CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
MajorsApr 01, 2015
Arbitrator slams Sterling for ‘misleading’ memo
The arbitrator in the ongoing gender discrimination suit against Sterling Jewelers called an email the retailer sent to employees about the case a “troubling” document that contains “misleading partial truths and omissions.”
New York--The arbitrator in the ongoing gender discrimination suit against Sterling Jewelers called an email the retailer sent to employees about the case a “troubling” document that contains “misleading partial truths and omissions.”
On Feb. 2, arbitrator Kathleen Roberts issued her most recent major decision in the case, ruling that that current and former female employees of Sterling Jewelers Inc. can pursue claims challenging the retailer’s pay and promotion practices as a class, though she threw out claims that the alleged discrimination was intentional.
According to court papers, the following day, Sterling sent an email titled “Legal Update: Arbitrator Finds No Convincing Proof of Companywide Discriminatory Pay and Promotions Policies at Sterling” to all its employees, a communication that caused the women’s attorneys to cry foul because, they said, it was “biased and misleading.”
Claimants’ lawyers filed an emergency motion asking the arbitrator to restrict Sterling’s communications with members of the class, including those who still work for the retailer, and to force the retailer to issue a notice correcting its memo.
On March 16, Roberts declined the motion for corrective notice, stating that members of the certified class will receive arbitrator-approved information about the award in the future, but chastised Sterling in her ruling.
She wrote that the memo “presents a seriously incomplete and misleading description of the award that diminishes the significance of the award and could potentially discourage interest and participation in the class arbitration,” court papers state.
Sterling Jewelers spokesman David Bouffard said while they “respectfully disagree” with the arbitrator’s characterization of their corporate communication, the arbitrator did conclude that the memo “did not significantly impact the arbitration process.” The retailer, which has maintained throughout the case that the discrimination claims are not representative of its corporate culture, has appealed the arbitrator’s Feb. 2 ruling.
Among the points of the Sterling memo that Roberts found misleading is the title, which “improperly and erroneously suggests” that her Feb. 2 ruling contains a determination on the merits of the intentional discrimination claims in the case.
However, Roberts stated, all that was determined was that claimants failed to present the sufficient proof necessary to pursue claims of intentional pay and promotion discrimination as a class. The standard of proof she used in the case was the one set by the huge Walmart class action, a case that has created “substantial hurdles” for pursuing claims of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
intentional discrimination as a large class.
She also noted that the claimants and other current and former employees are free to pursue claims of intentional discrimination individually.
Roberts also stated that the memo doesn’t clearly convey the main point of her Feb. 2 ruling: that she has cleared the way for tens of thousands of current and former female employees of Sterling Jewelers to pursue claims that the retailer’s pay and promotion practices had a disparate impact on women.
Going forward, she has prohibited Sterling’s attorneys from contacting class members, including those who are current employees of the jeweler, about the arbitration without the consent of class counsel or her order.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
