Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Baselworld buyer attendance down 4 percent
The number of buyers in attendance at Baselworld was 117,000 this year, a 4 percent decrease compared with the 122,000 that attended last year, according to show organizers.
Basel, Switzerland--The number of buyers in attendance at Baselworld was 117,000 this year, a 4 percent decrease compared with the 122,000 that attended last year, according to show organizers.

Total attendees, including representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors, totaled about 150,000 for the eight-day show.
In the closing press release, show organizers said that there was a decline in the number of people visiting the stands but noted that this was “no great cause for concern,” as there were more members of the trade than members of the public among this year’s crowd.
Baselworld also reported in its release that feedback from all categories of players at the show was positive and that it ended on a high note, meeting expectations in terms of business, quality, media presence and exposure.
Trends that show organizers noticed from the show include an increased focus on women’s timepieces as well as “brisk” business among Swiss jewelry brands, including demand for rose gold and palladium and more options for mixed metals.
“This year’s edition was a true and highly focused reflection of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry,” Sylvie Ritter, managing director of Baselworld, said in the press release. “Baselworld is the ideal platform for the watch and jewelry industry to showcase innovations, attract international interest and enhance business.”
Baselworld took place during a high note for the Swiss watchmaking industry overall--exports for January and February were up a cumulative 7 percent, building on the overall increase of 2 percent for 2013.
RELATED CONTENT: After $455M makeover, Baselworld to begin
This year’s show was the second since Baselworld received a $454.9 million makeover, moving to a new space that was slightly smaller and with fewer exhibitors but with what show organizers described as a more modern look.
The next Baselworld has been set for March 19 to 26, 2015.
The Latest

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show


A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.