FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORP
10-Q, 1999-12-14
JEWELRY STORES
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form 10-Q

         X     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
        ---    THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT  OF 1934

               For the Quarterly Period Ended   October 30, 1999
                                               ------------------
                                       or

         __    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
               THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

               For the Transition Period from _________ to __________

                        Commission File Number: 33-59380



                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


            Delaware                                              13-3287757
- --------------------------------                           --------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)



           529 Fifth Avenue New York, NY                    10017
      ----------------------------------------           ----------
      (Address of principal executive offices)           (zip code)

                                 (212) 808-2800
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  Registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                    Yes   X *                  No
                         ----                     ----

As of December 10, 1999, there were 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01
per share, of the Registrant outstanding.  As of such date, all shares of common
stock  were  owned by the  Registrant's  parent,  Finlay  Enterprises,  Inc.,  a
Delaware corporation.

* The  Registrant  is not  subject to the filing  requirements  of Section 13 or
15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 and is  voluntarily  filing this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION

                                    FORM 10-Q

                     QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 30, 1999

                                      INDEX



                                                                         PAGE(S)
                                                                         -------
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

         Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen weeks and
         thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 1998 and October 30, 1999.........1

         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 1999 and
         October 30, 1999......................................................3

         Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the
         year ended January 30, 1999 and thirty-nine weeks ended
         October 30, 1999......................................................4

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks and
         thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 1998 and October 30, 1999.........5

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................7

 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Financial Condition and Results of Operations........................12

 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk...........19


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.....................................20

SIGNATURES....................................................................21

<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements



                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                               --------------------------------

                                                                                October 31,        October 30,
                                                                                    1998               1999
                                                                               -------------      -------------

<S>                                                                            <C>                <C>
Sales....................................................................      $   165,894        $   175,280
Cost of sales............................................................           81,207             86,631
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Gross margin.........................................................           84,687             88,649
Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................           78,710             81,503
Depreciation and amortization............................................            3,916              4,142
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Income (loss) from operations........................................            2,061              3,004
Interest expense, net....................................................            6,423              6,215
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Income (loss) before income taxes....................................           (4,362)            (3,211)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....................................           (1,707)            (1,066)
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Net income (loss)....................................................      $    (2,655)       $    (2,145)
                                                                               =============      =============
</TABLE>















     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.





                                       1
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                                               ---------------------------------

                                                                                October 31,        October 30,
                                                                                    1998               1999
                                                                               -------------      -------------

<S>                                                                            <C>                <C>
Sales....................................................................      $   504,252        $   527,026
Cost of sales............................................................          246,620            258,988
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Gross margin.........................................................          257,632            268,038
Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................          235,450            242,742
Depreciation and amortization............................................           11,617             12,618
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Income (loss) from operations........................................           10,565             12,678
Interest expense, net....................................................           19,025             17,179
Nonrecurring interest associated with refinancing........................              417             -
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary charges..........           (8,877)            (4,501)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....................................           (3,309)            (1,104)
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Income (loss) before extraordinary charges...........................           (5,568)            (3,397)
Extraordinary charges from early extinguishment of debt,
      net of income tax benefit of $3,236................................            4,755             -
                                                                               -------------      -------------
    Net income (loss)....................................................      $   (10,323)       $    (3,397)
                                                                               =============      =============


</TABLE>




     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.









                                       2
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        (unaudited)
                                                                                      January 30,       October 30,
                                                                                         1999              1999
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
                                      ASSETS
Current assets
<S>                                                                                  <C>               <C>
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................................      $    16,631       $     3,670
  Accounts receivable - department stores......................................           19,147            38,241
  Other receivables............................................................           23,349            34,098
  Merchandise inventories......................................................          295,265           317,345
  Prepaid expenses and other...................................................            2,367             3,907
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Total current assets......................................................          356,759           397,261
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
Fixed assets
  Equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements...............................          106,735           116,960
  Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization.............................           36,620            44,681
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Fixed assets, net.........................................................           70,115            72,279
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
Deferred charges and other assets..............................................           13,982            18,578
Goodwill.......................................................................          100,547            97,739
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Total assets..............................................................      $   541,403       $   585,857
                                                                                     =============     =============

                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

Current liabilities
  Notes payable................................................................      $     -           $   127,398
  Accounts payable - trade.....................................................          160,424            83,448
  Accrued liabilities
     Accrued salaries and benefits.............................................           15,760            15,261
     Accrued miscellaneous taxes...............................................            4,704             5,150
     Accrued insurance.........................................................              755             1,538
     Accrued interest..........................................................            3,448             6,903
     Accrued management transition and consulting..............................              676               435
     Other.....................................................................           14,644            15,852
  Income taxes payable.........................................................           23,991            22,483
  Deferred income taxes........................................................            2,166             2,125
  Due to parent................................................................            3,468             6,043
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Total current liabilities.................................................          230,036           286,636
Long-term debt.................................................................          150,000           150,000
Other non-current liabilities..................................................            9,284            10,296
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Total liabilities.........................................................          389,320           446,932
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
Stockholder's equity
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 5,000 shares;
     issued and outstanding 1,000 shares.......................................            -                  -
  Additional paid-in capital ..................................................           82,975            82,975
  Retained earnings............................................................           73,897            63,819
  Foreign currency translation adjustment......................................           (4,789)           (7,869)
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Total stockholder's equity................................................          152,083           138,925
                                                                                     -------------     -------------
     Total liabilities and stockholder's equity................................      $   541,403       $   585,857
                                                                                     =============     =============
</TABLE>

