WatchesOct 06, 2021
Jean-Claude Biver Talks Soul, Technology, and Defining a Watch Brand Events & AwardsNov 15, 2021
Baselworld Is Off Again, For Now
In addition, the show’s managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff, is stepping down.
Baselworld will not take place in spring 2022, organizers announced late last week, citing the need for more time to overhaul the show and ongoing COVID concerns.
Basel, Switzerland—The continuing story of Baselworld has taken another turn.
On Friday, show organizer MCH Group Ltd. announced it needs more time to reformulate the show and will not be holding Baselworld in the spring of 2022, as last announced.
In addition, the show’s managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff, who took over the show in 2018, is leaving to “take on a new challenge,” MCH Group said.
MCH Group gave no indication of when, or if, Baselworld might return, noting only that its decision was based on the experience it gained during the Baselworld pop-up event held during Geneva Watch Days in late summer 2021, and discussions with both manufacturers and retailers.
It also mentioned the difficulty of a relaunching a trade show amid the “renewed aggravation of the COVID situation” and the uncertainty it creates among attendees and exhibitors.
While COVID-19 numbers have been falling in the United States, case numbers have been climbing across Europe, including in Switzerland.
Related stories will be right here …
On Friday, show organizer MCH Group Ltd. announced it needs more time to reformulate the show and will not be holding Baselworld in the spring of 2022, as last announced.
In addition, the show’s managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff, who took over the show in 2018, is leaving to “take on a new challenge,” MCH Group said.
MCH Group gave no indication of when, or if, Baselworld might return, noting only that its decision was based on the experience it gained during the Baselworld pop-up event held during Geneva Watch Days in late summer 2021, and discussions with both manufacturers and retailers.
It also mentioned the difficulty of a relaunching a trade show amid the “renewed aggravation of the COVID situation” and the uncertainty it creates among attendees and exhibitors.
While COVID-19 numbers have been falling in the United States, case numbers have been climbing across Europe, including in Switzerland.
The announcement that there will be no Baselworld show in 2022 is the latest dip in the rollercoaster ride this once-massive show has been on since 2020.
After canceling its 2020 edition due to coronavirus, experiencing backlash over its refund policy from exhibitors and watching as major brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe left to organize their own show, many thought Baselworld was dead.
But in July 2020, MCH Group announced that the show would indeed be back in Basel in spring 2021 but with a new name—HourUniverse.
In January 2021, show organizers pushed the debut of HourUniverse back to June.
HourUniverse, however, never happened and in June, MCH Group announced it was rebooting the Baselworld brand and holding a show March 31-April 4 in Basel.
Commenting on the cancelation of this show, MCH Group CEO Beat Zwahlen said: “Over the past few months, we have studied in detail our watches, jewelry and gems ecosystem and gained important insights from discussions with major industry representatives.
“The conclusion is that the market exists for a business-business-consumer platform that brings together mid-sized and specialized manufacturers with independent retailers. But their needs must be analyzed in more detail. This means we need to have significantly more time to get there.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
