AuctionsNov 23, 2022
This Sapphire Tiara Once Owned by a Danish Princess Is Going to AuctionThe Dec. 1 jewelry sale at Bonhams-owned Bruun Rasmussen will have several other pieces of royal jewelry on the block.
MajorsMar 18, 2020
Rolex, Patek Philippe Halt Production as Coronavirus Cases Rise
The watch giants have temporarily closed their production facilities in Switzerland.
A Rolex Day/Date 36 with a turquoise dial introduced at Baselworld last year. Both Rolex and Patek Philippe have temporarily shut down production facilities in Switzerland as coronavirus cases in the country rise.
Geneva—Rolex and Patek Philippe have temporarily closed their production facilities following a decision by Swiss authorities to declare a state of emergency amid coronavirus concerns.
Rolex has closed its facilities in Geneva, Bienne and Crissier until at least March 27, the company confirmed to National Jeweler Tuesday.
RELATED CONTENT: Baselworld Postponed Until January 2021“That date may be pushed back in function of the evolution of the epidemic and the recommendations of the authorities,” the company said in a statement.
The Swiss Federal Council has declared an “extraordinary situation” as the number of coronavirus cases rise, closing schools and placing a ban on public events.
According to the World Health Organization, there were 2,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 14 deaths within Swiss borders as of Tuesday.
Switzerland has the fifth-highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, behind Italy, Spain, France and Germany.
Patek Philippe, meanwhile, has shut down its production sites and closed its head office until at least March 27 as well.
The Geneva-based company said the reopening date may change depending on how the situation evolves.
“Keeping everyone’s safety top of mind at all times will help us to navigate this challenging period and, by doing this, we may contribute to the stabilization of the situation, hoping that we will be able to safely revert to our activities as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.
More on Majors
The Latest
FinancialsNov 23, 2022
Movado Lowers Guidance Amid ‘Uncertain’ Retail EnvironmentIts Q3 sales dipped as inflation took its toll on shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.
CollectionsNov 23, 2022
Piece of the Week: Rembrandt’s Turkey CharmCharm fans will gobble up this festive “Piece of the Week” pick.
Brought to you by
Knowledge and Skills for Today’s Hot TopicsFrom laboratory-grown diamonds to design to country-of-origin, GIA's Alumni Collective™ has a seminar to suite your needs.
AuctionsNov 22, 2022
Jewelry Recovered from Sunken ‘Ship of Gold’ Heads to Auction The S.S. Central America sank in 1857 off the coast of South Carolina, carrying tons of gold from the California Gold Rush.
Weekly QuizNov 18, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
IndependentsNov 22, 2022
See the Greek Jewels Going to Auction for CharitySeveral Greek jewelry designers have donated pieces to the annual Hellenic Initiative silent auction.
Events & AwardsNov 22, 2022
Hodinkee to Receive Gem Award for Watch ExcellencePlus, see this year’s list of nominees for the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence awards.
Brought to you by
Diamond Shoppers’ 2022 Holiday Wish ListGive your customers the best diamond buying experience this holiday season.
SourcingNov 22, 2022
Head of Australian Miner Burgundy Diamond Resigns The company announced the resignation of Peter Ravenscroft late last week, effective immediately.
SourcingNov 21, 2022
Provenance Proof Launches Online Marketplace for Traceable Gems Debuting today, it is open to Provenance Proof blockchain users.
TechnologyNov 21, 2022
Version 2.0 of the NDC’s ‘Assure’ Directory Is Now LiveAssure is the program the Natural Diamond Council launched in 2019 to test lab-grown diamond screening devices.
MajorsNov 21, 2022
David Yurman Just Opened a Palm Beach OutpostIt’s located on famed shopping street Worth Avenue.
EditorsNov 18, 2022
9 of My Favorite Pieces from the AGTA Spectrum Awards Editors’ DaySenior Editor Brecken Branstrator’s highlights include a chrome tourmaline ring, a giant opal necklace, and an American mined stone.
CrimeNov 18, 2022
Jewelry Store Security Guard Killed in Armed RobberyPolice in Calumet City, Illinois are looking for several suspects involved in the robbery of a jewelry store in the River Oaks Mall.
MajorsNov 18, 2022
AGS Adds Sumit Dangi to Board of DirectorsDangi is global chief financial officer and treasurer at Jewelers Mutual Group.
CollectionsNov 18, 2022
Piece of the Week: Tabayer’s ‘Oera’ PendantThe brand’s signature shape is rendered in an autumn-appropriate color palette.
GradingNov 17, 2022
GIA Labs Report Receiving 2 Moissanites Submitted as Diamonds The discoveries were outlined in the Lab Notes section of the fall 2022 issue of Gems & Gemology.
MajorsNov 17, 2022
Boucheron’s Magical Holiday Campaign Has Landed“Boucheron Wonderland” showcases best-selling styles, high jewelry, and some familiar faces.
MajorsNov 17, 2022
At eBay’s New Pop-Up, Pre-Owned Luxury Goods Are CurrencyThe temporary space in New York’s Diamond District lets shoppers trade in one authenticated luxury item for another.
SourcingNov 17, 2022
De Beers’ Oct/Nov Rough Sales Total $450MAs in September, the company’s sales were up slightly year-over-year but down month-to-month.
GradingNov 17, 2022
Professor of Artificial Intelligence Among Additions to GIA Board of Governors Lake Dai, who teaches at Carnegie Mellon University, joins the board alongside Rosy Blue Managing Director Russell Mehta.
AuctionsNov 16, 2022
One More Big Pink Diamond Heads to Auction, With $35M Price TagIt follows a few other notable fancy color diamonds at auction this fall, with mixed results.
CollectionsNov 16, 2022
There’s a New Jewelry Destination in Greenwich, Conn.Serpentine Jewels has branched out from its private jeweler beginnings to a ready-to-wear collection and a Connecticut townhouse.
WatchesNov 16, 2022
Rolex Names New Group PresidentA filing made in Switzerland shows Nicolas Brünschwig now holds the top position at one of the most popular brands in the world.
Events & AwardsNov 16, 2022
These Pearl Jewels Won the 2022 CPAA Design CompetitionThe Cultured Pearl Association of America held its 13th annual International Pearl Design Competition this fall.
WatchesNov 16, 2022
Accutron Watches Has Its Very Own WhiskeyThe watch brand partnered for the second time with Hudson Whiskey on a limited-edition blend.
ColumnistsNov 15, 2022
Creative Connecting: Managing Customers’ Expectations During the Custom Design ProcessA great custom design experience starts with listening to your customers, Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams say.