     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                        (in thousands, except share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                             Common Stock                                  Foreign
                                         ------------------    Additional                  Currency        Total
                                           Number               Paid-in      Retained    Translation   Stockholder's   Comprehensive
                                         of shares   Amount     Capital      Earnings     Adjustment       Equity          Income
                                         ---------- -------   -----------   ----------   ------------  --------------  -------------
<S>              <C> <C>                    <C>     <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance, January 31, 1998............       1,000   $  -      $   44,851    $  63,818    $   (6,843)   $    101,826
  Net income (loss)..................        -         -           -           17,197         -              17,197    $    17,197
  Capital contribution from parent           -         -          38,124        -             -              38,124
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustment......................        -         -           -            -             2,054           2,054          2,054
                                                                                                                       -------------
  Comprehensive income (loss)........        -         -           -            -             -               -        $    19,251
  Dividends on Common Stock..........        -         -           -           (7,118)        -              (7,118)   =============
                                         ---------- -------   -----------   ----------   ------------  --------------
Balance, January 30, 1999............       1,000      -          82,975       73,897        (4,789)        152,083
  Net income (loss)..................        -         -           -           (3,397)        -              (3,397)   $    (3,397)
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustment......................        -         -           -            -            (3,080)         (3,080)        (3,080)
                                                                                                                       -------------
  Comprehensive income (loss)........        -         -           -            -             -               -        $    (6,477)
  Dividends on Common Stock..........        -         -           -           (6,681)        -              (6,681)   =============
                                         ---------- -------   -----------   ----------   ------------  --------------
Balance, October 30, 1999 (unaudited)       1,000  $   -      $   82,975    $  63,819    $   (7,869)   $    138,925
                                         ========== =======   ===========   ==========   ============  ==============
</TABLE>








     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.











                                       4
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                                            Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                                        ------------------------------
                                                                                         October 31,      October 30,
                                                                                            1998              1999
                                                                                        -------------    -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                                                                     <C>              <C>
  Net income (loss)..............................................................       $    (2,655)     $     (2,145)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in
     operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization..................................................             4,114             4,400
  Other, net.....................................................................              (828)              345
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Increase in accounts and other receivables..................................           (13,039)           (7,777)
     Increase in merchandise inventories.........................................           (16,478)          (24,663)
     Increase in prepaid expenses and other......................................            (1,204)             (258)
     Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities........................            15,460            20,244
     Decrease in due to parent...................................................              (845)             (437)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES....................................           (15,475)          (10,291)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements....................            (4,483)           (3,650)
  Deferred charges and other, net................................................            (1,626)           (1,200)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES....................................            (6,109)           (4,850)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from revolving credit facility........................................           139,894           145,285
  Principal payments on revolving credit facility................................          (118,467)         (130,824)
  Capitalized financing costs....................................................               (35)            -
  Other, net.....................................................................               686                13
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES..............................            22,078            14,474
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH..................................               280               (75)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.........................               774              (742)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD...................................             1,768             4,412
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.........................................       $     2,542       $     3,670
                                                                                        =============     =============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid..................................................................       $     2,997       $     2,745
  Income taxes (received) paid...................................................              (818)            2,987
</TABLE>



     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.




                                       5
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                           Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                                                        ------------------------------
                                                                                         October 31,      October 30,
                                                                                            1998              1999
                                                                                        -------------    -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                                                                     <C>              <C>
  Net income (loss)..............................................................       $   (10,323)     $     (3,397)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in
     operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization..................................................            12,349            13,377
  Write-off of deferred financing costs..........................................             2,023             -
  Redemption premium.............................................................             5,378             -
  Other, net.....................................................................              (629)            1,291
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Increase in accounts and other receivables..................................           (40,768)          (30,167)
     Increase in merchandise inventories.........................................           (43,302)          (24,156)
     Increase in prepaid expenses and other......................................            (3,080)           (1,571)
     Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities........................           (69,539)          (73,488)
     Decrease in due to parent...................................................           (41,201)           (4,119)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES....................................          (189,092)         (122,230)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements....................           (11,661)          (11,565)
  Deferred charges and other, net................................................            (3,830)           (6,413)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES....................................           (15,491)          (17,978)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from revolving credit facility........................................           643,436           500,291
  Principal payments on revolving credit facility................................          (493,314)         (372,893)
  Prepayment of Old Notes........................................................          (135,000)            -
  Payment of redemption premium..................................................            (5,378)            -
  Capital contribution from parent...............................................            38,124             -
  Proceeds from senior note offering.............................................           150,000             -
  Capitalized financing costs....................................................            (4,118)            -
  Other, net.....................................................................              (589)               13
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES..............................           193,161           127,411
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH..................................               131              (164)
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
        DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....................................           (10,113)          (12,961)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD...................................            12,655            16,631
                                                                                        -------------     -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.........................................       $     2,542       $     3,670
                                                                                        =============     =============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid..................................................................       $    15,546       $    12,965
  Income taxes paid..............................................................               277             2,420

</TABLE>


     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.



                                       6
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Finlay Fine
Jewelry  Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries  ("Finlay Jewelry" or the
"Registrant"),  a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Finlay  Enterprises,  Inc.  (the
"Holding  Company"),  have been prepared in accordance  with generally  accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information.  References to "Finlay"
mean  collectively,  the Holding Company and Finlay  Jewelry.  In the opinion of
management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain
all  adjustments  necessary to present  fairly the financial  position of Finlay
Jewelry as of October 30, 1999, and the results of operations and cash flows for
the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine  weeks ended October 31, 1998 and October 30,
1999. Due to the seasonal  nature of the business,  results for interim  periods
are not  indicative  of annual  results.  The unaudited  consolidated  financial
statements  have been  prepared on a basis  consistent  with that of the audited
consolidated  financial  statements  as of January 30,  1999  referred to below.
Certain  information  and footnote  disclosures  normally  included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles
have been  condensed  or omitted  pursuant to the rules and  regulations  of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").

     These consolidated  financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the audited  consolidated  financial  statements  and notes thereto  included in
Finlay  Jewelry's  annual  report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1999 ("Form 10-K") previously filed with the Commission.

     Finlay's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. References
to 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 relate to the fiscal years ending February 1, 1997,
January 31, 1998, January 30, 1999 and January 29, 2000,  respectively.  Each of
the fiscal years includes fifty-two weeks.

     In 1998,  Finlay  Jewelry  adopted SFAS No. 130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income". This Statement requires disclosure of comprehensive income,  defined as
the total of net income and all other  nonowner  changes in equity,  which under
generally  accepted  accounting   principles,   are  recorded  directly  to  the
stockholders'  equity section of the consolidated  balance sheet and, therefore,
bypass net income.  In Finlay's case, the only nonowner change in equity relates
to the foreign currency translation adjustment.

Comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Thirteen Weeks Ended               Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                         ------------------------------      ------------------------------
                                                          October 31,      October 30,        October 31,      October 30,
                                                             1998              1999               1998             1999
                                                         -------------    -------------      -------------    -------------
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>
Net income (loss)....................................    $    (2,655)     $   (2,145)        $   (10,323)     $    (3,397)
Foreign currency translation adjustment..............          1,850            (511)              2,063           (3,080)
                                                         -------------    -------------      -------------    -------------
Comprehensive income (loss)..........................    $     (805)      $   (2,656)        $    (8,260)     $    (6,477)
                                                         =============    =============      =============    =============
</TABLE>

     In 1998,  Statement  of Position  No.  98-1,  "Accounting  for the Costs of
Computer  Software  Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" was issued. As such,
Finlay is required to capitalize  software  purchased  from third party software
vendors,  external  consulting costs incurred in the development and enhancement
of  management  information  systems  and  certain  internal  payroll  costs for
employees directly  associated with the development of software.  Finlay adopted
this  statement  in  1999,  and it  will  not  have  a  material  impact  on its
consolidated financial statements.



                                       7
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

     Finlay is a retailer of fine jewelry products and primarily operates leased
fine jewelry  departments in department  stores throughout the United States and
France.  Over the past three fiscal years,  the fourth quarter  accounted for an
average of 42% of Finlay's  sales due to the  seasonality  of the retail jewelry
industry.  Approximately  47% of  Finlay's  domestic  sales  in 1998  were  from
operations in The May Department Stores Company and 21% in departments  operated
in store groups owned by Federated Department Stores.

NOTE 3 - MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

     Merchandise inventories consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 (unaudited)
                                                                            January 30,          October 30,
                                                                               1999                 1999
                                                                          --------------       --------------
                                                                                       (in thousands)
   Jewelry goods - rings, watches and other fine jewelry
<S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
       (specific identification basis)...............................     $    300,777         $    323,142
   Less:  Excess of specific identification cost over LIFO
       inventory value...............................................            5,512                5,797
                                                                          --------------       --------------
                                                                          $    295,265         $    317,345
                                                                          ==============       ==============
</TABLE>

     The LIFO method had the effect of  decreasing  the loss before income taxes
for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine  weeks ended October 31, 1998 by $177,000
and  $523,000,  respectively.  The effect of  applying  the LIFO  method for the
thirteen weeks and thirty-nine  weeks ended October 30, 1999 was to increase the
loss  before  income  taxes  by  $95,000  and  $286,000,  respectively.   Finlay
determines its LIFO inventory value by utilizing selected producer price indices
published for jewelry and watches by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

     Approximately $283,793,000 and $355,114,000 at January 30, 1999 and October
30, 1999, respectively, of merchandise received on consignment has been excluded
from  Merchandise  inventories and Accounts  payable-trade  in the  accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

     Finlay  Jewelry  is  party  to a  gold  consignment  agreement  (the  "Gold
Consignment   Agreement"),   which  expires  on  December  31,  2001.  The  Gold
Consignment Agreement enables Finlay Jewelry to receive merchandise by providing
gold, or otherwise  making  payment,  to certain  vendors who supply Finlay with
merchandise on consignment.  While the merchandise  involved remains  consigned,
title to the gold content of the  merchandise  transfers from the vendors to the
gold  consignor.  Finlay  Jewelry can obtain,  pursuant to the Gold  Consignment
Agreement,  up to the lesser of (i) 95,000 fine troy ounces or (ii)  $32,000,000
worth of gold,  subject  to a  formula  as  prescribed  by the Gold  Consignment
Agreement.  At October 30, 1999, amounts  outstanding under the Gold Consignment
Agreement  totaled  78,637  fine  troy  ounces,  valued at  approximately  $23.5
million. For financial statement purposes, the consigned gold is not included in
Merchandise  inventories on Finlay  Jewelry's  Consolidated  Balance Sheets and,
therefore, no related liability has been recorded.




                                       8
<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 3 - MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES (continued)

     The cost to Finlay of gold merchandise sold on consignment in some cases is
not fixed until the sale is reported to the vendor or to the gold  consignor  in
the case of merchandise sold pursuant to the Gold Consignment Agreement.  Finlay
at times enters into futures contracts,  such as options or forwards, based upon
the  anticipated  sales of gold product,  to hedge against the risk arising from
those payment arrangements. Changes in the market value of futures contracts are
accounted  for as an addition to or reduction  from the inventory  cost.  Finlay
Jewelry did not have any open positions in futures contracts for gold at January
30, 1999. At October 30, 1999,  Finlay Jewelry had two open positions in futures
contracts  for gold  totaling  25,000  fine troy  ounces or  approximately  $8.1
million, which expire at the end of November 1999. .

     In June 1998,  SFAS No. 133,  "Accounting  for Derivative  Instruments  and
Hedging  Activities"  was issued.  This  Statement  requires that all derivative
instruments  be recorded in the  balance  sheet as either an asset or  liability
measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative  instrument's fair
value be recognized currently in earnings.  SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal
years  beginning  after June 15,  2000 and,  based on current  levels of hedging
activities,  is not  expected  to have a  material  impact on  Finlay  Jewelry's
financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 4 - LEASE AGREEMENTS

     Finlay conducts  substantially all of its operations as leased  departments
in department  stores.  All of these leases, as well as rentals for office space
and equipment,  are accounted for as operating leases. The department  operating
leases  expire on various  dates through 2003 and the office space and equipment
operating leases expire on various dates through 2008. All references  herein to
leased departments refer to departments  operated pursuant to license agreements
or other arrangements with host department stores.

     Substantially  all of the department store leases provide that the title to
certain fixed assets of Finlay  transfers upon  termination  of the leases,  and
that Finlay will receive the  undepreciated  value of such fixed assets from the
host store in the event such transfers occur, although the depreciation schedule
provided  for in the lease may  differ  from that used for  financial  reporting
purposes.  The values of such fixed assets are recorded at the  inception of the
lease  arrangement and are reflected in the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance
Sheets.

     In many cases,  Finlay is subject to limitations under its lease agreements
with host department stores which prohibit Finlay from operating departments for
other store groups within a certain geographical radius of the host store.





