Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Watches of Switzerland Opens US Flagship
The experience-focused retail concept in New York City marks a larger push into the American market.

Located in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood in downtown Manhattan, a top shopping area, the new 8,000-square-foot boutique at 60 Greene St. carries brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Cartier and other luxury watch labels.
Opened this week, the store is part of the Watches of Switzerland Group’s push into the U.S.
The company, formerly known as Aurum Holdings, is the U.K.’s largest seller of the aforementioned watch brands, as well as TAG Heuer and Breitling. It also operates U.K. jewelers Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb, the latter of which is goldsmith and silversmith to Queen Elizabeth II.
Last year, the company acquired U.S. retail chain Mayors Jewelers from Birks Group and set up its first U.S. Watches of Switzerland store at the Wynn Las Vegas, which moved this week to the Wynn Esplanade.
The New York City flagship is designed to be—that most popular of today’s retail buzzwords—experiential.
The two-story space features a bar created in partnership with famed New York City cocktail lounge Death & Co., where drinks crafted specifically for the space will be served by Death & Co. bartenders.
Esquire magazine Fashion Director Nick Sullivan has curated a library and bookshop for the store, features tomes not only on luxury watches, but also on automobiles and yachts.
The location also will serve as an art gallery, hosting a rotating exhibition of contemporary photography curated by nonprofit Aperture, with all works for sale.
Rounding out the multilayered retail approach will be special timepiece pop-ups, held every few months and showcasing emerging brands. Vintage watch dealers Analog/Shift will also present an ongoing selection of rare and special vintage pieces.
Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group, noted in a statement from the company, “Our Watches of Switzerland SoHo flagship is a special achievement for us on many levels. From our choice of location, to the design and architectural detailing in the store, to our exceptional products, partners and the talented team we’ve assembled—all come together to make this an experience unlike any other in the watch industry today.”
Watches of Switzerland doesn’t plan to slow down its stateside expansion. In March 2019 it will open a store in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards highly-anticipated shopping development and the company also said it will set up shop at New Jersey’s to-be-completed American Dream shopping complex.
The Latest

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”


In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.





















