SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2016
3 Observations from Opening Day at Baselworld
New technology is on display alongside one very old tradition, watch-making, at Baselworld 2016, which kicked off Thursday in Switzerland.
Two of the new watches brands are unveiling at Baselworld; on the left, the limited edition Superocean Heritage Chronoworks with 100-hour power reserve from Breitling ($39,295) and the 38 mm women’s Canfield from Shinola ($650 to $900).
Basel--New technology is on display alongside one very old tradition, watch-making, at Baselworld 2016, which kicked off Thursday in Switzerland.
Here are five observations we made after roaming the halls on the first day of the show.
1) New technologies are playing a bigger role at Baselworld this year.
There’s platinum jewelry made using 3-D printing at the booth of German company Heimerle + Meule, while a 5-carat lab-grown blue diamond--the biggest synthetic blue the GIA’s ever seen--was feted at a press conference Thursday. There are also plenty of smartwatches and other wearables on display from brands including Breitling, Movado and TAG Heuer.
2) The global economic outlook is “gloomy.”
Baselworld Managing Director Sylvie Ritter described the global economic climate as “gloomy” at the pre-show press conference held Wednesday and the outlook for watches remains challenging between the slowdown in China/Hong Kong and the strength of the Swiss franc.
Swiss watch exports fell 3 percent in value terms in 2015, according to statistics released earlier this year by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, though exports to the world’s second largest market for Swiss watches, the United States, was down less than 1 percent.
The decline marked the first drop in Swiss watch exports since 2009, albeit figures from the last two years signaled that a slowdown was ahead--they rose only 2 percent in both 2013 and 2014 before dropping last year.
3) But established brands as well as brands with a story to tell continue to do well.
Breitling introduced its version of a smartwatch at the show, the Exospace B55 Connected. While the watch does have a small window for smartphone notifications right below 12 o’clock, it is not too much of a departure from the brand’s traditional pilot watch.
In addition, Breitling didn’t allow development of a smartwatch too take away from the time it put into its mechanical movements. The brand’s new Super Ocean Heritage Chronoworks, a chronograph powered by an optimized version of the BC01 that has a 100-hour power reserve.
Created in a limited edition of 100, the 46 mm chronograph is Breitling’s first watch with a 100-hour power reserve and retails for $39,295.
Also at the show, Shinola, the Detroit-based maker of watches and leather goods, introduced the Canfield.
Named after the neighborhood where its Detroit store is located, the Canfield is the brand’s first watch where the
movement is top-loaded instead of being installed through the back, allowing the face to have a more open look.
The 38 mm women’s model retails for $650 to $900 while the men’s is 43 mm and sells for $650 to $1,050.
Baselworld continues through March 24. National Jeweler will be providing live updates throughout the show.
The 38 mm women’s model retails for $650 to $900 while the men’s is 43 mm and sells for $650 to $1,050.
Baselworld continues through March 24. National Jeweler will be providing live updates throughout the show.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
