A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Jewelry, watch sales stand out for LVMH
The Paris-based luxury goods conglomerate reported Tuesday that its Watches & Jewelry division saw sales increase by double digits in the first half of the year, led by Bulgari.

Paris--LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton reported Tuesday that its Watches & Jewelry division saw sales grow by a double-digit percentage in the first half of the year, led by Bulgari.
Watches & Jewelry sales totaled $1.72 billion in the first six months of 2015, compared with $1.40 billion in the same time period last year, an increase of 23 percent. At constant exchange rates and with comparable structure, watch and jewelry sales were up 10 percent.
Profits for the division nearly doubled, jumping 91 percent year-over-year.
The company’s watch and jewelry brands, which include Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, posted the largest year-over-year increase of any of LVMH’s divisions. It outperformed Fashion & Leather Goods, the division that sells Louis Vuitton brand purses and wallets, and Selective Retailing, which includes the popular Sephora chain of cosmetics stores.
LVMH said overall, its jewelry sales showed “strong growth” while retailers that carry its watches remained cautious in purchasing.
On a brand-by-brand basis, Bulgari sales were strong, driven by its iconic jewelry collections and new woman’s watch, the Lucea.
TAG Heuer, meanwhile, “continued to refocus its core offering,” and concluded its partnership with Intel and Google to develop a smartwatch. In late April, Jean-Claude Biver revealed to Bloomberg that the TAG smartwatch will be released in October or November and cost $1,400 at retail. TAG announced its plans for a smartwatch at Baselworld in March but provided few details at that time.
Total sales for LVMH in the first half of the year reached $8.47 billion, an increase of 6 percent year-over-year with comparable structure and constant exchange rates. Profit from recurring operations was $3.31 billion, up 15 percent year-over-year.
LMVH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault said the company had “excellent” results in the first half because of the strength of its brands and its “entrepreneurial style” of management. He said the company is confident about its prospects for the remainder of 2015.
The Latest

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.


The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.























