Events & Awards

Baselworld 2018 Will Be Shorter by 2 Days

Events & AwardsMar 31, 2017

Baselworld 2018 Will Be Shorter by 2 Days

The news came Thursday after show organizers announced the fourth consecutive year of declining attendance at the now eight-day-long show.

20170331_Baselworld-shot.jpg
Attendance at Baselworld declined 4 percent year-over-year, and show organizers have announced that the 2018 edition of the watch and jewelry show will be shorter by two days.

Basel, Switzerland--As the show concluded Thursday in Switzerland, Baselworld organizers issued a press release confirming what was obvious to anyone who went to the annual watch and jewelry show: attendance was down.

A total of 106,000 buyers from more than 100 countries attended Baselworld 2017, down 4 percent from 2016.

The drop marks the fourth year in a row the Swiss watch and jewelry show has marked a single-digit year-over-year decrease in buyer attendance, as it was down 4 percent in 2014, 3 percent in 2015 and another 3 percent last year.

All told, buyer attendance has fallen off about 30 percent in the past four years, from more than 150,000 to just over 100,000.

Due to what Managing Director Sylvie Ritter described as a “challenging phase” for the industry, particularly for smaller companies, show organizers are shortening the show from eight to six days next year and will be adjusting prices accordingly.

Baselworld 2018 is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 22 and end the following Tuesday, March 27.

The fact that Baselworld 2017 saw attendance decline and reported a 13 percent drop in the number of exhibitors should come as no surprise.

Though it is a touted as a watch and jewelry show, the centerpiece of Baselworld are the Swiss watchmakers, many of which are grappling with declining sales.

Statistics from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry show that Swiss watch exports were down 10 percent last year in value terms and have returned to 2011 levels, erasing the gains made between 2011 and 2014.

It was the second year in a row that Swiss watch exports have dropped. A sharp decline in demand in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, fueled much of the decline, though demand also was soft in the United States and Europe.

At a press conference held the day before the show opened, organizers fielded questions from reporters about the future of the struggling show and possible changes that could be made to boost attendance.

One journalist asked if organizers have considered moving the dates of the show to January to coincide with SIHH, eliminating the need for people to travel to Switzerland twice in a short span of time, while another asked if show organizers would consider holding Baselworld every two years instead of annually.

These suggestions were roundly rejected, with show organizers maintaining that the purpose of Baselworld is to present to the “novelties” in jewelry and watchmaking

every year, in the spring in Basel.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard Says

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Kwit Square Signet Pinky Ring in Red and Azure
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky Ring

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

Jewelers of America Fly In
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-In

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Entrance to Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kira Jewels Growing Rowing Machines
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond Production

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

Alex Moss SoHo store
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHo

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Matthew Wilson, Kavin Kulamavalava, and a Elmasolvex VA
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New York

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.

Representatives of India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and Indian government leaders
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into Disarray

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

Father’s Day diamond advertisement that ran in India
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in India

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.

Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term Worries

They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

Guest lecture for people with disabilities at the Jewelex factory
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the Industry

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Estate Capsule Campaign
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate Collection

The collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.

Marcus ter Haar
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-Elect

He previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth campaign
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for Peace

Its second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.

SRK Kriam Pharma
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam Pharma

The diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions and National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for Jewelers

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’s

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

Super Smalls Super Book of Gems, Maria Dueñas Jacobs, and Bianca Gottesman
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine Jewelry

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.

Mattioli CEO Claudio Pasta
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEO

Claudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.

Monique Lhuillier fashion jewelry Kay
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers Line

The new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.

Rio Tinto tender
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ Tender

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

Vibhor and Alor logos
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires Alor

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.

Gurhan Crown Gold Aquamarine Peacock
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' Zoo

The “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name

Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

Madison Keys
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the Summer

From Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy