CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Events & AwardsMay 25, 2018
Baselworld’s Managing Director Steps Down
Sylvie Ritter is out after 15 years heading the watch and jewelry trade show.
Sylvie Ritter, pictured here third from left at the opening press conference for the 2017 edition of Baselworld, is stepping down after 15 years as the watch and jewelry trade show’s managing director.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
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.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
