Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Guy Benhamou of Charles Garnier Paris Dies at 69
Benhamou was also the founder of gold jewelry manufacturer OroAmerica.
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.
The Latest

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

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

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.


Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

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

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.


















