Latest news with #ErnestJones
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Ex-jewellery tycoon Gerald Ratner plotting bid to buy back old firm despite calling its products 'total c**p'
Gerald Ratner is plotting a dramatic comeback at the jewellery business he quit after calling one of its products 'total c**p'. Mr Ratner, 75, is in talks to buy back the H Samuel and Ernest Jones brands he ran till he stepped down three decades ago after his much-publicised putdown. The brands have flagged under American owner Signet, opening a door for a remarkable return for Mr Ratner to the top of the industry after one of the most notorious faux pas in corporate history. He built his family business Ratner Group into an empire of bling in the 1980s. At its peak, Ratners was the UK's largest jewellery chain with 2,500 stores, including 1,000 in the US, and a turnover of nearly £200 million a year. But Mr Ratner's humour became his undoing in April 1991 when he told a conference of the Institute of Directors at the Albert Hall that a product was 'total c**p'. 'We do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for £4.95,' he said, gearing up for his punchline. 'People say, "How can you sell this for such a low price?". I say, "Because it's total crap". 'An M&S prawn sandwich would last longer than most of the earrings the company sold,' he added. Mr Ratner later apologised, saying newspapers misinterpreted his speech. But the fallout led to a plunge in sales and £500 million being wiped off the value of the business almost overnight. Mr Ratner said he slid into depression and was unable to get out of bed for years. The episode achieved legendary status among businesspeople, with 'doing a Ratner' referring to executive gaffes. He recovered after taking up cycling and returned to the business world in 1996 when he started a health club which he sold for £4million in 2001. He also built a career on the after-dinner speaking circuit, charging up to £6,000 a gig. Mr Ratner, backed by investors including British banks, wants to be chairman if a deal succeeds. A price for the business has yet to be agreed and there is no guarantee a deal will be done, sources added. Signet, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, had a 6.5 per cent drop in revenue for the year to February, while profit slumped to $111million from $622 million the previous year. It did not respond to requests for comment.
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Debenhams watch that's 'beautiful and goes with everything' now has a huge discount
Despite our social diaries being less crowded with soirees and events lately, due to the dreary shift in weather, there's still hope for sprucing up in the festive gear for a jolly good time in the coming months. A chic timepiece is not only useful for punctuality but can effortlessly elevate any ensemble with a dash of sophistication. For those on the hunt for some sparkling wrist bling for an imminent occasion, we've stumbled upon a watch in the Debenhams sale that has buyers utterly besotted, claiming they "can't stop looking" at it. The STÜHRLING Original Valentina Quartz Fashion Watch generally sells for £600, yet it's currently flaunting a whopping 88 per cent markdown. This bewitching Valentina Watch, now available for just £74.25, is hailed as a 'beautiful and stylish timepiece that combines functionality with elegance'. Sporting a crystal-studded bezel, crystal markers, and a romantic heart pattern on its face, this dazzling watch promises to be the talk of any gathering. Encased within a sleek 38mm frame, this watch is powered by a dependable quartz mechanism, ensuring spot-on timing essential for those with a full plate. It's rounded out by an elegant link bracelet for a snazzy yet snug fit, perfect for all-day flair, reports the Daily Record. Originally, five colourways were up for grabs, but now only two striking designs remain available. Customers have the choice of an all-black or an all-rose gold option, both of which are set off by the crystals encircling the dial and embedded in the intricately designed heart. Another gem in the Debenhams sale is the STÜHRLING Original The Dynasty Quartz Crystal Watch. Offered in black or two-toned versions, this watch typically sells for £690. But with a massive 89 per cent discount, horology enthusiasts can now bag it for just £78.75. For those willing to splurge a little more, Ernest Jones has cut the price of the BOSS Novia Crystal Ladies' Two Tone Watch in half. Originally priced at £329, this elegant gold and silver timepiece featuring three chronograph subdials is currently on offer for £164. Turning our attention back to the Valentina Watch, it has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers on both the Debenhams and Stuhrling websites, with many being loyal fans of the Stuhrling brand. A thrilled customer commented: "Beautiful watch. Goes with everything. Will be wearing it a lot. Comparable with other expensive watches. This is my 2nd Stuhrling watch and not my last. Never a disappointment." One customer gushed: "I love this heart logo watch! Its' durable face, and perfectly synced second hand ride with me on my Harley and get me everywhere on time! Not to mention, keeps me moving thru the day at work! Thank you for a beautifully designed and endurable assistant throughout my life!". Another shopper was simply over the moon, saying: "I can't stop looking at my watch." Yet not all feedback was glowing, as one buyer noted the watch "felt very cheap" and chose to return it. Someone else expressed frustration over delivery times, cautioning: "took a while" to arrive, potentially making Debenhams an unsuitable choice for urgent purchases – though estimated delivery times and costs are clearly presented on their website. In contrast, a satisfied customer shared: "I am very pleased with my watch. This is my second one. I purchased a black watch a few years ago. This probably will not be my last purchase." Praise also came from a five-star review which read: "I bought this beautiful watch as a gift. Thoroughly pleased with my purchase. Lovely watch and beautifully packaged. Delivery was as stated with emails sent on progress. Can't fault Debenhams service. Highly recommend Debenhams." For style-led individuals keen to acquire the STÜHRLING Original Valentina Quartz Fashion Watch, just click HERE.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Debenhams £600 watch that 'goes with everything' now only £74 in the sale
One shopper gushed that they 'can't stop looking' at their timepiece. While our social calendars may not be bustling with gatherings and other events at the moment due to the unfortunate turn in the weather, there will still be plenty of opportunities in the upcoming months to don our glad rags and have some fun. One simple way to complete these outfits is to wear a watch. While practical for keeping its wearer on time, timepieces also have the ability to add an extra touch of elegance and style to what someone is wearing. For those looking for a glitzy watch for an upcoming event, we have found one timepiece in the Debenhams sale that shoppers say they "can't stop looking" at. The STÜHRLING Original Valentina Quartz Fashion Watch usually retails for £600 but it has now been given a massive 88 per cent discount. Now selling for £74.25, this stunning Valentina Watch is described as a 'beautiful and stylish timepiece that combines functionality with elegance'. Boasting a crystal-studden bezel, crystal markers and a heart motif on the dial, this gorgeous timepiece is sure to make a statement at any event. The sleek 38mm case houses the reliable quartz movement, which is designed to ensure precise and accurate timekeeping to keep its wearer on track throughout their busy schedule. This is complemented by a stylish link bracelet that provides a comfortable and secure fit for all-day wear. While there were originally five colourways available, only two stunning designs are left in stock. Shoppers can choose between an all-black or an all-rose gold design. Both colours beautifully contrast the crystals surrounding the dial and within the delicately crafted heart. STÜHRLING Original Valentina Quartz Fashion Watch £600 £74.25 Debenhams Buy Now Product Description Another watch in the Debenhams sale is the STÜHRLING Original The Dynasty Quartz Crystal Watch. Available in two designs - black or two-toned - this timepiece usually retails for £690. However, after receiving a huge discount of 89 per cent, watch lovers can now snap it up for £78.75. Alternatively, for those who don't mind spending a bit more money, Ernest Jones has slashed the price of the BOSS Novia Crystal Ladies' Two Tone Watch. Normally retailing for £329, this gold and silver watch with a trio of chronograph subdials is now selling for £164. Back to the Valentina Watch, the timepiece has received mostly raved reviews from shoppers on both the Debenhams and Stuhrling websites, many of whom are repeat shoppers of the Stuhrling brand. One delighted shopper wrote: "Beautiful watch. Goes with everything. Will be wearing it a lot. Comparable with other expensive watches. This is my 2nd Stuhrling watch and not my last. Never a disappointment." With another adding on: "I love this heart logo watch! Its' durable face, and perfectly synced second hand ride with me on my Harley and get me everywhere on time! Not to mention, keeps me moving thru the day at work! Thank you for a beautifully designed and endurable assistant throughout my life!" A third shopper was so blown away by their latest purchase that all they could say was: "I can't stop looking at my watch." However, there were a few grumbles