After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
Watches of Switzerland Goes Public, The RealReal Plans IPO
Here’s what you need to know about the newest publicly-traded luxury retailers.

New York—Publicly-traded watch and jewelry companies are few and far between, a drop in the bucket compared with tech and biotech stocks, but recently notable names have thrown their hats into the stock market ring.
Watches of Switzerland announced in May that it was considering an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange.
The watch company debuted on the exchange later that month and has a market cap of £706.4 million ($898.2 million) as of press time.
The company went public in an effort to slash its mounting debt and raise capital to grow its presence in the United States.
The brand is well-established in the United Kingdom with 125 stores but has gradually been increasing its footprint in the U.S. since 2017, opening a handful of retail locations.
Its flagship is located in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, and its latest store is in Hudson Yards, a recently opened upscale development in Manhattan that has been called “a billionaire’s fantasy city.”
But Tiffany & Co. is one of the only luxury retailers listed on the S&P 500, so there may be room for more high-end retailers on Wall Street.
Luxury e-tailer and reseller The RealReal Inc. announced its IPO aspirations in January and declared its upcoming trading debut on the Nasdaq last week.
The online consignment site, which was founded in 2011, specializes in secondhand luxury apparel and accessories, offering brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.
In the jewelry category, the editors’ picks of the month include an iconic Cartier Love bracelet in 18-karat yellow gold for $4,550 (estimated retail price of $6,300) and an 18-karat rose gold Chopard sport watch for $15,295 (estimated retail price of $29,900).
A team of more than 100 brand authenticators, including gemologists and horologists, verify markers of authenticity, like serial tags and hologram stickers.
The company is not yet profitable, reporting a net loss of $75.8 million in 2018. Revenue is on the rise, however, climbing 55 percent year-over-year to $207.4 million.
The site processed 1.6 million orders in 2018, a 42 percent increase compared with the previous year, with an average order value of $446.
The RealReal has been building out its brick-and-mortar presence, opening its third New York City location on the Upper East Side.
It has 10 in-person consignment offices in total, located in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and Washington, D.C.
The date of its Nasdaq debut has not been announced.
The Latest

Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”

The highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.


Former Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.

The group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.

After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”

Couture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.




















