The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
De Grisogono Hires Luxury Veteran as CEO
The high jewelry and watch brand named Piaget executive Céline Assimon to succeed John Leitao.

Zurich, Switzerland—Swiss brand De Grisogono has a new CEO.
The high jewelry and watch company has hired Céline Assimon to succeed John Leitao, who stepped into the position in May 2013.
Assimon most recently served as the international high jewelry and exceptional pieces director at Piaget, according to her LinkedIn.
Prior to that, she served as watches and fine jewelry director and then the worldwide head of high jewelry and high watchmaking sales at Louis Vuitton. She also worked at Leviev for a time.
In her new role, Assimon will work to develop the brand globally while expanding its product offerings to appeal to a wider variety of consumer.
“With her exceptional business track record, broad experience of the jewelry market and global luxury brands, she is the ideal person to lead the company to the next stage of its journey to becoming a global luxury brand,” board chairman Elmar Wiederin said.
De Grisogono has been reorganizing since disappointing sales led the company to lay off a number of employees last spring.
When it announced the cuts, the company also said it was going to scale back production capacity to reflect the atmosphere and focus on more affordable fine jewelry, a move that echoes Piaget’s foray into friendlier price points during Assimon’s tenure.
The Latest

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.


Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

























