Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Alex and Ani Files a Counterclaim in Sterling Suit
The bracelet company has come back with its own breach of contract allegations.
Akron, Ohio-- Alex and Ani has filed a counterclaim in response to the breach of contract lawsuit Sterling Jewelers filed against it last month alleging that Sterling is the one that violated their agreement.
Documents filed in federal court in Ohio show that both parties seem to agree on a couple of key points in the case: that Sterling would sell Alex & Ani at approximately 100 Jared the Galleria Jewelry stores beginning in August 2015, but not at any other Sterling-owned stores, including its outlet stores.
The Sterling suit alleges that Jared had difficulty selling the Alex and Ani product, and the aforementioned selling restrictions kept Sterling from being able to make any profit on items that wouldn’t sell.
Sterling said that after reaching an agreement in 2016 with Alex and Ani for the latter to buy back $3 million worth of product, it never received the money, despite sending a first shipment of product valued at $900,000.
At that point, Sterling terminated its agreement with Alex and Ani, and it admits to selling the remaining stock at Kay Jewelers, Kay Jewelers Outlet locations, and on Kay.Com, KayOutlet.com and Jared.com.
The Sterling suit asks for about $2.6 million in damages, plus interest and attorneys’ fees.
Alex and Ani’s counterclaim, filed against Sterling parent company Signet Jewelers Ltd. on Feb. 5 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, states that it limited where and how Alex and Ani could be sold through Sterling because it “is strategic and thoughtful with regard to where and how its products are sold, in order to maintain the integrity of the brand.”
On Aug. 26, it learned that Sterling was selling 459 of its bangle styles on Jared.com and on Aug. 30, Sterling terminated their agreements.
“It is apparent from the timing that Sterling terminated the agreements in an attempt to avoid the consequences of breach of the agreements,” the countersuit states.
Alex and Ani is alleging that Sterling’s conduct “was in breach of the contractual agreements between them” and is seeking to block any further sales through “unauthorized channels,” a dismissal of all claims against it and damages to be determined at trial, in addition to attorney’s fees.
Signet Jewelers affirmed it does not comment on ongoing litigation and a request for comment sent to Alex and Ani’s attorney, Mark Geragos, was not returned by press time.
The Latest
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
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.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.