                                       9
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4 - LEASE AGREEMENTS (continued)

     The store leases  provide for the payment of fees based on sales,  plus, in
some instances,  installment payments for fixed assets. Lease expense,  included
in Selling, general and administrative expenses, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        Thirteen Weeks Ended             Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                   ------------------------------     ------------------------------
                                    October 31,       October 30,      October 31,      October 30,
                                        1998             1999             1998             1999
                                   -------------    -------------     -------------    -------------
                                                           (in thousands)
<S>                                <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>
     Minimum fees..............    $     5,911      $     4,297       $    15,567      $    12,935
     Contingent fees...........         21,248           24,396            66,499           73,405
                                   -------------    -------------     -------------    -------------
       Total...................    $    27,159      $    28,693       $    82,066      $    86,340
                                   =============    =============     =============    =============
</TABLE>

NOTE 5 - PENDING SALE AND DISPOSITION OF SONAB

     On November 29, 1999,  Societe  Nouvelle  d'Achat de  Bijouterie-S.O.N.A.B.
("Sonab"),  Finlay's  European leased jewelry  department  subsidiary,  signed a
letter of intent to sell the majority of its assets.  Under the current terms of
the letter of intent,  the buyer will  operate more than 80 locations of Sonab's
130-location base in France.  The remaining  departments will be closed.  Finlay
anticipates  that a final  agreement  will be entered into before the end of the
fiscal year.

     Pending final  negotiations,  Finlay  Jewelry  anticipates it will record a
pretax charge in the fourth quarter of 1999 of approximately  $25 million to $27
million  for the  write-down  of assets  for  disposition  and  related  closure
expenses. The cash portion of this charge is estimated to be approximately $7 to
$8 million.

     The  preliminary  estimate  of the  pre-tax  components  of the  charge for
write-down of assets for disposition and related closure  expenses,  the related
income tax effects and the net cash portion of the charge are  approximately  as
follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                            <C>            <C>
Costs associated with the write-down of inventory for liquidation              $   8.0    -   $    8.5
Costs associated with the write off of undepreciated fixed assets                  1.5    -        1.5
Realization of foreign exchange losses                                             8.0    -        8.5
Payroll and severance costs                                                        4.0    -        4.5
Other closing costs (a)                                                            3.5    -        4.0
                                                                               -------------------------

Sub-total                                                                         25.0    -       27.0
Income tax benefit                                                               (10.1)   -      (10.9)
                                                                               -------------------------

Net after tax                                                                     14.9    -       16.1
Non cash - Foreign exchange losses (above)                                        (8.0)   -       (8.5)
                                                                               -------------------------

Net cash portion of charge                                                     $   6.9    -   $    7.6
                                                                               =========================
</TABLE>
______________________________________
(a)  Including  transfer of  inventory,  furniture  removal,  main office  costs
     during close down period,  lease termination  costs and professional  fees.


                                       10
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6 - 1998 TRANSACTIONS

     On April 24,  1998,  the Holding  Company  completed  a public  offering of
1,800,000  shares of its Common  Stock at a price of $27.50 per share (the "1998
Offering"),  of which  567,310  shares  were  sold by the  Holding  Company  and
1,232,690 shares were sold by certain selling  stockholders.  Concurrently  with
the 1998 Offering,  the Holding Company and Finlay Jewelry  completed the public
offering of $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Debentures due
May 1, 2008 (the "Senior  Debentures")  and $150.0 million  aggregate  principal
amount  of  8-3/8%   Senior  Notes  due  May  1,  2008  (the  "Senior   Notes"),
respectively.  In  addition,  on  April  24,  1998,  Finlay's  revolving  credit
agreement (the "Revolving Credit Agreement") was amended to increase the line of
credit thereunder to $275.0 million and to make certain other changes.

     On May 26,  1998,  the net  proceeds to the Holding  Company  from the 1998
Offering,  the sale of the Senior  Debentures,  together  with  other  available
funds, were used to redeem the Holding Company's 12% Senior Discount  Debentures
due 2005 (the "Old Debentures"), including associated premiums. Also, on May 26,
1998,  Finlay Jewelry used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes to
redeem  Finlay  Jewelry's  10-5/8%  Senior  Notes due 2003  (the  "Old  Notes"),
including  associated  premiums.  The  above  transactions,  excluding  the 1998
Offering, are referred to herein as the "Refinancing".  Finlay Jewelry recorded,
in the second quarter of 1998, a pre-tax  extraordinary  charge of approximately
$8.0 million, including $5.4 million for the redemption premium on the Old Notes
and $2.0 million to write off deferred  financing costs  associated with the Old
Notes.

















                                       11
<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
            Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth  operating  results as a percentage of sales
for the periods indicated:

Statements of Operations Data
(unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Thirteen Weeks Ended             Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                               ------------------------------    -------------------------------
                                                                October 31,       October 30,      October 31,       October 30,
                                                                   1998             1999              1998              1999
                                                               -------------    -------------    -------------     -------------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>
Sales.....................................................        100.0%           100.0%           100.0%            100.0%
Cost of sales.............................................         49.0             49.4             48.9              49.1
                                                               -------------    -------------    -------------     -------------
    Gross margin..........................................         51.0             50.6             51.1              50.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses..............         47.4             46.5             46.7              46.1
Depreciation and amortization.............................          2.4              2.4              2.3               2.4
                                                               -------------    -------------    -------------     -------------
    Income (loss) from operations.........................          1.2              1.7              2.1               2.4
Interest expense, net.....................................          3.8              3.5              3.8               3.3
Nonrecurring interest associated with refinancing.........          -                -                0.1               -
                                                               -------------    -------------    -------------     -------------
    Income (loss) before income taxes and
      Extraordinary charges...............................         (2.6)            (1.8)            (1.8)             (0.9)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes......................         (1.0)            (0.6)            (0.7)             (0.2)
                                                               -------------    -------------    -------------     -------------
    Income (loss) before extraordinary charges............         (1.6)            (1.2)            (1.1)             (0.7)
Extraordinary charges from early extinguishment
      Of debt, net of income tax benefit..................          -                -                0.9               -
                                                               -------------    -------------    -------------     -------------
    Net income (loss).....................................         (1.6)%           (1.2)%           (2.0)%            (0.7)%
                                                               =============    =============    =============     =============
</TABLE>

Thirteen Weeks Ended October 30, 1999 Compared with Thirteen Weeks Ended October
31, 1998

     Sales.  Sales for the thirteen  weeks ended October 30, 1999 increased $9.4
million,  or 5.7%, over the comparable period in 1998.  Consolidated  comparable
department  sales  (departments  open  for the  same  months  during  comparable
periods) increased 5.8% and domestic comparable department sales increased 6.8%.
Management  attributes this increase in the comparable  department  sales to the
following  initiatives:   (i)  emphasizing  its  "Key  Item"  and  "Best  Value"
merchandising  programs,  which  provide  a  targeted  assortment  of  items  at
competitive prices; (ii) increasing focus on holiday and event-driven promotions
as well as host store marketing programs; (iii) positioning its departments as a
"destination  location"  for fine  jewelry;  and (iv)  continuing  project PRISM
(Promptly Reduce Inefficiencies and Sales Multiply), a program designed to allow
Finlay's sales associates more time for customer sales and service.

