Watch as Edahn Golan, Sherry Smith and Avi Levy join Michelle Graff to talk pricing and trends in this controversial corner of the market.
Coronavirus Forces Cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva
The show formerly known as SIHH was scheduled to take place in two months.

Geneva—The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie has canceled the show formerly known as SIHH due to COVID-19 coronavirus after the World Health Organization reported the disease has spread to Switzerland.
FHH announced the cancellation of Watches & Wonders Geneva, which was scheduled for April 25-29, in a statement released Thursday.
“In order to protect the health and well-being of all our guests, press, partners and teams, the decision has been taken to cancel the upcoming edition of Watches & Wonders Geneva and its ‘In the City’ program,” the statement reads.
FHH said it “remains at the disposal of its partners and guests for any queries they may have” regarding the show’s cancellation and is already working on organizing Watches & Wonders Geneva 2021.
This was the first year for the revamped show.
FHH announced in the fall it was changing the show’s name from Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, or SIHH, to Watches & Wonders Geneva and, for the first time, opening the once trade-only affair to the public.
The show’s timing also had shifted.
SIHH typically took place in January and Baselworld in March, but show organizers agreed to move the shows so they were back-to-back, freeing exhibitors and attendees from having to travel to Switzerland twice in a few months’ time.
Watches & Wonders Geneva was scheduled to end April 29, with Baselworld starting April 30.
In a statement issued last week, Baselworld organizers said the 2020 show would go on as scheduled, a stance they reiterated Thursday, noting their “great regret” over FHH’s decision to cancel Watches & Wonders Geneva.
“A dedicated team is closely monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and following the guidance of the respective state, national and international health authorities,” the statement reads.
“To date, there are no specific requirements from the authorities regarding the organization of Baselworld Switzerland, and the show management is in close consultation with exhibitors.”
RELATED CONTENT: How the Coronavirus Is Impacting the Jewelry IndustryThe coronavirus originated in December in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to 37 countries.
In its update on the virus issued Wednesday, the World Health Organization said four new countries had reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours: Switzerland, Algeria, Austria and Croatia.
WHO said for the first time since the virus was identified, there are now more new cases surfacing outside of China than in China.
Globally,
FHH joins a growing number of organizations in the watch and jewelry industry to cancel or postpone events due to the spread of the disease.
The Hong Kong jewelry shows that normally take place in early March were pushed back to mid-May.
Swatch Group canceled its “Time to Move” event scheduled for late February/early March in Zurich, Switzerland, and Bonhams postponed its March 12 jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
The Latest

The two companies initially partnered during the pandemic and had just signed a 10-year sales agreement in November 2022.

A classic diamond tennis necklace gets a whole lot cooler with a removable pendant.

Awareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently spoke with Columbia Gem House’s Eric Braunwart about the uptick in non-traditional gemstone cuts.


“Pre-Owned Luxury by Rocksbox” offers secondhand jewelry from Kay, Zales, and Jared to members and non-members.

The museum is asking for the public’s help in finding thousands of pieces of ancient gold jewelry and gemstones stolen from a storeroom.

Do you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.

The company was recognized for one of its private-label, consumer-focused jewelry care lines.

A rare Chaumet necklace and 20th-century sapphire ring sold for double their estimates.

The plea comes against a backdrop of declining demand and falling prices.

Shoppers also expressed concern about rising prices, higher interest rates, and political uncertainty.

According to the watchmaker, it features the first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.

The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.

The annual event will return to Rosemont, Illinois next August.

According to SpendingPulse, retail sales will increase in November and December but not necessarily for jewelers.

Police say Douglas Wayne Gamble also swapped natural diamonds for synthetic stones and failed to return customers’ repairs.

The designer just launched a new bridal range at Kay Jewelers.

Yunjo Lee has also worked on collections for Tiffany & Co. with Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry.

Steve Levine joins the family-owned company, while his brother Gary has a new position.

The company has filed complaints against Royal Chain and Samuel B.

The two-stone style benefits from two-toned metal.

The event is moving just outside of Denver.

The company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.

The lab confirmed it did not send the message.

Reginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.

The second installment of “To Treasure Now and Forever” is intended to emphasize diamonds’ versatility.