From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Richemont jewelry, watch brands outshine fashion
Demand for jewelry and complicated timepieces was “robust” for Richemont in the fiscal year ended March 31, offsetting the weaker performance of Alfred Dunhill, Chloé and Lancel.
Bellevue, Switzerland--Demand for jewelry and complicated timepieces was “robust” for Richemont in the fiscal year ended March 31, offsetting the weaker performance of Alfred Dunhill, Chloé and Lancel.
Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, the two jewelry brands Richemont owns, reported 4 percent year-over-year growth in global sales, from $7.14 billion to $7.46 billion. Wholesale orders of Cartier watches were down but jewelry demand was particularly strong in what Richemont described as a “subdued environment.”
Watch sales increased 9 percent from $3.77 billion to $4.10 billion. Richemont owns Baume & Mercier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, Lange Uhren, Officine Panerai, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.
Total sales for the company grew 5 percent (10 percent at constant exchange rates), rising from $13.92 billion to $14.60 billion. Profit was up 3 percent, from $2.76 billion to $2.84 billion.
The company’s retail sales, comprised of its directly operated boutiques and e-tailer Net-a-Porter, performed better than its wholesale division, with retail sales climbing 14 percent at constant exchange rates, compared with just a 6 percent sales gain for wholesale accounts.
On a regional basis, sales in the Americas increased 14 percent at constant exchange rates, outpacing sales growth in Europe (up 11 percent), Asia Pacific (up 6 percent) and topped only by Japan, where sales increased 23 percent at constant exchange rates.
In his commentary issued with the release of the fiscal year results Thursday, Richemont called the fiscal year results “satisfactory.”
“Strength in the jewelry and specialist watch segments offset the softness of certain fashion Maisons and Montblanc,” the commentary stated. “As a result, and taking into account the substantial currency headwinds, which weighed on the group’s overall performance, operating profit was in line with the prior year.”
RELATED CONTENT: Richemont chair taking 12-month sabbatical
As previously announced, Richemont founder Johann Rupert will conclude his year-long sabbatical in September and will stand for re-election as chairman of the board at the company’s annual general meeting, scheduled for Sept. 17.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















