AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