     In the second quarter of 1998, Sonab began to experience lower sales trends
due to the  transition  from a promotional  pricing  strategy to an everyday low
price strategy.  The adverse impact of such change continued through October 30,
1999.  As discussed  in Note 5 of Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,
Sonab has  signed a letter of intent to sell the  majority  of its  assets.  The
buyer will operate more than 80 locations of Sonab's 130-location base, with the
remaining  departments to be closed.  Finlay  anticipates that a final agreement
will be entered into before the end of the fiscal year.


                                       12
<PAGE>

     During  the  thirteen  weeks  ended  October  30,  1999,  Finlay  opened 26
departments and closed nine  departments.  The openings were all within existing
store groups,  with the exception of two departments in Herberger's,  a division
of Saks Incorporated.  The closings were within existing store groups, including
four departments in France and one of Finlay's outlet stores.

     Gross  margin.  Gross  margin for the  period  increased  by $4.0  million,
primarily as a result of the sales  increase.  As a percentage  of sales,  gross
margin  decreased  by 0.4%.  Gross  margin as a  percentage  of sales for Finlay
Jewelry's domestic  operations was the same as the prior year although there was
a LIFO charge of $0.1 million for the thirteen  weeks ended October 30, 1999, as
compared to a LIFO benefit of $0.2 million in the prior year.

     Selling,  general  and  administrative   expenses.   Selling,  general  and
administrative  expenses ("SG&A") increased $2.8 million, or 3.6%, due primarily
to  payroll  expense  and lease  fees  associated  with the  increase  in Finlay
Jewelry's  domestic sales.  SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased by 0.9% as a
result of the  leveraging  of these  expenses  and  lower  expenses  related  to
Finlay's year 2000 remediation project, which totaled approximately $0.3 million
for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1999 as compared to $0.9 million in the
prior year.  The slowdown of sales in France had a negative  impact on SG&A as a
percentage of sales.

     Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization  increased by
$0.2 million,  reflecting an increase in capital  expenditures  and  capitalized
software  costs for the most  recent  twelve  months,  offset  by the  effect of
certain assets becoming fully depreciated.  The increase in fixed assets was due
to the addition of new departments and the renovation of existing departments.

     Interest expense, net. Interest expense decreased by $0.2 million primarily
due to a decrease in average  borrowings  ($284.9 million for the period in 1999
compared to $300.0 million for the comparable period in 1998) as well as a lower
weighted  average  interest rate (7.8% for the 1999 period  compared to 7.9% for
the 1998 period).

     Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The income tax provision for the 1999
and 1998 periods reflects an effective tax rate of 40.5%.

     Net income  (loss).  The net loss of $2.1  million  for the 1999 period was
$0.5  million  lower  than the net  loss in the  prior  year as a result  of the
factors discussed above.

Thirty-Nine  Weeks Ended October 30, 1999 Compared with Thirty-Nine  Weeks Ended
October 31, 1998

     Sales.  Sales for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended October 30, 1999  increased
$22.8  million,  or  4.5%,  over the  comparable  period  in 1998.  Consolidated
comparable  department sales increased 6.3% and domestic  comparable  department
sales  increased  8.4%.  Management  attributes  this increase in the comparable
department  sales  primarily  to the "Key Item" and "Best  Value"  merchandising
programs and to the marketing  initiatives  discussed above.  Total consolidated
sales were negatively  impacted by $9.0 million primarily  relating to Dillard's
purchase  of the  Mercantile  Stores  in the fall of 1998 and the  change  to an
everyday  low price  strategy  as well as the net  effect of new store  openings
offset by store closings.




                                       13
<PAGE>

     During the  thirty-nine  weeks ended  October 30,  1999,  Finlay  opened 53
departments  and closed 53  departments.  The openings were all within  existing
store  groups,  with the  exception of three  departments  in  Herberger's.  The
closings  included  14  departments  in  Crowley's  and  Steinbach  due  to  the
bankruptcy  of the host  store,  22  departments  in France and one of  Finlay's
outlet stores,  with the remaining 16 departments  closed within  existing store
groups.

     Gross  margin.  Gross  margin for the period  increased  by $10.4  million,
primarily as a result of the sales  increase.  As a percentage  of sales,  gross
margin  decreased  by 0.2%.  Gross  margin as a  percentage  of sales for Finlay
Jewelry's domestic  operations was the same as the prior year although there was
a LIFO charge of $0.3 million for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended October 30, 1999
as compared to a LIFO benefit of $0.5 million in the prior year.

     Selling,  general and administrative expenses. SG&A increased $7.3 million,
or 3.1%,  due primarily to payroll  expense and lease fees  associated  with the
increase in Finlay  Jewelry's  domestic  sales as well as  expenses  relating to
Finlay's year 2000 remediation project, which totaled approximately $2.0 million
in 1999 as compared to $0.9 million in the prior year.  SG&A as a percentage  of
sales  decreased by 0.6% as a result of the  leveraging of these  expenses.  The
slowdown  of sales in France had a negative  impact on SG&A as a  percentage  of
sales.

     Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization  increased by
$1.0 million,  reflecting an increase in capital  expenditures  and  capitalized
software  costs for the most  recent  twelve  months,  offset  by the  effect of
certain assets becoming fully depreciated.  The increase in fixed assets was due
to the addition of new departments and the renovation of existing departments.

     Interest   expense,   net.  Interest  expense  decreased  by  $1.8  million
reflecting  a lower  weighted  average  interest  rate (7.9% for the 1999 period
compared  to 8.4% for the  comparable  period  in 1998)  relating  to the  lower
interest  rate on the Senior  Notes as  compared  to the Old  Notes,  which were
outstanding for a portion of the 1998 period. In addition,  there was a decrease
in average  borrowings ($259.6 million for the period in 1999 compared to $279.7
million for the comparable  period in 1998).  The 1998 average  borrowings  were
adjusted to exclude the timing impact of the call requirements on the Old Notes,
discussed above.

     Nonrecurring  interest associated with refinancing.  As a result of certain
call  requirements  associated with the Old Notes,  the debt could not be repaid
until May 26, 1998.  Thus, for  twenty-five  days in the second quarter of 1998,
Finlay was required to maintain as  outstanding  both the Senior Notes issued on
April 24, 1998 as well as the Old Notes retired on May 26, 1998.  The net effect
of carrying the new and old debt, offset by reduced interest expense on Finlay's
revolving  credit facility and interest  income on excess cash balances,  was an
increase to interest expense of $0.4 million.

     Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The income tax provision for the 1999
and 1998 periods reflects an effective tax rate of 40.5%.

     Extraordinary  charges from early extinguishment of debt, net of income tax
benefit.  In  conjunction  with the repayment of the Old Notes,  Finlay  Jewelry
recorded a pre-tax extraordinary charge of $8.0 million in the second quarter of
1998,  including  $5.4 million for the  redemption  premium on the Old Notes and
approximately $2.0 million to write off deferred financing costs associated with
the Old Notes. The income tax benefit on the extraordinary  charges totaled $3.2
million.



                                       14
<PAGE>

     Net income  (loss).  The net loss of $3.4  million  for the 1999 period was
$6.9 million lower than the net loss of $10.3 million for the comparable  period
as a result of the factors discussed above.  Excluding the extraordinary  charge
in 1998, the net loss for 1999 was $2.2 million lower than the prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Finlay's  primary capital  requirements are for funding working capital for
new departments and for working capital growth of existing departments and, to a
lesser extent,  capital  expenditures  for opening new  departments,  renovating
existing departments and information technology investments. For the thirty-nine
weeks ended October 31, 1998 and October 30, 1999, capital  expenditures totaled
$11.7 million and $11.6 million,  respectively.  For 1998, capital  expenditures
totaled  $14.9  million and for 1999 are  estimated  to be  approximately  $15.0
million. Although capital expenditures are limited by the terms of the Revolving
Credit Agreement,  to date this limitation has not precluded Finlay Jewelry from
satisfying its capital expenditure requirements.

     Finlay's  operations  substantially  preclude  customer  receivables and in
recent years, on average, approximately 49% of Finlay's domestic merchandise has
been carried on consignment.  Accordingly,  management  believes that relatively
modest  levels of working  capital  are  required  in  comparison  to many other
retailers.  Finlay  Jewelry's  working  capital  balance  was $110.6  million at
October 30,  1999,  a decrease of $16.1  million  from  January  30,  1999.  The
decrease resulted primarily from the impact of the interim net loss exclusive of
depreciation and  amortization,  capital  expenditures,  an increase in deferred
charges and the movement in the foreign exchange rate with France.  Based on the
seasonal nature of Finlay's business, working capital requirements and therefore
borrowings  under the Revolving  Credit Agreement can be expected to increase on
an interim basis during the first three  quarters of any given fiscal year.  See
"--Seasonality".

     The seasonality of Finlay's business causes working capital requirements to
reach their  highest  level in the months of October,  November  and December in
anticipation of the year-end  holiday season.  Accordingly,  Finlay  experiences
seasonal cash needs as inventory  levels peak.  The Revolving  Credit  Agreement
provides Finlay with a line of credit of up to $275.0 million to finance working
capital needs.  Amounts  outstanding  under the Revolving  Credit Agreement bear
interest at a rate equal to, at Finlay's option,  (i) the Index Rate (as defined
in the Revolving  Credit  Agreement)  plus a margin ranging from zero to 1.0% or
(ii)  adjusted  LIBOR  plus a margin  ranging  from  1.0% to 2.0%,  in each case
depending on the financial performance of Finlay.

     In each year, Finlay is required to reduce the outstanding revolving credit
balance and letter of credit  balance  under the Revolving  Credit  Agreement to
$50.0  million  or less  and  $20.0  million  or  less,  respectively,  for a 30
consecutive day period (the "Balance Reduction  Requirement").  Borrowings under
the Revolving Credit Agreement at October 30, 1999 were $127.4 million, compared
to a zero  balance at January 30, 1999 and $150.1  million at October 31,  1998.
The average amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement were $131.4
million  (adjusted  for the impact of the  temporary  paydown  of the  revolving
credit facility due to certain call requirements  associated with the Old Notes)
and $109.6 million for the thirty-nine  weeks ended October 31, 1998 and October
30, 1999, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding for the thirty-nine weeks
ended October 30, 1999 was $153.3 million.

     On November 29, 1999, Sonab,  Finlay's  European leased jewelry  department
subsidiary,  signed a letter of intent to sell the majority of its assets. Under
the current  terms of the letter of intent,  the buyer will operate more than 80
locations of Sonab's 130-location base in France. The remaining departments will
be closed.  Finlay Jewelry  anticipates  that a final  agreement will be entered
into  before the end of the


                                       15
<PAGE>

fiscal year.  Pending final  negotiations,  Finlay  Jewelry  anticipates it will
record a pretax  charge  in the  fourth  quarter  of 1999 of  approximately  $25
million to $27 million for the write-down of assets for  disposition and related
closure  expenses.   The  cash  portion  of  this  charge  is  estimated  to  be
approximately $7 to $8 million.

     Finlay's  long-term needs for external financing will depend on its rate of
growth,  the level of  internally  generated  funds and the  ability to continue
obtaining  substantial amounts of merchandise on advantageous  terms,  including
consignment  arrangements  with its  vendors.  For 1998,  Finlay  had an average
balance of  consignment  merchandise of $268.5  million from  approximately  300
vendors as  compared  to an average  balance  of $216.5  million in 1997.  As of
October 30,  1999,  $355.1  million of  consignment  merchandise  was on hand as
compared to $283.8 million at January 30, 1999 and $315.7 million at October 31,
1998.

