Sourcing

De Grisogono Files for Bankruptcy in Switzerland

SourcingJan 29, 2020

De Grisogono Files for Bankruptcy in Switzerland

The luxury jewelry house wasn’t able to secure a buyer despite talks lasting several months.

20191106_EmmanuelTarpin-necklace.jpg
Luxury jewelry brand De Grisogono has filed for bankruptcy by cause of insolvency in Switzerland. Pictured here is a diamond necklace created for the brand by its first artist-in-residence in the fall.

Geneva—De Grisogono, the luxury jewelry house caught up in a corruption investigation in Angola, has filed for bankruptcy in Switzerland.

According to a Jan. 29 company statement provided to National Jeweler, De Grisogono has spent the last several months looking for a buyer but came up empty, forcing the company to file for bankruptcy by cause of insolvency.

“Without financial support from the current shareholders and without a new investor, unfortunately, the company cannot continue as a going concern,” the statement reads.

If its bankruptcy filing is accepted, De Grisogono said all 65 of its employees in Switzerland will be let go.

The statement did not address the future of its stores—De Grisogono has 13 of its own boutiques as well as a presence in 101 retailers across the world, according to its website—or its jewelry inventory.

The news comes just after an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and 36 media partners was made public alleging De Grisogono was a vital part of a money-laundering scheme that funneled billions of dollars from the Angolan government into the pockets of members of the former first family.

“Luanda Leaks,” as it has been dubbed, laid out allegations that Isabel dos Santos—the billionaire daughter of former Angolan president José Eduardo dos Santos—her husband Sindika Dokolo and their intermediaries built an empire comprised of more than 400 companies and subsidiaries to launder the funds.

This included Dokolo allegedly partnering with Angolan state-owned diamond firm Sodiam to create a Malta-based company that allowed them to buy a stake in De Grisogono and then pump millions in government money into the brand.

Dos Santos and Dokolo have been named as suspects in an investigation into corruption by Angola’s prosecutor, and an Angolan court has frozen her assets.

Both have repeatedly denied their wrongdoing or receiving any profits from their political connections.

According to British newspaper The Guardian, dos Santos also made a statement last week, just days after the release of the Luanda Leaks report.

It reads in part: “The allegations which have been made against me over the last few days are extremely misleading and untrue. We will seek to clarify our position in relation to the latest accusations … This is a very concentrated, orchestrated and well-coordinated political attack, ahead of elections in Angola next year.”

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already Imposed

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and principal partner at The Retail Smiths
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

Yafa Signed Jewels Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Earrings
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in Miami

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Jin Lee Chrono24
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General Manager

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
NYCJAOS spring show 2026
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring Show

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

Dua Lipa Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New Ambassador

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

US Supreme Court building
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s Tariffs

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry Sales

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee logo
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board Chair

JVC also announced the election of five new board members.

Boucheron Faisceaux Brooch
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A Museum

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.

Ann Weaver Bailey, also known as “Mama Ann”
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Material Good Boston Location Interior Rendering
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Original Miami Beach Antique Show sign
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in March

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Joanna Carson jewelry auction
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to Auction

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

My Next Question podcast with Marion Fasel and Natalie Francisco
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Select Jewelry Graziella Air
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold Jewelry

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

Community for Ethical Jewelry Logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive Director

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

DCA colored gemstone course on laptop
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO Event

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Cece Jewellery Traveller’s Tale Ring
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the Horse

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.

Dr. George Rossman
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Nest doorbell camera footage of suspect in Nancy Guthrie abduction
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers going out of business sale ad
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To Close

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli Rosebud Necklace
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s Day

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

Jewelers for Children
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New Beneficiaries

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Saks Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suite in Austin Texas
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are Closing

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy