Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Mauboussin closes store, appoints new CEO in US
French brand Mauboussin has shuttered the Madison Avenue boutique it opened in 2008 and appointed new leadership for the North American market, with plans to open in a smaller space in New York later this year.
Paris--French brand Mauboussin has shuttered the Madison Avenue boutique it opened in 2008 and appointed new leadership for the North American market, with plans to open in a smaller space in New York later this year.
Isabelle Kellogg, the U.S. spokesperson for the Paris-based jewelry house, said the high cost of the rent was the reason the brand decided to close the boutique. It was located at 714 Madison Ave. between 63rd and 64th streets, a five-story space located along one of the toniest stretches of retail in the world, buffered by David Yurman on one side and Jimmy Choo on the other.
In addition, Mauboussin has appointed Rita Jammet as interim CEO for North America.
The one-year contract of Thierry Chaunu, a former executive with Damiani who was brought on board in 2013 to head Mauboussin’s expansion in North America, will run out in late summer. According to Kellogg, it is unclear if Chaunu will remain with Mauboussin in some capacity after his contract expires.
Chaunu could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Also unclear at this time is if the brand will pursue opening wholesale accounts with retailers in the U.S.
When Chaunu came on board, it was reported that Mauboussin aimed to be in a dozen doors in the U.S. market by the end of the year, selling in a mix of independent jewelers, department stores, boutiques and specialty stores.
RELATED CONTENT: Mauboussin plans to open 12 US doors in 2014
No accounts have been opened to date, however, and the company, which was set to exhibit at Las Vegas market week this year, pulled out of the Couture show.
Kellogg said the brand’s focus for now is finding a new space in New York City for its store, specifically a smaller space in Manhattan by the end of the year. “We still think it’s important for us to be in New York in some way, shape or form,” she said.
Mauboussin was established in Paris in 1827. The brand has more than 40 stores in France and eight locations outside the country, in Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Dubai, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Beirut and Marrakesh, Morocco.
The Latest
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.