IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
MajorsJan 04, 2019
Roberto Coin Sues Dealer After Retailers Pull Jade Line
The popular Italian brand is at odds with former partner Kings Stone over certification of the brand’s black jade jewelry.
Roberto Coin has filed a lawsuit against New York-based stone dealer Kings Stone regarding the latter’s claims the jeweler misrepresented certification of the black jade used in its designs. Pictured here is a cuff and huggie hoop earrings featuring black jade and diamonds in 18-karat rose gold, introduced by Roberto at the January 2018 Vicenzaoro show.
New York—Roberto Coin Inc. and Kings Stone are embroiled in a lawsuit amid allegations that the former misrepresented certification of the stones in its black jade jewelry line.
According to court documents, Roberto Coin and Kings Stone started discussions about the latter providing black jade to the jeweler in 2012, and Roberto Coin began placing significant orders shortly thereafter.
As Kings Stone began supplying black jade to Roberto Coin, it also provided certifications from China’s National Gemstone Testing Center stating the stones were amphibole jade.
Kings Stone owner Joseph Goldstein claims the company continues to be the only supplier of NGTC-certified black amphibole in the world.
In mid-2014, Roberto Coin terminated the partnership and started using a new supplier of black jade for its designs.
Goldstein said he discovered in early 2018 that Roberto Coin was still marketing the black jade line as “black amphibole jade certified by the NGTC,” despite the termination of their partnership.
He then approached multiple retailers that carry the line, asking them to verify the NGTC certification of the material, which, Goldstein claims, they could not.
Shortly after, a few major retailers, including Borsheims and Bloomingdale’s, pulled the black jade jewelry line from their showcases.
Borsheims and Macy’s Inc., which owns Bloomingdale’s, both told National Jeweler they don’t comment on pending litigation.
Following the retailers’ decision to pull the line, Roberto Coin filed a complaint against Kings Stone and Goldstein in July 2018 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleging false advertising and deceptive business practices in violation of federal and state law.
According to the complaint, Goldstein told Roberto Coin that he intended to file a consumer class action again the company for selling jewelry containing “non-authentic” black jade.
It also alleges he made “false and misleading statements” that the black jade in its jewelry was “non-authenticated” and threatened the brand’s retail customers with consumer class action if they continued to carry the line.
Roberto Coin said in its complaint that it has reports from several gemological labs certifying the black jade used in its jewelry.
When it switched suppliers in 2014, the company claims the new supplier, CaterG, provided them with an analysis from Hong Kong Gems Laboratory calling the material “natural amphibole material,” as well as additional lab analyses certifying that the material was “amphibole jade” or “black nephrite jade” (nephrite is part of the amphibole mineral group).
The new supplier also sent a sample of its black jade to NGTC in April 2018, after Goldstein started approaching the retailers, and the lab confirmed that the stones are amphibole jade, the brand said in its lawsuit.
“RCI always has conducted its business in accordance with the highest standards. It strongly disputes the claims by Joseph Goldstein and Kings Stone,” attorney Gayle Pollack of Morrison Cohen said in a statement provided to National Jeweler.
“In fact, RCI filed a lawsuit against them to stop them from continuing their false advertising campaign. Rather than try this case in the media, RCI looks forward to being vindicated in court.”
Goldstein filed a counterclaim in August 2018, alleging the jewelry brand has engaged in fraud regarding the marketing and sales of its black jade jewelry.
The claim states that Kings Stone is the only supplier of NGTC-certified black amphibole jade and that Roberto Coin misrepresented the black jade it sold.
Goldstein also claims the NGTC has confirmed that no other suppliers have received certification for black amphibole jade prior to April 2018, when CaterG sent its material to the lab to be certified black amphibole jade, meaning any use of vocabluary around NGTC certification by Roberto Coin between the time the company terminated its relationship with Kings Stone and April 2018 would have been unlawful.
The counterclaim also notes that when Goldstein asked the retailers to provide proof of NGTC certification, they could not, instead sending a pamphlet from Roberto Coin describing the certification.
The NGTC did not respond to an email asking for clarification about the certification by press time.
Goldstein gave the following statement to National Jeweler: “In all of the legal paperwork filed, not once did Roberto Coin refute the fact that they had used the NGTC for four years straight for their black jade without it actually being certified by the NGTC.
“Roberto Coin could easily settle this allegation very simply—by just producing the NGTC certs used for four years on his black jade and the lawsuit would disappear. Instead, they continue to avoid the fraud issue itself and claim that they are above reproach due to their stellar reputation. No one is above the law—not even Roberto Coin.”
Kings Stone is seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting Roberto Coin from marketing its black jade jewelry with “false representations” that it has obtained certificates from the NGTC, “unless and until (it) has obtained NGTC certifications.”
In addition to monetary damages, Roberto Coin is seeking a permanent injunction preventing Goldstein and his company from “attacking the ‘authenticity’ of the jade” in its jewelry, and wants him to be required to provide “corrective” advertising to each of its retail customers he has contacted.
“RCI always has conducted its business in accordance with the highest standards. It strongly disputes the claims by Joseph Goldstein and Kings Stone,” attorney Gayle Pollack of Morrison Cohen said in a statement provided to National Jeweler.
“In fact, RCI filed a lawsuit against them to stop them from continuing their false advertising campaign. Rather than try this case in the media, RCI looks forward to being vindicated in court.”
Goldstein filed a counterclaim in August 2018, alleging the jewelry brand has engaged in fraud regarding the marketing and sales of its black jade jewelry.
The claim states that Kings Stone is the only supplier of NGTC-certified black amphibole jade and that Roberto Coin misrepresented the black jade it sold.
Goldstein also claims the NGTC has confirmed that no other suppliers have received certification for black amphibole jade prior to April 2018, when CaterG sent its material to the lab to be certified black amphibole jade, meaning any use of vocabluary around NGTC certification by Roberto Coin between the time the company terminated its relationship with Kings Stone and April 2018 would have been unlawful.
The counterclaim also notes that when Goldstein asked the retailers to provide proof of NGTC certification, they could not, instead sending a pamphlet from Roberto Coin describing the certification.
The NGTC did not respond to an email asking for clarification about the certification by press time.
Goldstein gave the following statement to National Jeweler: “In all of the legal paperwork filed, not once did Roberto Coin refute the fact that they had used the NGTC for four years straight for their black jade without it actually being certified by the NGTC.
“Roberto Coin could easily settle this allegation very simply—by just producing the NGTC certs used for four years on his black jade and the lawsuit would disappear. Instead, they continue to avoid the fraud issue itself and claim that they are above reproach due to their stellar reputation. No one is above the law—not even Roberto Coin.”
Kings Stone is seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting Roberto Coin from marketing its black jade jewelry with “false representations” that it has obtained certificates from the NGTC, “unless and until (it) has obtained NGTC certifications.”
In addition to monetary damages, Roberto Coin is seeking a permanent injunction preventing Goldstein and his company from “attacking the ‘authenticity’ of the jade” in its jewelry, and wants him to be required to provide “corrective” advertising to each of its retail customers he has contacted.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
