TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsJun 25, 2019
Judge Denies Signet’s Motion in Securities Fraud Lawsuit
Signet Jewelers sought to have one of the two claims brought against it by shareholders in a 2016 suit dismissed.
New York—Earlier this month, a New York federal judge denied Signet Jewelers Ltd.’s request to dismiss one of the two claims contained in a lawsuit brought against it by shareholders.
The Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi, a pension fund, is the lead plaintiff in a purported securities class-action against Signet originally filed in 2016.
The lawsuit accuses the jewelry retailer of misrepresenting two aspects of the company: the health of its credit portfolio (which the company has since outsourced) and allegations of a culture of “pervasive” sexual harassment.
The sexual harassment aspect of the shareholder lawsuit relates to Jock, et al. v. Sterling Jewelers Inc., a subsidiary of Signet. That case was filed in March 2008 by several women accusing the company of discriminatory pay and promotion practices based on their gender.
Though the case itself contains no allegations of sexual harassment, documents eventually unsealed in connection to the case, and reported on by The Washington Post as well as other media outlets, painted a picture of a culture where women were objectified, disrespected and scared of retaliation, generating a lot of negative publicity for the retailer and, the shareholders noted in their lawsuit, sending Signet’s stock price plummeting.
Signet previously sought to have the entire shareholder lawsuit dismissed, but U.S. District Court Judge Colleen McMahon denied that motion in November 2018.
In May 2019, the retailer sought the dismissal of the claims relating to its company culture. It filed a motion for a judgement on the pleadings, which is when a party asks the court to rule in its favor based not on new evidence but interpretation of the law.
Signet asked the court to take a look at a March ruling from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in a case called Singh v. Cigna Corp.
In that case, a shareholder alleged that Cigna’s pamphlet about its code of ethics misled investors about its compliance with Medicare regulations, court documents show.
The code of ethics, which included statements about staying in compliance with the law and acting with integrity, was determined to be a “textbook example of puffery,” court papers state, meaning the statements were too general for a reasonable investor to take into consideration when buying shares of the company.
Signet argued in its motion for a judgement on the pleadings that its code of conduct should be viewed in the same manner, but Judge McMahon disagreed and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
in a June 11 ruling denied its request to have a portion of the investor lawsuit dismissed.
In her ruling, the judge wrote that statements included in a company’s code of conduct can be specific enough for investors to rely upon when deciding to invest in a company.
The judge also noted that the Singh v. Cigna decision did not mean that all company codes of conduct were now “inactionable” and highlighted the importance of context.
McMahon summarized the plaintiff’s argument, stating: “In the face of a credible accusation (by way of another lawsuit) that Signet suffered from rampant sexual harassment … defendants sought to reassure the investing public that Signet did not, in fact, have a toxic workplace.”
The judge pointed to examples of Signet’s public reassurances, including its denial of the allegations in its SEC filings; its affirmations that hiring decisions were made based on merit, that misconduct would be disciplined, and that sexual harassment could be reported without fear of retaliation; and its assurance that its senior executives were held to high standards.
“As alleged, a reasonable investor—who otherwise would be concerned about how grave allegations concerning rampant sexual misconduct might affect her investment in Signet—took defendants at their word,” McMahon wrote. “As alleged, their word was not truthful.”
Signet’s attorneys requested last Tuesday that the judge reconsider due to alleged factual errors, including errors about when the code of conduct was published in relation to the Jock case.
McMahon denied that motion Thursday, stating that the court did not rely on factual inaccuracies or mischaracterizations.
“The problem for defendants is that …. Signet’s codes of conduct and ethics—again, reincorporated by reference in Signet’s SEC filings and posted on Signet’s website after Jock was filed—touted certain values and practices that constitute the exact opposite of what the company allegedly valued and practiced,” she wrote.
The securities fraud case against Signet is still in pre-trial proceedings and the court has not officially certified it as a class action.
Signet Jewelers declined to comment on the judge’s ruling, saying it does not comment on pending legal matters.
The investors’ counsel did not respond to request for comment.
In her ruling, the judge wrote that statements included in a company’s code of conduct can be specific enough for investors to rely upon when deciding to invest in a company.
The judge also noted that the Singh v. Cigna decision did not mean that all company codes of conduct were now “inactionable” and highlighted the importance of context.
McMahon summarized the plaintiff’s argument, stating: “In the face of a credible accusation (by way of another lawsuit) that Signet suffered from rampant sexual harassment … defendants sought to reassure the investing public that Signet did not, in fact, have a toxic workplace.”
The judge pointed to examples of Signet’s public reassurances, including its denial of the allegations in its SEC filings; its affirmations that hiring decisions were made based on merit, that misconduct would be disciplined, and that sexual harassment could be reported without fear of retaliation; and its assurance that its senior executives were held to high standards.
“As alleged, a reasonable investor—who otherwise would be concerned about how grave allegations concerning rampant sexual misconduct might affect her investment in Signet—took defendants at their word,” McMahon wrote. “As alleged, their word was not truthful.”
Signet’s attorneys requested last Tuesday that the judge reconsider due to alleged factual errors, including errors about when the code of conduct was published in relation to the Jock case.
McMahon denied that motion Thursday, stating that the court did not rely on factual inaccuracies or mischaracterizations.
“The problem for defendants is that …. Signet’s codes of conduct and ethics—again, reincorporated by reference in Signet’s SEC filings and posted on Signet’s website after Jock was filed—touted certain values and practices that constitute the exact opposite of what the company allegedly valued and practiced,” she wrote.
The securities fraud case against Signet is still in pre-trial proceedings and the court has not officially certified it as a class action.
Signet Jewelers declined to comment on the judge’s ruling, saying it does not comment on pending legal matters.
The investors’ counsel did not respond to request for comment.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
