AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsMar 01, 2017
Gender bias case against Sterling moves forward
An arbitrator has issued a mixed ruling in the ongoing gender discrimination case against Kay and Jared parent company Sterling Jewelers.
New York--An arbitrator ruled this week that a group of women can pursue claims challenging Sterling Jeweler Inc.’s pay and promotion practices as a class though she threw out claims that the alleged discrimination was intentional.
In a 118-page decision released Tuesday, arbitrator Kathleen A. Roberts ruled that the 12 claimants could proceed as a class in arbitration to determine if the Akron, Ohio-based retailer’s compensation and promotion practices have a “disparate impact on women.” Sterling has fought for years against having the case certified as a class.
If disparities are found for which there is no justifiable business reason, then the women will be eligible as a class to affect changes in Sterling’s practices and will be able to pursue claims for lost wages individually.
In terms of alleged pay discrimination specifically, the class covers women who worked at Sterling between July 22, 2004 and the yet-to-be-set date of the trial, which will take place before the same arbitrator. In terms of alleged promotion discrimination, it covers women who worked at Sterling between Dec. 7, 2004 and the trial date.
What the arbitrator denied were the women’s claims of disparate treatment, meaning that the discrimination was intentional and part of an overall corporate culture that demeaned female employees.
In denying the women’s claims of disparate treatment, the arbitrator stated in her ruling that the claimants failed to provide the “significant proof” necessary to pursue claims of intentional discrimination.
This burden of significant proof Roberts relied upon in this case was the one set in the Wal-Mart gender discrimination case, though she noted that the Wal-Mart decision is one that presents “substantial hurdles” for pursuing claims of intentional discrimination as a large class.
The arbitrator wrote, “While the evidence in [the Sterling] case”--a case that includes particularly salacious claims that women were groped and grabbed, solicited for sex and expected to undress publicly at often-mandatory company events, as well as internal company memos acknowledging that the company paid women less than men--“may be in some respects stronger than the evidence presented in Wal-Mart, it fails to provide significant proof that Sterling operated under a general policy of discrimination.”
Roberts called into question specifically the opinion of one expert for the claimants, James Outtz, stating that he cannot answer the “essential question” of what percentage of the employment decisions at Sterling are determined by a “gender-discriminatory
corporate culture,” court papers show.
She also stated that Outtz’s conclusions are not supported by reliable methodology. Among other things, he disregarded about 600 declarations written by the company’s female employees that reflect a very different view of the company’s treatment of women. “His decision to disregard this evidence, without any explanation, at a minimum calls his objectivity into question,” Roberts noted in her ruling.
Both sides are claiming the arbitrator’s ruling as a victory.
Joe Sellers, an attorney representing the women, said it was an “enormous achievement” for his clients and a “very important case” that gives them the opportunity to affect broad changes in a company that’s a leader in its industry.
Sterling, meanwhile, called the ruling “favorable,” pointing to the fact that the arbitrator rejected claims that Sterling had “systematically and intentionally” discriminated against female employees.
Regarding the portion of the arbitration that Roberts did allow to move forward, company spokesman David Bouffard said, “Sterling is optimistic that it will be able to demonstrate that the case is without either factual or legal merit in the next phase of the proceedings. We will continue to vigorously defend ourselves.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
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.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
