A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Federal judge dismisses EEOC case vs. Sterling
A New York federal judge has thrown out the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s claim that Sterling Jewelers Inc. engaged in a nationwide practice of paying its female employees less and passing them over for promotions.
Buffalo, N.Y.--A New York federal judge has thrown out the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s claim that Sterling Jewelers Inc. engaged in a nationwide practice of paying its female employees less and passing them over for promotions.
In an order signed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, federal judge Richard J. Arcara stated that after considering the report and recommendation filed by Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy in January, statements from both sides and oral arguments, he has opted to dismiss the EEOC’s claim with prejudice for “the reasons set forth in Magistrate Judge McCarthy’s Report and Recommendation.”
The EEOC filed suit against Sterling Jewelers in September 2008 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, accusing the jeweler of exhibiting a nationwide pattern of gender discrimination when it came to pay and promotions.
The suit was filed on behalf of some 44,000 female employees of Sterling Jewelers--making it the largest suit ever brought by the EEOC--and the EEOC said it had investigated, on a nationwide basis, claims of gender bias by the retailer.
Sterling denied the claims of discrimination and brought a motion stating that the EEOC investigated only one store in New York and two stores in Tampa, Fla. and did not conduct a thorough examination of the jeweler’s employment practices nationwide, as it had claimed.
In his ruling issued Jan. 2, McCarthy sided with Sterling, stating that the EEOC failed to prove it conducted a thorough, nationwide investigation of the retailer’s employment practices prior to filing the lawsuit, an assertion backed by Monday’s ruling by the federal court judge.
RELATED CONTENT: Judge calls for dismissal of EEOC case v. Sterling
The claim being dismissed with prejudice means the action is final at the district court level, though the EEOC could appeal, said attorney Gerald L. Maatman Jr., a partner at Seyfarth Shaw and the lead counsel for Sterling in the case.
“As defense counsel we are pleased with the ruling. We think it was well-reasoned and consistent with the evidence,” he said.
The EEOC said it has no comment.
A separate lawsuit filed by individuals charging Sterling Jewelers with discriminating against women in the workplace is still pending.
Originally filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in March 2008, prior to the EEOC case, the suit is in arbitration.
Washington-based
The ruling in EEOC vs. Sterling has no impact on this case as it was based on the finding that the EEOC had conducted an insufficient investigation and not on the merits of the case, Sellers said.
Sterling has maintained throughout that it takes both lawsuits seriously and investigated the women’s claims thoroughly but found them to be without merit.
“We are confident they do not reflect our company’s environment, which is built on core values of fairness, opportunity, integrity and respect,” said David Bouffard, vice president of corporate affairs for Sterling parent company Signet Jewelers Ltd.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.