EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
MajorsSep 06, 2019
Saks Fifth Avenue Opens ‘The Vault’
The luxury retailer more than doubled the space dedicated to high jewelry and timepieces at its New York City flagship store.
Saks Fifth Avenue just opened The Vault, which features six jewelry shop-in-shops and eight watch boutiques, at its New York City flagship store. (Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue/Justin Bridges)
New York—Saks Fifth Avenue shoppers may now enter The Vault, a space dedicated to high jewelry and watches on the lower level of the retailer’s New York City flagship store.
The retailer worked with architecture and design firm Gensler to convert the 12,000-square-foot basement storage area of its Fifth Avenue flagship into retail space, doubling the square footage previously dedicated to jewelry.
The construction of The Vault is part of the larger renovation that included the remodeling of the jewelry department on the second floor, which opened last spring.
“We have created the ultimate luxury destination for high fine jewelry and watches in New York City,” Tracy Margolies, chief merchant at Saks Fifth Avenue, said in a press release on the opening of The Vault.
Customers are invited down into the swanky space, which opened Wednesday, by way of a designer escalator created by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
The decor is modeled after the “opulent” bank interiors of the 1920s as well as the detailing present in luxury watches, featuring vault doors, leather accents, metal textures and sculptures inspired by safety deposit boxes.
There are six fine jewelry shop-in-shops occupying the space: Boucheron, Chanel, Chopard, Graff, Piaget and Repossi.
These are the first U.S. shop-in-shops for Paris-based brands Boucheron and Repossi.
Saks is the exclusive retailer in New York for Assael, Dena Kemp, Nini Jewels and Tabbah, which are sold in The Vault too along with a number of other jewelry brands, including Adam Foster Fine Jewelry, Lorraine Schwartz, Katy Briscoe, Martin Katz, Montblanc, Oscar Heyman, Piranesi, and Robert Procop, with some offering one-of-a-kind store exclusives.
SEE: One-of-a-Kind Jewelry on Display in The Vault
The retailer worked with architecture and design firm Gensler to convert the 12,000-square-foot basement storage area of its Fifth Avenue flagship into retail space, doubling the square footage previously dedicated to jewelry.
The construction of The Vault is part of the larger renovation that included the remodeling of the jewelry department on the second floor, which opened last spring.
“We have created the ultimate luxury destination for high fine jewelry and watches in New York City,” Tracy Margolies, chief merchant at Saks Fifth Avenue, said in a press release on the opening of The Vault.
Customers are invited down into the swanky space, which opened Wednesday, by way of a designer escalator created by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
The decor is modeled after the “opulent” bank interiors of the 1920s as well as the detailing present in luxury watches, featuring vault doors, leather accents, metal textures and sculptures inspired by safety deposit boxes.
There are six fine jewelry shop-in-shops occupying the space: Boucheron, Chanel, Chopard, Graff, Piaget and Repossi.
These are the first U.S. shop-in-shops for Paris-based brands Boucheron and Repossi.
Saks is the exclusive retailer in New York for Assael, Dena Kemp, Nini Jewels and Tabbah, which are sold in The Vault too along with a number of other jewelry brands, including Adam Foster Fine Jewelry, Lorraine Schwartz, Katy Briscoe, Martin Katz, Montblanc, Oscar Heyman, Piranesi, and Robert Procop, with some offering one-of-a-kind store exclusives.
SEE: One-of-a-Kind Jewelry on Display in The Vault
Chopard white gold necklace, featuring a 47.85-carat pear shaped emerald, 113 marquise cut diamonds, and 104 fancy cut diamonds. ($647,000)
Chopard white gold necklace, featuring 29 vivid blue, cushion shaped sapphires, 206 pear shaped diamonds, and 262 fancy cut diamonds. ($1.09 million)
Martin Katz 18-karat white gold Whistle earrings, featuring tanzanite, weighing 17.26ctw, and diamonds, weighing 1.19ctw. ($64,000)
Repossi pink gold Blast cuff, featuring 22 pear cut diamonds weighing 13ctw. ($347,200)
Robert Procop platinum pendant, featuring a 24.45-carat emerald and diamonds, weighing 4.08 ctw. (Price available upon request)
Customers can step into one of the two private VIP viewing rooms to get a closer look at the jewelry and watches.
Eight watch brands are in The Vault as well: Baume & Mercier, Frank Muller, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, TAG Heuer and Vacheron Constantin.
Baume & Mercier’s space will be its first vendor-designed shop in a retailer in North America.
Saks Fifth Avenue noted it now has the largest selection of men’s watches in its history.
“With a unique atmosphere and impressive merchandise selection, Saks is delivering one-of-a-kind experiences, creating personal connections with our customers and transforming the way they shop for these valuable and lifelong pieces,” President Marc Metrick said.
The Vault is the latest step in the retailer’s $250 million “Grand Renovation” plan for its New York City flagship, which also included remodeling its shoe and beauty departments.
Metrick said The Vault was the “epitome” of the retailer’s new luxury strategy, which focuses on individuality, personalization and ease.
In The Vault, an exhibition space has been set aside to feature brand partners, guest curators, special collaborations and other events.
Tiffany & Co. will be the special guest in the space for the opening weeks.
The Tiffany collection on display includes diamond earrings weighing more than 16 carats, a 6-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond ring and a necklace with a sapphire weighing more than 14 carats set in diamonds.
The International Lounge offers multilingual concierge service to cater to shoppers visiting from abroad, as well as luggage and coat storage, package pick-up and other services.
Jewelry and watch repair services also are available.
Customers can head to the International Visitors Center to take a tour of the historic flagship.
Saks has digital initiatives in the works as well, including monthly online jewelry trunk shows and exclusive digital events for top clients.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
