CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
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
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
