Financials

Jewelry Sales Boost Richemont’s H1 Results

FinancialsNov 08, 2019

Jewelry Sales Boost Richemont’s H1 Results

Sales in its jewelry division, which includes Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, climbed 8 percent.

20191108_Cartier_Earrings.jpg
A pair of platinum Cartier earrings set with diamonds and spinel from the brand’s high jewelry collection. The Richemont-owned brand had success with its iconic collections in the first half of the year.

Geneva—Richemont missed the mark in the first-half but its jewelry sales remained strong, with Van Cleef and Cartier leading the charge alongside the luxury titan’s e-commerce sites.

First-half sales totaled €7.40 billion ($8.16 billion), a 6 percent increase at constant exchange rates, but lower than the €7.49 billion ($8.26 billion) analysts had expected.

Sales increased just 2 percent on a comparable basis, excluding online sales.

Retail sales (sales at Richemont-owned and operated boutiques) grew 4 percent at constant exchange rates, seeing growth in all regions except the United States where sales were “stable.”

Wholesale sales were down 1 percent at constant exchange rates with growth in Japan and Asia-Pacific outweighed by declines in other regions.

The jewelry houses generated higher wholesale sales compared with other areas, noted Richemont.

Online sales jumped 28 percent with “significant progress” seen in all regions, particularly in the Americas, Middle East and Africa. The double-digit boost is due in part to the recently acquired Yoox Net-A-Porter Group and Watchfinder & Co. being included for the full six-month period.

Sales in Richemont’s jewelry division were up 8 percent to €3.74 billion ($4.13 billion).

Sales at Cartier and Van Cleef were driven by a high-single digit increase in jewelry and a low-single digit increase in watches, Richemont said, with “noteworthy performances” in the Asia-Pacific region and Japan.

Cartier’s Panthère and Santos watch collections did particularly well. The launch of its new Clash collection was a success, Richemont said, with production ramping up ahead of the holiday season to address unmet demand.

For Van Cleef & Arpels, demand for the Alhambra and Perlée collections remained “remarkably strong.”

Richemont recently added to its jewelry portfolio, acquiring Italian jeweler Buccellati in a private deal in September.

Sales in its specialist watchmakers division, which includes A. Lange & Söhne and IWC Schaffhausen, were down 1 percent at constant exchange rates to €1.57 billion ($1.73 billion).

Lower wholesale sales were offset by mid-single digit growth in directly operated boutiques.

The strongest growth was seen at Panerai, A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin and, regionally, in Japan.

 
Sales in Hong Kong, a key market for watches, fell double-digits while sales in Asia-Pacific were “muted.”

“Hong Kong is very exposed to watches and jewelry. The market was down around 10 percent in the first quarter, then we had a severe drop in the second quarter,” said Chief Financial Officer Burkhart Grund during an earnings call Friday morning.

Protests in Hong Kong, alongside
a strong currency, have weighed on luxury sales in the area for Richemont and the industry at large.

“We’re not too worried about the jewelry business,” said Burkhardt, noting the distinction between jewelry and high jewelry.
 
“The jewelry business has continued to motor on as strongly as we’ve seen in previous years, whereas the [positive] seasonal effect of high jewelry will play out more in the second half of this fiscal year.”

By region, first-half sales in the Americas increased by 6 percent to €1.35 billion ($1.49 billion).

Sales in Europe were up 7 percent with U.K. sales climbing double digits, while sales in Japan rose 13 percent, buoyed by strong domestic and tourist spending.

Sales in Asia-Pacific, the company’s largest region, rose 5 percent with double-digit sales growth in China and Korea offsetting a double-digit drop in Hong Kong.

The Middle East and Africa was the sole region to record a decline in first-half sales, down 1 percent due in part to cutting ties with select wholesalers and geopolitical uncertainties.

Richemont didn’t provide guidance for the year ahead, but said on the call that the company will not exit the Hong Kong market.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

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

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Pride in the Industry LGBTQ+ Voices in Jewelry panel
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry Voices

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

Overnight Mountings Ring Builder Platform
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder Platform

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy