The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Pandora pulls out of 116 more stores
The Danish brand announced Tuesday that it has dropped 116 more mostly-U.S.-based retailers from its distribution network in the Americas.
Copenhagen, Denmark--Pandora has dropped 116 more mostly-U.S.-based retailers from its distribution network in the Americas, the Danish brand announced Tuesday alongside its third quarter financial results.
The cutting of the additional stores brings the total number of retailers axed in the Americas to 346 so far this year: 105 in the first quarter and 125 in the second, plus the 116 eliminated in this most recent quarter.
The Copenhagen-based company has stated continually that the closing of “unbranded stores” in the Americas--meaning retailers that carry only a limited assortment of Pandora jewelry--is part of a larger, global strategy to focus more on company-owned and -operated stores and retailers that run its heavily branded shop-in-shops.
The announcement that Pandora has pulled its jewelry from more stores came as the company reported relatively soft third quarter sales in the U.S.
Revenue in the U.S., one of the company’s key markets, grew 6 percent year-over-year in local currency terms, from $120.2 million to $151.4 million.
Contributing to the growth was network expansion, including the launch of its e-commerce site here, the addition of the 22 concept stores acquired from Hannoush Jewelers and sales of rings.
However, the company took a hit by deciding to break from its traditional third quarter bracelet campaign and focus on charms instead, which was done to “enhance the Pandora brand,” the company said.
Globally, the brand saw sales climb 28 percent year-over-year in local currency, reaching $560.5 million.
Gross margin increased from 70.3 percent to 74 percent. Net profit soared to $144.2 million, compared with $103.9 million in the third quarter 2014.
Pandora said it will continue to expand its network of company-owned and -operated stores, with more than 375 concept store openings planned for the remainder of 2015.
Remarking on the third quarter results, CEO Anders Colding Friis said, “The strong top-line development has continued to the third quarter of the year, and again all regions contributed to growth. Europe and Asia Pacific in particular did well … Growth in the U.S. was slightly softer than previous quarters primarily due to a change in promotion strategy in the region to further enhance our brand.”
The Latest

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.


Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.






















