CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
MajorsMar 26, 2020
Kering, LVMH Offer Masks, Hand Sanitizer to Combat Coronavirus
The luxury titans are converting production facilities to produce medical supplies as their home countries of Italy and France face the coronavirus pandemic.
Kering, LVMH, Prada Group, and the heir to Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group are working to help combat the coronavirus.
New York—Kering is pitching in to combat the coronavirus, offering its services to health officials in France.
The luxury house announced it would purchase 3 million surgical masks from China to provide to the French health service.
The workshops of its brands Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent will manufacture masks once French officials give the green light to its manufacturing process and materials.
Kering has also donated an undisclosed amount to the Institut Pasteur, the research house named after famed French scientist Louis Pasteur, to support its research into the coronavirus.
Prior to the announcement, Kering had lent a helping hand to China and Italy as well, donating to the four major foundation hospitals in the Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany and Lazio on March 11.
Its brand Gucci was among the fashion companies in Tuscany called to help the cause and may be able to donate 1.1 million surgical masks and 55,000 medical overalls in the coming weeks, subject to approval from authorities.
Kering also donated to the Hubei Red Cross Foundation in China on Jan. 28 in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Fellow French luxury titan LVMH also offered its assistance to the country’s health authorities.
The factories that would normally produce Christian Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy perfumes have been converted to make hand sanitizer, which will be delivered free of charge to French health authorities and provided to Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, the public hospital system in Paris.
Around 50 tons of sanitizing gel is being distributed across French hospitals each week.
The 75ml recyclable bottles will be distributed via the Italian government to medical facilities.
“I believe as a major economic actor and symbol of Italy, Bulgari has a responsibility to contribute to the national effort to help prevent, fight and eradicate COVID-19,” said Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin in a press release.
“Aware of the difficult situation we are experiencing, we believe it is our duty to contribute with our know-how and production facilities,” he added.
The company has also ordered 40 million masks from
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
a Chinese industrial supplier in its distribution network, to be broken up into four shipments of 10 million masks that will be sent over the coming weeks.
LVMH is planning to send masks to Italy and Spain as well.
The company said it will oversee the management of the supply chain, delivery and customs clearance for the masks, covering 5 million euros worth of related costs in the first week.
Prada will also lend a hand, the Italian luxury company announced in a press release.
Its factory in Montone in the province of Perugia, Italy will produce 80,000 medical overalls and 110,000 masks, with help from external Italian suppliers, to be given to health care officials in the region of Tuscany.
In Hong Kong, Adrian Cheng, heir to the family behind Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, announced plans in late February to produce 200,000 masks per day starting in April, according to a U.S. News report.
The masks will be distributed to Hong Kong residents, particularly low-income families, who have been unable to get masks in light of short supply and price-gouging.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
