FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
TrendsMar 01, 2019
Charriol Founder Philippe Charriol Killed in Race Car Accident
He is remembered as a man who “operated at full speed every day” in both business and his personal life.
Philippe Charriol, founder of Swiss watch, jewelry and accessories company Charriol, died in a race car accident earlier this week at a track in the south of France. (Photo courtesy of Charriol)
Marseille, France—Philippe Charriol, the French-born founder of Swiss luxury goods brand Charriol, was killed in a race car accident Tuesday at a track in the south of France, his company announced Thursday.
A known racing enthusiast, Charriol was driving his car on the Circuit Paul Ricard, the same track that hosted the French Grand Prix Formula 1 race last year, when he got into an accident on the Mistral straight, a course spokeswoman told the AFP. He was rushed to the hospital in Marseille, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Born in 1942 and raised in Marseille, Charriol spent 15 years at Cartier as a general manager and brand president for the Asian market before branching out on his own in 1983.
He started Charriol in Geneva as a multi-product brand that made Swiss watches, jewelry, accessories, perfume and, eventually, clothing and even Charriol-branded Bordeaux.
He focused his efforts on the Far East at a time when, according to the company statement, “the nexus of Swiss watchmakers was the Place Vendôme in Paris,” establishing itself in the Asian markets ahead of other European brands.
In 2011, Charriol held an event inside Beijing’s Forbidden City for 500 celebrities and dignitaries, one of only three luxury brands ever allowed to do so, the company said.
Today, Charriol remains an independent, family-run business and has 285 boutiques and more than 3,000 other points of sale worldwide. 
In both his personal and professional life, Charriol “operated at full speed every day,” running his company as well as pursuing personal passions and interests, like motorsports—he drove at an “almost professional” level for the past 25 years—architecture and the arts. He started an art foundation in Hong Kong that has been providing scholarships to young artists for the past 20 years.
“Philippe Charriol, with his incredible lust for life and audacious spirit, embodied ‘l’art de vivre la difference,’ a fitting signature for an exuberant founder. His many accomplishments and the success of his brand are a testament to the destiny that can be achieved by following one’s heart,” the company said.
On Friday, Charriol had tributes to its late founder posted on its website and had added a black ribbon to the logo on its Facebook page and Twitter account.
Charriol
is survived by his wife, Marie-Olga Charriol, the company public relations director, and three children: Coralie, Charriol’s creative director; Alexandre, the visual director; and Laetitia.
He will be laid to rest next week in a family funeral service in Marseille, and his life will be celebrated in a more public memorial service scheduled to take place at the end of March in Paris.
He will be laid to rest next week in a family funeral service in Marseille, and his life will be celebrated in a more public memorial service scheduled to take place at the end of March in Paris.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