     A substantial  amount of Finlay's operating cash flow has been used or will
be required to pay interest  with respect to the Senior  Debentures,  the Senior
Notes and  amounts  due under the  Revolving  Credit  Agreement,  including  the
payments required pursuant to the Balance Reduction  Requirement.  As of October
30, 1999, Finlay's outstanding  borrowings were $277.4 million, which included a
$150.0 million balance under the Senior Notes and a $127.4 million balance under
the Revolving Credit Facility.

     Finlay Jewelry is party to the Gold Consignment Agreement, which expires on
December 31, 2001.  The Gold  Consignment  Agreement  enables  Finlay Jewelry to
receive  merchandise by providing gold, or otherwise making payment,  to certain
vendors.  Finlay Jewelry can obtain, pursuant to the Gold Consignment Agreement,
up to the lesser of (i) 95,000 fine troy ounces or (ii) $32.0  million  worth of
gold, subject to a formula as prescribed by the Gold Consignment  Agreement.  At
October 30,  1999,  amounts  outstanding  under the Gold  Consignment  Agreement
totaled 78,637 fine troy ounces,  valued at  approximately  $23.5  million.  The
average  amount  outstanding  under  the Gold  Consignment  Agreement  was $15.6
million in 1998.

     During  1998,  Finlay began  several  information  technology  initiatives,
including  the  design and  development  of a new  merchandising  system and the
upgrade of  point-of-sale  systems  and  related  hardware  in the  majority  of
Finlay's  departments.  These  projects  will serve to support  future growth of
Finlay as well as provide improved  analysis and reporting  capabilities and are
expected to be completed in mid-2000. The cost associated with these projects is
estimated  to be $12.0  million for  software and  implementation  costs,  to be
included in Deferred charges and other assets,  and  approximately  $4.0 million
for  hardware  and related  equipment,  to be included as a component  of Finlay
Jewelry's  capital  expenditures  and reflected in Fixed assets.  At October 30,
1999, a total of approximately $9.8 million has been expended.

     Section 382 of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended (the "Code")
restricts  utilization  of net operating  loss  carryforwards  ("NOLs") after an
ownership   change   exceeding  50%.  As  a  result   certain   recapitalization
transactions in 1993, a change in ownership of the Holding Company exceeding 50%
occurred  within the  meaning of Section 382 of the Code.  Similar  restrictions
apply to other  carryforwards.  Consequently,  there is a material limitation on
Finlay Jewelry's annual  utilization of its NOLs and other  carryforwards  which
requires  a  deferral  or  loss  of  the  utilization  of  such  NOLs  or  other
carryforwards.  Finlay  Jewelry had, at October 31, 1998 (Finlay  Jewelry's  tax
year end),  a NOL for tax  purposes  of  approximately  $11.5  million  which is
subject to an annual limit of approximately $2.0 million per year. However,  for
financial reporting purposes, no NOL exists as of January 30, 1999.



                                       16
<PAGE>

     From time to time, Finlay enters into futures contracts, such as options or
forwards,  based upon the  anticipated  sales of gold  product in order to hedge
against the risk  arising from its payment  arrangements.  Changes in the market
value of futures contracts are accounted for as an addition to or reduction from
the inventory  cost.  For the year ended  January 30, 1999,  the gain or loss on
open futures  contracts was not material.  Finlay  Jewelry did not have any open
positions  in futures  contracts  for gold at January 30,  1999.  At October 30,
1999,  Finlay  Jewelry  had two open  positions  in futures  contracts  for gold
totaling 25,000 fine troy ounces or approximately $8.1 million,  which expire at
the  end  of  November  1999.  There  can be no  assurance  that  these  hedging
techniques  will be successful or that hedging  transactions  will not adversely
affect Finlay Jewelry's results of operations or financial position.

     Finlay believes that, based upon current  operations,  anticipated  growth,
and availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement,  Finlay Jewelry will, for
the foreseeable future, be able to meet its debt service and anticipated working
capital obligations, and to make distributions to the Holding Company sufficient
to permit the Holding  Company to meet its debt service  obligations  and to pay
certain other  expenses as they come due. No assurances,  however,  can be given
that Finlay  Jewelry's  current  level of  operating  results  will  continue or
improve or that Finlay  Jewelry's  income from  operations  will  continue to be
sufficient to permit Finlay  Jewelry and the Holding  Company to meet their debt
service and other obligations.  Currently,  Finlay Jewelry's principal financing
arrangements  restrict annual  distributions  from Finlay Jewelry to the Holding
Company to 0.25% of Finlay Jewelry's net sales for the preceding fiscal year and
also allow  distributions  to the Holding  Company to enable it to make interest
payments on the Senior Debentures. The amounts required to satisfy the aggregate
of Finlay's  interest expense and required  amortization  payments totaled $15.5
million and $13.0 million for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended October 31, 1998 and
October 30, 1999, respectively.

Year 2000

     Many of Finlay's computer systems,  software products,  other systems using
embedded chips  ("non-information  technology systems") and third party systems,
accepted only two entries in the date field to distinguish  the year.  Beginning
in the year 2000,  these date fields will need to accept four digit entries,  or
properly handle two digit entries,  to distinguish  21st century dates from 20th
century dates. As a result,  Finlay's date critical functions would be adversely
affected  unless the computer  systems and software  products of both Finlay and
significant third parties were year 2000 compliant.

     A  comprehensive  plan was  prepared  so that all  systems  critical to the
operation of Finlay would be year 2000  compliant.  The plan was structured into
five  primary  phases:  identification,  assessment,  remediation,  testing  and
implementation.  Finlay  has  completed  all  phases  and  has  implemented  all
remediated applications.  Finlay continues to conduct general systems testing as
well as testing of specific year 2000  scenarios in an effort to verify that the
systems are year 2000 compliant.

     Finlay used a combination of internal and external resources to execute its
year 2000 project plan. Finlay estimates that the costs related to its year 2000
efforts will total approximately $4.0 million, of which a total of approximately
$3.9  million has been spent  through  October 30, 1999 ($1.9  million in fiscal
1998 and $2.0  million  in fiscal  1999).  Finlay has funded the year 2000 costs
through operating cash flows.

     Finlay has formally  communicated  with its host stores,  vendors and other
third  parties to determine  the extent to which Finlay may be vulnerable to the
failure of their systems and to obtain year 2000  compliance  certification.  To
date,  none of the third  parties  contacted  have raised year 2000 issues which
Finlay believes would have a material adverse effect on Finlay.


                                       17
<PAGE>

     Management expects that with the successful implementation of the year 2000
project,  the year 2000 issue will not pose  significant  operational  problems.
Although Finlay has implemented  its remediated  applications  and completed its
year 2000 plan,  there can be no assurance  that  Finlay's  systems and software
will not  experience  year 2000  related  issues,  or that Finlay will not incur
significant  unforeseen  additional  expenses  to address any such  issues.  The
consequences of a disruption of Finlay's operations,  whether caused by Finlay's
internal systems or those of any significant third party,  could have a material
adverse effect on Finlay Jewelry's  financial position or results of operations.
The likely worst case  scenario may be an  inability to  distribute  merchandise
Finlay's  departments and to process its daily business for some period of time.
The lost revenues,  if any, resulting from a worst case scenario would depend on
the time period in which the failure  goes  uncorrected  and the  difficulty  to
remediate such failure.

     Management  recognizes the  importance of developing a contingency  plan in
the event of a year 2000 failure. Finlay has assessed the potential effects of a
year 2000 related failure and, to the extent deemed appropriate,  has identified
tasks  necessary to address such effects in its  contingency  plan. In addition,
progress reports on the year 2000 project continue to be presented  regularly to
senior management and Finlay's Board of Directors.

Seasonality

     Finlay's  business is highly  seasonal,  with a significant  portion of its
sales and income from  operations  generated  during the fourth  quarter of each
year, which includes the year-end holiday season.  The fourth quarter  accounted
for an average of 42% of Finlay's  sales and 82% of its income  from  operations
for 1996,  1997 and 1998.  Finlay has  typically  experienced  net losses in the
first three quarters of its fiscal year.  During these periods,  working capital
requirements   have  been  funded  by  borrowings  under  the  Revolving  Credit
Agreement.  Accordingly,  the results for any of the first three quarters of any
given fiscal year, taken individually or in the aggregate, are not indicative of
annual results.

Inflation

     The effect of  inflation  on Finlay's  results of  operations  has not been
material in the periods discussed.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     This Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q includes  "forward-looking  statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the  Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E
of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 (the  "Exchange  Act").  All statements
other  than   statements  of   historical   information   provided   herein  are
forward-looking  statements and may contain information about financial results,
economic  conditions,  trends  and  known  uncertainties.   The  forward-looking
statements  contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that
could cause  actual  results to differ  materially  from those  reflected in the
forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause such a difference include,
but are not limited to,  those  discussed  under  "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", as well as trends in
the general  economy in the United States and France,  competition in the retail
jewelry  business,  the  seasonality  of the  retail  jewelry  business,  Finlay
Jewelry's  ability  to  increase  comparable  department  sales  and to open new
departments,  Finlay  Jewelry's  estimate  of the  cost  to  address  year  2000
compliance  issues and the impact on Finlay Jewelry's  operations of a year 2000
failure,  Finlay Jewelry's dependence on certain host store relationships due to
the  concentration  of sales generated by such host stores,  the availability to
Finlay  Jewelry of  alternate  sources of  merchandise


                                       18
<PAGE>

supply  in the  case of an  abrupt  loss  of any  significant  supplier,  Finlay
Jewelry's  ability to continue to obtain  substantial  amounts of merchandise on
consignment,  Finlay  Jewelry's  dependence  on key officers,  Finlay  Jewelry's
ability to integrate  future  acquisitions  into its existing  business,  Finlay
Jewelry's  high degree of leverage  and the  availability  to Finlay  Jewelry of
financing and credit on favorable  terms and changes in regulatory  requirements
which are applicable to Finlay Jewelry's business.

     Readers  are  cautioned  not to rely on these  forward-looking  statements,
which reflect management's analysis,  judgment, belief or expectation only as of
the date hereof.  Finlay  Jewelry  undertakes no  obligation to publicly  revise
these  forward-looking  statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise
after the date hereof. In addition to the disclosure  contained herein,  readers
should carefully review any disclosure of risks and  uncertainties  contained in
other  documents  Finlay  Jewelry  files or has filed from time to time with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     Finlay  Jewelry is exposed to market risk  primarily  through the  interest
rate on its  borrowings  under  the  Revolving  Credit  Agreement,  which  has a
variable  interest  rate.  In seeking to minimize the risks from  interest  rate
fluctuations, Finlay Jewelry manages exposures through its regular operating and
financing activities.  In addition,  the majority of Finlay Jewelry's borrowings
are under fixed rate  arrangements,  and as such,  there was no material  market
risk exposure to Finlay Jewelry's financial  position,  results of operations or
cash flows as of January 30, 1999 or October 30, 1999.















                                       19
<PAGE>

 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.      Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     A.    Exhibits

        2         Not applicable.

        3         Not applicable.

        4         Not applicable.

       10         Not applicable.

       11         Not applicable.

       15         Not applicable.

       18         Not applicable.

       19         Not applicable.

       22         Not applicable.

       23         Not applicable.

       24         Not applicable.

       27         Financial Data Schedule.

       99         Not applicable.

     B.    Reports on Form 8-K

           None.













                                       20
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the  requirement  of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




Date: December 10, 1999               FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION

                                      By: /s/ Bruce E. Zurlnick
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Bruce E. Zurlnick
                                          Vice President and Treasurer
                                          (As both a duly authorized officer of
                                          Registrant and as principal financial
                                          officer of Registrant)





















                                       21





<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FINLAY FINE
JEWELRY  CORPORATION  FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              JAN-29-2000
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                   OCT-30-1999
<CASH>                                         3,670
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  38,241
<ALLOWANCES>                                   0
<INVENTORY>                                    317,345
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               397,261
<PP&E>                                         116,960
<DEPRECIATION>                                 44,681
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 585,857
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          286,634
<BONDS>                                        150,000
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                       0
<OTHER-SE>                                     138,925
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   585,857
<SALES>                                        527,026
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               527,026
<CGS>                                          258,988
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  258,988
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               255,360
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             17,179
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (4,501)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (1,104)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (3,397)
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (3,397)
<EPS-BASIC>                                  0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0


</TABLE>


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