EditorsNov 15, 2024
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic ConSenior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2020
Baselworld’s Future, If Any, Remains Unclear
MCH Group shot down rumors it was moving to Lausanne but did confirm one thing—the show, wherever it is, won’t be called Baselworld.
It is unknown where, when or even if the show currently known as Baselworld will happen in 2021 but one thing is clear—show organizer MCH Group is dropping the Baselworld name.
New York—The rumor mill is churning concerning the tenuous future of the watch and jewelry trade show formerly known as Baselworld.
An article published Monday on WatchPro.com stated that show organizer MCH Group has registered the alias “Swiss Watch Week” and blocked off dates in early April 2021 at a convention center in Lausanne, coinciding with Watches & Wonders Geneva and the yet-to-be-named show organized by Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard.
An article published Monday on WatchPro.com stated that show organizer MCH Group has registered the alias “Swiss Watch Week” and blocked off dates in early April 2021 at a convention center in Lausanne, coinciding with Watches & Wonders Geneva and the yet-to-be-named show organized by Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard.
But MCH Group shot down those rumors, stating that it is working right now on future plans for the show with a group that includes “new and young” experts.
“The MCH Group resolutely denies the unscrupulously circulated rumours that it is planning to stage a ‘Watch Week’ in Lausanne,” the company said in a statement. “Although the concept, date and location of a potential new platform still remain to be determined, the location of Lausanne can be ruled out from the current perspective.”
MCH Group said it expects to decide on the new format of the show, as well as scheduling and location, in the summer.
The company also confirmed that the show will not be called Baselworld going forward.
Baselworld 2020 was scheduled to take place in late April/early May, immediately following Watches & Wonders Geneva, the new name for SIHH.
By late February, however, it became clear that holding a mass gathering in Switzerland in the spring would not be possible due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19.
But, rather than canceling its show altogether, like Watches & Wonders, Baselworld organizers immediately said they were “postponing” the event to January 2021.
The January move, considered inconvenient by many, coupled with the show organizer’s controversial refund policy, contributed to the collapse of a Baselworld show already on shaky ground and the rise of the new event in Geneva helmed by Rolex and the other big watch brands.
Earlier this month, MCH Group cancelled the Baselworld show scheduled for January 2021 and altered its refund policy for the 2020 event, but left the show’s future uncertain.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsNov 15, 2024
Marie Lichtenberg Battles Counterfeits with New ‘Raiz’in Scapular’ DesignsThe latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
WatchesNov 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: Citizen’s Commemorative Pocket WatchNo. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Recorded WebinarsNov 15, 2024
Watch: 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Store Secure On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
MajorsNov 14, 2024
Saks Fifth Avenue Cancels Holiday Light DisplayInstead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsFrom Swarovski to Tiffany & Co., jewelry retailers are enlisting celebrities to highlight their holiday offerings.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
