Richemont, the Swiss luxury group behind Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, reports stronger-than-expected full-year sales, driven by resilient demand for high-end jewellery. Multiple outlets say sales rise in its jewellery portfolio help offset softer performance in other regions and categories. Bloomberg reports that full-year sales increase by 11% on a constant-currency basis for the fiscal year ended in March, outperforming the roughly 9.78% growth rate expected by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. The company’s strength is attributed largely to continued shopper demand for Cartier items such as bracelets and rings. The Financial Times similarly describes Richemont as “shining” on the back of booming demand for high-end jewellery, while also noting weakness in parts of the business, including sales declines in the Middle East and Africa. Channel NewsAsia adds that weaker fashion sales and a tourism slowdown in the Middle East weigh on results, but the group’s overall performance outpaces some rivals, including LVMH and Kering. Across reports, the central theme is that Cartier-led jewellery demand helps Richemont weather a broader luxury market slowdown.