury conglomerate Kering reported double-digit revenue growth in its fourth-quarter and full-year results, including in its watches and jewelry division.
Fourth quarter overall revenue totaled €4.36 billion ($4 billion), an 11 percent increase on a comparable basis, while revenue for the full year rose 13 percent year-over-year to €15.38 billion ($14.1 billion).
Fourth quarter revenue in the watches and jewelry division totaled €699.9 million ($641.59 million), a 15 percent increase on a comparable basis.
For the full year, revenue in the category clocked in at €2.54 billion ($2.33 billion), an 18 percent jump year-over-year.
Net income for the full year fell 37 percent following a €1.25 billion ($1.36 billion) tax penalty paid to Italian authorities.
Online sales climbed 23 percent on an annual basis, while wholesale sales rose 10 percent.
Overall, Kering saw growth across all regions, including a 7 percent increase in North America, 20 percent in Asia-Pacific, 14 percent in Western Europe and a 6 percent increase in Japan.
Kering’s brand portfolio spans fashion, leather goods, watches and jewelry.
The company refers to its top-performing brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta as its main “houses,” while brands including Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, as well as watch and jewelry offerings, are referred to as the “other houses” division.
“Performance was solid double-digit in jewelry with Boucheron, Pomellato and Qeelin taking advantage of the success of their collections and improved market coverage,” Chief Financial Officer Jean-Marc Duplaix said on the earnings call Wednesday morning.
Kering highlighted its “successful investment” in Boucheron and Qeelin, which recently expanded its presence in mainland China.
Looking at its performance in China, Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault said on the call the environment had “changed significantly” in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, which was responsible for 1,100 deaths worldwide as of Wednesday morning.
Pinault said that about half of its stores in China are closed and those remaining open have seen a drop in traffic and shortened operating hours, leading to a “strong drop” in sales.
The company has postponed events, product launches, and store openings in the area and has begun moving inventory from China to other regions.
“Due to the evolving nature of the situation, it is impossible at this time to fully evaluate the impact on our businesses and how fast they will recover,” he said.
Investment group Jefferies estimated Chinese buyers made up about 40 percent of the €281 billion ($306 billion) spent on luxury goods worldwide in 2019
“The fourth quarter was great, but we need more information on current issues in China,” Jefferies analyst Flavio Cereda said to the FT. “The underlying strength of the business bodes well for the second half.”
Kering did not provide guidance for the year ahead but noted it “remains confident” in its growth potential.
The Latest

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.


Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.

KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.

The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.

The jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.























