It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
Founder’s grandson takes over at Raymond Weil
Swiss watch brand Raymond Weil announced Thursday that Elie Bernheim is its new CEO, taking over for his father, Olivier Bernheim.

Elie Bernheim officially was named to his new post Tuesday, and his appointment marks the third generation to head the brand that his late grandfather Raymond Weil founded in 1976. Weil died in January at the age of 87.
RELATED CONTENT: Watch pioneer Raymond Weil dies at 87
Olivier Bernheim, who joined the company in 1982 and became CEO in 1996, will remain president of the watch company’s board of directors and a company consultant.
Elie Bernheim began working at Raymond Weil in 2006 after graduating from the Hospitality Management School of Lausanne in Switzerland. He has experience in watchmaking, marketing and company management, and was heading the development and optimization of the brand’s global strategy in recent years.
He also started 88 Rue du Rhone, a separate brand of lower-priced watches, many of them quartz, with his brother Pierre in 2012.
RELATED CONTENT: From Basel: 5 watches from 88 Rue du Rhone
In addition to being CEO, Bernheim will remain head of the watch company’s marketing department.
Founded in 1976 and based in Geneva, Raymond Weil is one of the last family-owned Swiss watchmaking companies. Much of the brand’s inspiration for its watches comes from music--the names of two of its lines, Nabucco and Parsifal, are taken from famous operas--and it has a number of partnerships with concert halls, prestigious awards in music, online music platforms and charitable activities linked to the musical world.
The company notes that Elie Bernheim, whose mother is a professional pianist, shares this passion for music and that it will continue to influence the design and marketing of the brand’s watches going forward.
The Latest

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.


The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
























