Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Kering, LVMH Offer Masks, Hand Sanitizer to Combat Coronavirus
The luxury titans are converting production facilities to produce medical supplies as their home countries of Italy and France face the coronavirus pandemic.

New York—Kering is pitching in to combat the coronavirus, offering its services to health officials in France.
The luxury house announced it would purchase 3 million surgical masks from China to provide to the French health service.
The workshops of its brands Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent will manufacture masks once French officials give the green light to its manufacturing process and materials.
Kering has also donated an undisclosed amount to the Institut Pasteur, the research house named after famed French scientist Louis Pasteur, to support its research into the coronavirus.
Prior to the announcement, Kering had lent a helping hand to China and Italy as well, donating to the four major foundation hospitals in the Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany and Lazio on March 11.
Its brand Gucci was among the fashion companies in Tuscany called to help the cause and may be able to donate 1.1 million surgical masks and 55,000 medical overalls in the coming weeks, subject to approval from authorities.
Kering also donated to the Hubei Red Cross Foundation in China on Jan. 28 in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Fellow French luxury titan LVMH also offered its assistance to the country’s health authorities.
The factories that would normally produce Christian Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy perfumes have been converted to make hand sanitizer, which will be delivered free of charge to French health authorities and provided to Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, the public hospital system in Paris.
Around 50 tons of sanitizing gel is being distributed across French hospitals each week. 
  
The 75ml recyclable bottles will be distributed via the Italian government to medical facilities.
“I believe as a major economic actor and symbol of Italy, Bulgari has a responsibility to contribute to the national effort to help prevent, fight and eradicate COVID-19,” said Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin in a press release.
“Aware of the difficult situation we are experiencing, we believe it is our duty to contribute with our know-how and production facilities,” he added.
The company has also ordered 40 million masks from
LVMH is planning to send masks to Italy and Spain as well.
The company said it will oversee the management of the supply chain, delivery and customs clearance for the masks, covering 5 million euros worth of related costs in the first week.
Prada will also lend a hand, the Italian luxury company announced in a press release.
Its factory in Montone in the province of Perugia, Italy will produce 80,000 medical overalls and 110,000 masks, with help from external Italian suppliers, to be given to health care officials in the region of Tuscany.
In Hong Kong, Adrian Cheng, heir to the family behind Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, announced plans in late February to produce 200,000 masks per day starting in April, according to a U.S. News report.
The masks will be distributed to Hong Kong residents, particularly low-income families, who have been unable to get masks in light of short supply and price-gouging.
The Latest

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.


The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.




















