Aber Strong Rough Diamonds, Jewelry Sales Bump Earnings 27%

Aber second quarter earnings from operations rose 27 percent to $56.2 million, bringing net earnings to $20.1 million, a 41 percent drop compared to 2006. The company reported a 24 percent increase in sales from operations.

Rough diamond production increased 21 percent to 1.3 million carats for the three months ended June 30, and sales totaled $105 million in the quarter, compared to $91.5 million in the prior second quarter.

Sales at Harry Winston soared 41 percent, totaling $68.2 million, compared to $50 million the year before.

In the first quarter of the year, Aber reported a sharp drop in net earnings, despite a reported 18.49 percent rise in sales.