Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
Gitanjali’s US stores post 12 percent growth
Indian jewelry retailer and manufacturer Gitanjali Gems Ltd., owner of Samuels Jewelers Inc., said its United States sales grew 12 percent year-over-year in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014.
Mumbai--Indian jewelry retailer and manufacturer Gitanjali Gems Ltd., owner of Samuels Jewelers Inc., said its United States sales grew 12 percent year-over-year in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014.
The Mumbai-based company, which has seen sales and margins fall in India due to changes in the laws regarding gold imports, said it expects the sales growth in the U.S. to continue, and emphasized again its intention to focus on “high margin, mature markets,” including the U.S., Japan and the Middle East.
Gitanjali owns Austin, Texas-based Samuels Jewelers Inc., which operates Andrews, Rogers, Schubach and Samuels Diamonds stores. It has stores in a total of 21 states.
For the company as a whole, net sales for the nine month period ended Dec. 31 totaled $1.56 billion, down 17 percent from $1.89 billion in the prior-year period.
Net profit plummeted 74 percent while the profit after tax, or PAT, margin dropped from 4.1 percent in the first nine months of fiscal year 2013 to 1.3 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2014.
“Post June 2013, with the regulatory changes for gold (in India) there has been an impact on the jewelry industry and especially the organized players,” Gitanjali Gems Chairman and Managing Director Mehul Choksi said. “Gitanjali is undergoing a transitional phase and is bringing about significant changes to its business model.”
The company said it is now increasing its diamond jewelry business because it has better margins than gold following changes to Indian law that prohibited any form of credit on gold imports for domestic consumption. Previously, gem and jewelry companies were able to obtain gold from banks with an upfront payment of 20 percent margin and had six months to finalize the gold commodity price.
Gitanjali also said it is increasing its international business in platinum, colored gemstones and silver.
The Latest

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.


Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

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.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative 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.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“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.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.