The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
Charming Charlie Exits Chapter 11
The chain of costume jewelry stores has a new management team and smaller footprint.
Wilmington, Del.—Charming Charlie, the Houston-based chain of costume jewelry stores, is no longer bankrupt.
The company announced it has completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11. It said its court-confirmed reorganization plan went into effect on Tuesday (April 24).
The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December, at which time it entered into a restructuring agreement with most of its lenders.
It also announced at the time the launch of a “back-to-basics” strategy—shuttering stores that weren’t doing well in the United States, closing its Los Angeles office and cutting staff at its corporate headquarters and distribution center in Houston.
Under the reorganization plan, lenders took over most ownership in the company, with the majority equity holder being THL Credit.
The company’s reorganization was preceded by the appointment of Lana Krauter as CEO in the fall after founder Charlie Chanaratsopon stepped down.
In total, the company has closed about 100 locations, leaving it with 264 stores.
Now, Charming Charlie said it has exited Chapter 11 with “a substantially improved financial position and a sustainable capital structure” to support its strategy.
“Today marks a fresh start for Charming Charlie as we emerge as a stronger, more focused organization that is better positioned to serve customers in our 264 stores across the country,” Krauter said in a press release.
“I want to thank our employees at Charming Charlie for their dedication and focus as they continue to drive our success. We are also grateful for the support of our valued customers and vendors, and look forward to working together well into the future.”
The Latest

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.


Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.






















