Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
Baselworld’s Managing Director Steps Down
Sylvie Ritter is out after 15 years heading the watch and jewelry trade show.

Basel, Switzerland--Sylvie Ritter has resigned as the managing director of Baselworld as the European watch and jewelry trade show struggles with declining attendance and a mass exodus among exhibitors.
The MCH Group, the Swiss trade show company that owns and operates Baselworld, made the announcement Friday, stating that members of the Comité Consultatif “very much regret” her decision to step down.
Ritter has been with the MCH Group for 26 years and has been heading the Baselworld watch and jewelry trade show for 15 of those. She said in the release announcing her departure, “It’s time for me to start something new and take on new challenges.”
Ritter oversaw the growth of Baselworld, which transformed from primarily being a showcase for Swiss watches into a major international watch and jewelry show that included almost every major luxury brand. It became “sexier and more glamorous,” as one jewelry designer put it.
As the show’s profile rose, however, so did prices, and exhibitors large and small—among them Stephen Webster, Mikimoto, Shinola, Marco Bicego and Movado Group—left.
The 2018 edition of the watch and jewelry trade show was half of the size of 2017 and was shorter by two days. An article by veteran watch reporter Joe Thompson published after the show questioned if there would even be a Baselworld in 2020.
An attorney who started his career in private banking, Loris-Melikoff joined the MCH Group three years ago as director of its operations in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He has been working in the trade show and events industry for a total of 20 years, starting as the president of the Zurich Street Parade and running St. Jakobshalle in Basel before being hired by MCH.
There will be changes under Loris-Melikoff’s leadership for the jewelry, precious gemstone and watch sectors of the watch and jewelry trade show, and in the catering, hospitality and events that surround it in the Swiss city of Basel, MCH Group said.
No further details on the changes—including any changes in price—are available at this time as they are still being developed and discussed, a spokesman for Baselworld said Friday.
Loris-Melikoff said they will be expanding the Baselworld team, and the show’s newspaper, the “Baselworld Daily News,” will be returning in print form in 2019.
The 2019 version of Baselworld is scheduled for March 21 to 26.
The Latest

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.


The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Sponsored by Clientbook

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.