from customers as one person said that the watch "felt very cheap" and ended up sending it back. Another shopper also complained that the delivery "took a while", which means if you are needing the timepiece for an event in a couple of days, Debenhams may not be the place to buy it from. All of Debenhams delivery times and prices are displayed on the website. Despite this, another happy shopper commented: "I am very pleased with my watch. This is my second one. I purchased a black watch a few years ago. This probably will not be my last purchase." A five-star reviewer also wrote: "I bought this beautiful watch as a gift. Thoroughly pleased with my purchase. Lovely watch and beautifully packaged. Delivery was as stated with emails sent on progress. Can't fault Debenhams service. Highly recommend Debenhams." For those wanting to buy the STÜHRLING Original Valentina Quartz Fashion Watch, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ernest Jones axes mega £1,250 off ‘captivating' platinum diamond engagement ring
If you're looking for the perfect diamond ring to complete your proposal to a special someone this summer, this pick from Ernest Jones could be just the ticket as it lands on sale With spring well and truly here, wedding season is now upon us - and it's not just weddings we should expect a lot of through the sunnier months, it's also the time for proposals. And if you're on the hunt for the perfect ring to give your loved one when you're down on one knee, but don't want to break the bank, you're in luck as the iconic British jewellers, Ernest Jones, has just slashed the price of a stunning diamond engagement ring to nearly half it's ordinary cost. But you may want to be quick, there's no telling how long this deal will last. Boasting a popular style that is reminiscent of celebrity-loved designs, for instance Zendaya's engagement ring, this Platinum 1ct Diamond Emerald Cut and Shape Halo Ring is a classic and chic accessory that's sure to turn heads from any hand. Offering plenty of sparkle, this piece features a princess-cut diamond at the heart of the arrangement, crowning the platinum cluster style. The diamond is encircled by dual halos adorned with round and baguette-cut diamonds. The captivating ring is complemented by stones gracing the outer halo's corners, adding to its elegant and luxurious design. Complete with diamond-set shoulders, this engagement ring radiates light from every angle. Coming in a traditional and timeless neutral colourway with a platinum band, this ring is sure to go with every outfit and every accessory, adding a dazzling finish to every day after they say yes. The Ernest Jones ring is available in a range of sizes to best suit your beloved's ring finger. While it would normally retail for the steep price of £3000, it's currently up for grabs for a whoppingly reduced price of £1750—that's a saving of £1250. But I'd hurry; this deal won't last forever. If you're on the lookout for alternative designs that match this piece's timeless style and elegance, has a great, affordable option with this Princessa 9ct White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Cluster Ring that's currently up for grabs for £949 down from £1199. For those that don't mind splashing a bit more cash, check out this Beatrice Lab Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K White Gold 1.65ct, also from The Diamond Store, for £1549 down from £3059. Or over at Austen & Blake, there's this Piacenza 9K White Gold Princess Bridal Set Engagement Ring for £2118, with customisable options available for a more personalised look.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2 NFC West linebackers in PFF's top 32
2 NFC West linebackers in PFF's top 32 The Cardinals didn't have a linebacker in PFF's top 32 for 2025, but two in the NFC West made the cut. In the offseason of lists and rankings, PFF has been giving us the top players in the NFL at different positions. That includes off-linebackers. In their rankings of the 32 best off-ball linebackers, the Arizona Cardinals did not have any players. The NFC West only has two with the Cardinals and LA Rams excluded. NFC West linebackers in NFL top 32 Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers: No. 1 Ernest Jones, Seattle Seahawks: No. 30 Warner being at the top of the list is no surprise. He is incredible. He also just got paid again, earning a record-setting contract. Jones is a curious player because he played for the Rams and produced. But he was traded to the Tennessee Titans for almost nothing, who then traded him to the Seahawks. His presence on Seattle's defense shored up their run defense and led a late season surge that fell short of the division title. But he was re-signed and will be the leader in the middle of that unit in 2025. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
