In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
Blue Nile Shareholders OK Acquisition
They approved a deal that sells the online jewelry retailer to Bain Capital Private Equity and Bow Street LLC for $500 million and takes it private.

Seattle--Shareholders for Blue Nile Inc. have approved a deal that would put the online jewelry seller in the hands of private equity firms, making it a privately-owned company.
According to an 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Blue Nile held a meeting of stockholders at its headquarters in Seattle last Thursday to vote on its acquisition by Bain Capital Private Equity and Bow Street LLC for $500 million.
At the meeting, holders of about 80 percent of the company’s shares of outstanding stock were present, either in person or by proxy, to vote, and they voted overwhelmingly in favor of the acquisition.
According to the 8-K, there were more than 8 million votes for the acquisition and less than 600,000 votes against it.
A Blue Nile spokesperson said Friday that the transaction is expected to close in the second half of February.
Blue Nile, which was founded in 1999, announced its sale and intention to go private in November following several quarters of weak sales as the e-tailer struggles to compete with other online sellers of jewelry and the improved websites of brick-and-mortar retailers.
The company ranked No. 19 on National Jeweler’s 2016 list of $100 Million Supersellers with $398 million in jewelry sales in North America in 2015.
The Latest

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.


Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.

Here are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.

The honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

Set 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.

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.




















