The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
LVMH Watch, Jewelry Revenue Up 8% in First-Half 2018
An “excellent” six-month period for Bulgari and strong watch sales propelled the division.

Paris—A strong performance from Bulgari helped boost revenues in the half-year period for the Watches & Jewelry division of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
LVMH said in its six-month results released Wednesday that the division’s revenue grew 8 percent on a reported basis to €1.98 billion ($2.31 billion). Profit from recurring operations was up 46 percent.
The company attributed much of the growth to Bulgari. LVMH said the watch and jewelry brand had an “excellent” first half, particularly in the American and Chinese markets, and continued to gain market share.
The brand’s Serpenti, B-Zero 1, Diva and Octo lines all reportedly made strong progress, while Chaumet unveiled its new high-end jewelry collection.
LVMH also noted a “good” performance from its watch brands in the half-year period.
TAG Heuer added new models its flagship Carrera, Aquaracer and Formula 1 collections and launched a smaller version of its smartwatch.
Hublot saw strong growth, benefiting from the brand’s enhanced visibility as the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup, LVMH said.
Overall, LVMH recorded group revenue of €21.75 billion ($25.41 billion) in the first half of 2018, which is an increase of 10 percent (on a reported basis) over the prior-year period. Organic revenue growth was 12 percent compared with the same period in 2017.
Fashion & Leather Goods saw the greatest revenue growth for the company at 25 percent on a reported basis. Perfumes & Cosmetics tied with the Watches & Jewelry division at 8 percent growth.
Selective Retailing saw only a 1 percent revenue increase, helped along by a strong performance from Sephora.
Wines & Spirits was the only LVMH division to record a decline, reporting a 1 percent decrease in reported revenue in the first half of the year.
The Latest

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.


The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.

Longtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.

First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.

The limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.

After more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.

Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.

The 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.

The upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.

The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.

The application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.

Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.

Manashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.

The March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.

Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.

From Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.