MINIMAL MAGIC

ph: Vogue Mexico

Serious minimal magic. This has to be one of my favorite editorials lately. Can get enough of the model's wavy side-parted bob, the clean gold jewelry and those cross over strap pumps.

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Mauboussin Appoints Thierry Chaunu As CEO

Thierry Chaunu

Luxury jewelry brand, Mauboussin, has named Thierry Chaunu as its new CEO for North America and the exclusive agent for Mauboussin North America, covering the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. He will be based at the company's flagship boutique on Madison Avenue and 63rd St., where he will lead the brand's expansion in jewelry, watches, fragrance, writing instruments, sunglasses and gifts.
 
Chaunu, considered one of the luxury goods industry's foremost experts and spokespersons, was most recently the CEO for North and South Americas for the Italian jewelry brand Damiani. He has 30 years of experience developing and expanding leading luxury brands.

Mauboussin, founded in 1827, is the second oldest jewelry brand at the famed Place Vendôme in Paris.

Chaunu began his jewelry career in the 1980s with Cartier as senior product manager in Paris, before being promoted and transferred to New York as VP of Marketing. In 1991 he joined Christofle as North America president, opening dozens of stores and retail corners. In 1999, he became president North America at Chopard where he opened several freestanding boutiques, key independent jewelry retailers and department stores, as well as establishing the brand at awards shows and on the red carpets with celebrities. 

In 2005, Chaunu became president & COO of Leviev Worldwide and launched the brand as a premier provider of large and rare diamonds, opening flagship boutiques in London, New York, Moscow, Dubai and Singapore and developed a wide collection of complication timepieces. In 2010, building on that success, Chaunu created a collection of Swiss chronographs for racing supercars Spyker and revived the Marina B jewelry brand, originally founded by Marina Bulgari.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Another Robbery in Cannes, This Time a Luxury Watch Store

Empty watch cases at Kronometry. Photo credit: BBC

The Kronometry luxury watch store was the latest target for robbers in the French resort city of Cannes.

Two robbers on Wednesday threatened staff with a grenade and a gun before fleeing with an undetermined amount of watches, according to reports. Their faces were concealed. There were three employees and no customers in the store at the time. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

The store is located on the Croisette (Cannes famed beachside promenade), about a half-mile away from Carlton Intercontinental hotel. On Sunday, thieves made off with $136 million worth of diamond jewelry that was on display in the hotel lobby. The jewelry was from the Leviev diamond company, owned by billionaire diamond merchant, Lev Leviev. It is considered the largest jewelry theft in France and one of the largest of all time.

This is the second time the luxury watch store was robbed this year. In February, thieves stole 150 watches valued at approximately $1.3 million, according to reports.

Cannes is developing a reputation for high-profile thefts. In the video report on France 24, locals display amusement and disgust over the number of incidents.

In another report, a police union official criticized the city's approach to security.

In May, there were two high profile thefts at the Cannes International Film Festival:

* A necklace by Swiss jeweler De Grisogono reportedly worth $2.5 million was stolen at a celebrity party;

* A week earlier $1 million worth of Chopard jewels were stolen from the hotel room of an employee of the Swiss company.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

September Hong Kong Jewelry Show Opens More Space, Adds More Programs

The dragon dance that opened the 2012 September Hong Kong Fair. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

It’s difficult to imagine the world’s largest jewelry show adding more space but it has. The  September Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair will occupy 135,000 square meters of exhibition space, making it the largest edition ever.

The tradeshow will be held September 11 - 15 at AsiaWorld-Expo for jewelry-making materials and machinery and September 13 -17 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for finished jewelry. The tradeshow, owned and operated by UBM Asia, will host more than 3,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and regions and is expected to attract around 52,000 visitors from around the world.

Visitor pre-registration is now available by following this link. The fair’s Mobile App is also available for download.

The Trade Buyer ID project was rolled out in June 2012 to make registering at UBM Asia’s jewelry fairs in Hong Kong and China easier. It now allows direct access to all of UBM Asia's jewelry fairs around the world. Instead of getting an admission badge for each jewelry fair, visitors can present the Trade Buyer ID Card and walk directly into their chosen fairs. As of today, over 10,000 jewelry buyers from 92 countries and regions have received Trade Buyer ID Cards.

For those who have yet to upgrade their visitor’s badge, all they need to do is to bring their identity documents and visit the Trade Buyer ID Card service counter at the fair to receive the new card. The new Trade Buyer ID Card is valid until December 2015.

This year, the fair will host 22 group pavilions spanning over two world-class venues. Groups represented are from Antwerp, Brazil, China, Columbia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, and the International Colored Gemstone Association. There will also be a bigger antique and vintage jewelry section.

Russia’s Alrosa Group, the world’s biggest diamond miner by volume, will launch its first diamond auction at the tradeshow. In addition, a series of events focused on Japanese pearls will be staged, including pearl seminars and a fair reception, sponsored by the Japan Pearl Promotion Society and the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association. The Fair will again feature the world’s largest diamond pavilion, Asia’s biggest gemstone marketplace and the biggest display of Hong Kong jewelry in the world.

AWE will display jewelry raw materials from approximately 1,700 exhibitors from around the world, while HKCEC will showcase fine finished jewelry from around 1,900 international fine jewelry exhibitors.

The Fair is open to jewelry trade professionals and members of the press. Free admission will be granted to visitors who present their business cards or official invitation together with Hong Kong Identity Card/ Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau/ National passport. Visitors under 18 will not be admitted.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

THREE WAYS: TRENCH COATS

Photos via: Vogue Spain | Moeh Fashion | Vogue Germany

Three great ways to style a trench coat from lovelies Liv Tyler, Colby Milano and Karolina Kurkova. Can't decide which is my favorite. Find out how to get each of their looks below...

+ Elizabeth and James Valenti Sunglasses
+ ASOS Zip Detail Trench
+ T by Alexander Wang Striped Short Sleeve Tee
+ L'Amour Nanette Lepore Zipper Jeggings
+ Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flats
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+ Stella McCartney Oversized Teardrop Sunglasses
+ ASOS Classic Trench
+ Nili Lotan Five Pocket Skinny Jeans
+ Converse Chuck Taylor Low Sneaker
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+ Topshop Soft Trench Coat
+ Wyatt Snake Print Envelope Clutch
+ James Jeans Twiggy 5 Pocket Legging Jeans
+ Rag & Bone Brogues
+ ASOS Maple Brogues

NAIL CANDY

Photos via Nail Common

So pumped I came across Nail Common - endless nail art inspiration. Loving the asymmetrical nude base/bright tip french manicures. Not going to lie, seeing these left me with major cuticle envy. I can never seem to get mine to look so smooth and groomed. Now off to get lost in Sephora's nail section. Any cuticle care advice is appreciated!

Speaking of beauty advice, Who What Wear just launched their new beauty site- BYRDIE!

Click below for more nail art inspiration...

ALEXA CHUNG | AIRPORT LOOK

Photos via Bulls Press | TFS

Alexa Chung looking cute and cozy at Heathrow Airport. I'm loving her textured leather jacket and the pastel touches from her round pink sunglasses and lavendar nail polish.

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$53 Million Worth Of Leviev Diamond Jewelry Stolen In Cannes

Advertisement for the Leviev jewelry exhibition outside the Carlton International Hotel, where the theft took place.

At least one person made off with an estimated $53 million worth of jewelry from the Leviev diamond company that was on display at a hotel in Cannes, France, according to several reports.

The brazen theft occurred Sunday around noon in the lobby of the Intercontinental Carlton hotel where an exhibit of Leviev jewelry titled, "Extraordinary Diamonds," was on display in the lobby. The diamond company is owned by billionaire Lev Leviev.

Details are sketchy but reports indicate that a lone person who may have been armed made off with an undetermined amount of jewelry from the exhibition in a briefcase, according to reports. The exhibit was schedule to conclude at the end of August.

If the value of the jewels is confirmed, it could be the second-largest heist ever in France, the BBC reports.

The French Riviera resort city has been a hotbed of jewelry robberies as of late. The famed Cannes International Film festival Held in May had two high-profile thefts: A necklace by Swiss jeweler De Grisogono reportedly worth $2.5 million was stolen at a celebrity party and a week earlier $1 million worth of Chopard jewels were stolen from the hotel room of an employee of the Swiss company.

The country's biggest robbery took place in 2008, when three men stole jewelry on display at an exhibition in Paris with an estimated value of $113 million, the BBC reports.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

CRISP WHITES + SILVER DENIM

Photo via Herringbone and Hazel

Obsessed with this clean look. Love the crisp white blazer and t-shirt paired with the silver denim. No accessories needed, except maybe a delicate necklace and some dainty rings.

Get the look...
+ T by Alexander Wang Crepe Blazer
+ ASOS Premium Blazer With Longline Lapel
+ Kain Label V Neck Tee
+ !iT Denim Stiletto Ankle in Iridescent Silver
+ Gap 1969 Coated Super Skinny Jeans in Silver
+ INC International Concepts Skinny Metallic Cropped Jeans
+ Ellen Tracy Silver Shimmer Ankle Jeans
+ J Brand Jeans Coated Metallic Jeggings
+ Cole Haan Inwood Metallic Flat Sandal
+ Rachel Zoe Gold Gwen T-Strap Flat Sandals

Former Tiffany VP Pleads Guilty to Stealing $2.1 Million of Jewelry

Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun

A former VP of Product Development at Tiffany & Co., pled guilty Friday in Manhattan federal court to stealing over $2.1 million worth of jewelry from her former employer.

Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun, 46, of Darien, Conn., pled guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. As part of her plea agreement, she agreed to forfeit more than $2.1 million and further agreed to make restitution in the amount of more than $2.2 million, according to a statement from the US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York.

She was arrested earlier this month and pled guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe. She is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Gardephe on December 10.

“Over a period of years, Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun, an executive at a high-end jewelry company, looted her employer’s jewelry inventory and then resold millions of dollars’ worth of the merchandise in order to enrich herself,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Friday. Today, she stands convicted for her thievery and faces the prospect of prison.”

From at least January 2011 until February 2013, Lederhaas-Okun worked as a VP of Product Development at Tiffany’s midtown Manhattan headquarters, according to court documents. Her duties and responsibilities included ensuring that product designs could be manufactured. She had authority to check out jewelry belonging to Tiffany for work-related reasons.

Between November 2012 and February 2013, Lederhaas-Okun checked out more than 165 pieces of jewelry with a retail value of more than $1.2 million, including numerous diamond bracelets, platinum or gold diamond drop and hoop earrings, platinum diamond rings, and platinum and diamond pendants,” according to court documents. She then sold some if not all of this jewelry for $1.3 million to an unnamed international buyer and reseller of jewelry in midtown Manhattan. The jewelry reseller paid for the stolen merchandise by paying Lederhaas-Okun or her husband, in transactions arranged either by her or a friend working on her behalf.

It is unclear whether this reseller knew the jewelry was stolen.

In addition, on November 2012, following an announcement by Tiffany that it was going to undertake a full physical inventory review, Lederhaas-Okun said that approximately $1.5 million worth of jewelry which she had checked out would have to be written off, according to court documents. However, none of that jewelry was ever returned to Tiffany, contrary to the usual practice of accounting for inventory, such as damaged jewelry, that would have to be written off because it had been rendered unusable in some way.

To conceal her theft, Lederhaas-Okun made repeated false statements to Tiffany. For example, after her termination in February 2013, she told the luxury jeweler that she had recently checked out jewelry to create a PowerPoint presentation for her supervisor, and that a draft of the presentation could be found on her office computer. However, the missing pieces of jewelry had been checked out months earlier, her supervisor was unaware of any such presentation and there was no draft presentation on her computer. In addition, she claimed the jewelry could be found in a white envelope in her office, but a search of her office shortly after her departure did not yield any white envelope.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

PRETTY IN PUNK

1. UNIF Cosmic Youth Sleeveless Tee via SHOPCUFFS
2. NastyGal Kitty Shades
3. Genevieve Jones Classic Harvest Safety Pin Earrings
4. Iosselliani Set of 5 Bangles
5. Maison Martin Margiela Brass Ring
6. NARS Lipstick in Schiap
7. Joie Darcy Clutch
8. Moschino Cheap and Chic Leopard-Print Crepe Pants
9. 3.1 Phillip Lim Quinn Loafers (or here)

SHORT OVERALLS | DOWNTOWN COOL

ph: MIJA

Another great short overalls look (remember Paulien?). By throwing on a leather moto jacket, Mija gave her look a downtown cool feel. Leather, stripes and denim is by far one of my favorite style mixes, so it's no wonder I love this.

Get the look...
+ Oasis Quilted Leather Jacket
+ T by Alexander Wang Linen Stripe Tee (or Tank Top)
+ Haute Hippie Chambray Overalls
+ Topshop Moto Bleach Denim Dungarees
+ Vans Authentic Sneakers

MICHELLE WILLIAMS | LOUIS VUITTON

ph: WWD

How gorgeous does Michelle Williams look in this Louis Vuitton handbag campaign? I'm so jealous of how well she can pull of that short hair! Loving the bold brows, deep red lips and dark nails- perfect beauty inspiration for fall and winter.

Get the look...
+ Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
+ Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below
+ ASOS Cami With Deep V-Neck And Mesh Panel
+ Illamasqua Nail Polish in Unnatural
+ Louis Vuitton Bag

Royal China for the Royal Baby Available for Purchase

The official trust of the royal family has released a set of china commemorating the new son of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Royal Collection Trust presented the official range of china Wednesday and has made it available for preorder. The items are decorated with scrolls incorporating the name and birth date of their son (who has reportedly been given the title of Prince of Cambridge), with the lion and unicorn from the Royal Arms supporting the coronet of the duke and duchess of Cambridge, surrounded by oak leaves from the Middleton coat of arms.

The four-piece set was be made in Stoke-on-Trent, a pottery center in Staffordshire, England, by the same potteries that produced the official china celebrating the marriage of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, and marking The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and the 60th anniversary of the Coronation this year. Using methods and techniques that have remained unchanged for 250 years, every item is hand-made from fine bone china and gilded in 22K gold before being gift-wrapped in tissue paper and boxes designed for the occasion.

