The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
Jewelry outperforms watches for LVMH
Sales were strong for Bulgari in 2014 while the luxury conglomerate’s timepiece brands struggled because of “cautious purchasing” among retailers.
Paris--Bulgari recorded strong sales in 2014 while the watch brands owned by LVMH struggled due to “cautious purchasing” among retailers, the luxury goods conglomerate reported this week.
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton recorded organic growth of 4 percent in its Watches & Jewelry division in 2014 and though profit was recurring, operations was down 23 percent.
“While jewelry revenue showed remarkable momentum, watches were penalized by the cautious purchasing behavior of multi-brand retailers in an uncertain economic environment,” LVMH said.
In addition to Bulgari, LVMH owns Chaumet, Fred, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith and operates De Beers’ retail stores in a joint venture along with the diamond miner and marketer.
The company said Bulgari’s iconic lines did well in 2014.
LVMH also noted the changes at TAG Heuer. The brand’s CEO resigned in December and it’s trying to attract younger buyers with lower-priced watches and the use of popular model Kara Delevingne in its newest ad campaign.
As a whole, LVMH recorded sales of $34.9 billion in 2014, organic revenue growth of 5 percent year-over-year. Organic revenue growth was 5 percent in the fourth quarter.
Group share of net profit jumped from $3.93 to $6.45 billion. The company’s operating margin was 19 percent.
LVMH said sales were strong in the United States and across all business groups except Wines & Spirits, which was impacted by the destocking of distributors in China.
Commenting on the results, Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault said, “The 2014 results confirm the capacity for LVMH to progress despite economic and currency uncertainty. Revenue and net profit reached new record levels ... In 2014, all our maisons demonstrated outstanding flexibility. By adapting their strategies to global changes and by continuing to evolve, they have shown the creativity and entrepreneurship that drive them forward.”
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.