Independents

Guy Benhamou of Charles Garnier Paris Dies at 69

IndependentsJun 16, 2021

Guy Benhamou of Charles Garnier Paris Dies at 69

Benhamou was also the founder of gold jewelry manufacturer OroAmerica.

Los Angeles—Guy Benhamou, owner of the Charles Garnier Paris jewelry brand, has died at the age of 69 due to cancer.

His passing was first reported by The Centurion.

Benhamou founded gold jewelry manufacturer OroAmerica in 1977, as per his LinkedIn profile.

The company was sold to fellow manufacturer Aurafin in 2001, becoming Aurafin-OroAmerica. Berkshire Hathaway-owned Richline Group bought that company in 2007.

In 2002, Benhamou, who was born in Paris, purchased French jewelry company Charles Garnier Paris and moved its operations to Los Angeles. 

He served as CEO for nearly 20 years.

In 2018, he combined Charles Garnier Paris brand with Elle Jewelry to create the Paris 1901 brand, a nod to the city and year Charles Garnier was founded. He also served as brand president.

Benhamou was an active member of the jewelry industry, formerly serving as a board member for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

“We would like to join the rest of the jewelry community in mourning the passing of Guy and our condolences go to his friends and family,” said JVC in a statement to National Jeweler. 

“He was a treasured member of our membership and former board member of the JVC and we deeply appreciate his service to our mission.” 

A virtual Zoom memorial service was held in his honor on June 10.

Benhamou is survived by his daughter, Jordana; son, David, the mother of his children, Lisa; sisters, Lynda and Danielle; niece, Victoria; and nephew, Paul.

Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

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