The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
Baselworld attendance declines again
More than 150,000 people attended the trade show in Switzerland this year, a 3 percent drop from last year.
Basel--Though more than 150,000 people came to Baselworld over its eight-day run, show organizers reported that attendance was down 3 percent as compared with last year.

This is the second consecutive year Baselworld has reported a decrease in attendance. Last year, show organizers reported a 4 percent drop in buyer presence.
Some reports noted a noticeably quieter show, with “the emptiness of Hall 1 … hard to overlook” despite having visitors from more than 100 countries and a record-setting number of press in attendance. Show organizers said that more than 4,300 members of the media were in Basel covering the show, an 8 percent increase over 2014.
Among the highlights of the show was Patek Philippe debuting the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time watch, a wristwatch inspired by pilot’s watches from the 1930s and created by the brand with a younger generation of consumers in mind.
Although brand President Thierry Stern admitted that not all reactions to the new model were positive, it was one of 35 new watches the brand introduced in Basel, coming off a year in which Patek celebrated its 175th anniversary.
Also debuting at the show was Omega’s “Globemaster,” the world’s first “Master Chronometer” as it meets a new set of criteria established by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. This includes the ability of the watch and its movement to function when exposed to a magnetic field of up to 15,000 gauss and the precision of the watch when its power reserve is between zero and two-thirds.
Smartwatches also were a focus at Baselworld, with what is perhaps the biggest announcement coming on the show’s opening day.
TAG Heuer announced at a press conference held in its booth on March 19 that it was teaming up with Intel and Google to create a Swiss-made smartwatch that will be released by the end of the year, though no details about the device were revealed.
Jean-Claude Biver, president of LVMH’s watch division, which includes TAG, Hublot and Zenith, said the announcement about the smartwatch partnership was the “biggest” of his decades-long career in the watch industry.
The 2016 edition of Baselworld is scheduled for March 17 to 24.
The Latest

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.


The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.

The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.

One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.

The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.

Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.

Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.

The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.

The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.

From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.

The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.

The workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.

Two attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.

Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.