The items include a pillbox for 30 British pounds ($46), a small loving cup for 39 pounds ($60), a dessert plate for 45 pounds ($70) and a limited-edition loving cup for 195 pounds ($300), of which 2,013 will be produced. Three of the items are pictured above.

All profits from the sale of the china are dedicated to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The Royal Collection is one of the largest and most important art collections in the world, and one of the last great European royal collections to remain intact. It is held in trust by The Queen as Sovereign for her successors and the nation. It is not owned by her as a private individual. The aim of The Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, which receives no public funding, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational programs.

“The range is contemporary in style, while maintaining the traditional formality of royal commemorative china,” said Nuala McGourty, Royal Collection Trust’s retail director. “The design also makes reference to the heritage of both parents.

The china can be preordered online by following this link.  

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Royal Gifts For Royal Babies Past

The Portland Font, a private christening basin commissioned by William Bentinck, third duke of Portland , for the birth of his first grandson in 1796. Photo credit: British Museum

Tradition is very much a part of Britain’s Royal Family but when it comes to newborns the practice of gift giving has a lot of leeway, said Geoffrey Munn, one of Britain’s foremost authorities on antique jewelry.

“In the past there’s been a whole range of things given to high ranking royal babies,” Munn said Monday from Wartski, where he serves as managing director. The antique dealership has a “royal warrant of appointment,” making it one of a handful of jewelers that supply goods and services to the royal family.

From the beginning of the royal monarchy to the early part of the 20th Century, baby deaths were a common occurrence, even among royal families. Because of this, a popular gift to a royal newborn in past centuries was a gold rattle with a handle made of red coral.

“The coral was used as a talisman to keep away evil spirits,” Munn said. “Some people adhere to it now with the use of a red silk, but it’s a very, very, ancient thing.”

Gifts to newborns are often conservative, Munn said. A small string of pearls for a girl and cufflinks for a boy were common gifts. The more elaborate gifts were reserved for the christening, the most important moment in a royal infant’s life. Again, in the past baptisms were done as quickly as possible because of the high chance of infant deaths. Of course, they are still done while the baby is an infant.

“The baptismal is a crucial part of an existence of a child and a royal child even more so,” Munn said. “Until the 17th Century its offspring was thought to be there by divine right, and thought to be chosen by God. Then the baptism was even more crucial.”

For the royal baby who has everything probably the most elaborate christening gift is the personal baptismal font (basin). They were often kept in the possession of families to be used for generations. The only known example of a private basin is on view at the British Museum: The Portland Font (top photo). It was commissioned by William Bentinck, third duke of Portland (1738-1809) for the birth of his first grandson in 1796.

The detachable bowl of the gold and marble basin rests on four winged cherub feet, surrounded by three free-standing sculptural figures representing the Cardinal Virtues. These are: Faith (standing with a cross and her hand held over the bowl in the act of benediction), Hope (seated, holding a symbolic anchor) and Charity (seated and shown comforting children). It was designed by Humphrey Repton and built by Paul Storr, one of the best known goldsmiths in London.

Christie’s London held an auction in November 2009 of “Property From the Late Duke and Duchess of Kent and Families,” which gave other examples of the types of gifts given at christenings. 

Austrian-made silver gilt service was given in 1907 to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, who would become the Duchess of Kent. The gift was from Princess Thayer of Hanover and Duchess of Cumberland. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2013

For example, a tasteful Austrian-made silver gilt service was given as a christening gift in 1907 to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, who would become the Duchess of Kent. The gift was from Princess Thayer of Hanover who was also the Duchess of Cumberland. The tapering on the beaker and the flatware are stamped with husks and shells. The set consists of a tablespoon, teaspoon, fork, a knife with silver-gilt blade, and a knife with steel blade. Each piece is engraved with the initial M below a Royal crown. The leather covered case was marked with J.C. Klinkosch, Vienna, dated 1907 with Imperial Warrant. The inscription reads “from Great Aunt Thyra 1907.” 

George VI silver flatware set given in 1942 to Prince Michael of Kent. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2013

An even more modest example of a christening gift was given in 1942 to Prince Michael of Kent. It was a George VI silver flatware set of a fork, knife and spoon with facetted plain handles in a fitted case with an inscribed note. It was made by London silversmiths, Wakely and Wheeler. It sold at auction for 525 pounds ($806).

A personally inscribed Victorian silver gilt cup and cover from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1903 for their grandson, Prince George, Duke of Kent. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2013

A more elaborate christening gift came from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1903 for their grandson, Prince George, Duke of Kent. It was a Victorian silver gilt cup and cover with an inscription that reads: “To George Edward Alexander Edmund 4th Son of George, Prince of Wales and Victoria Mary, Princess of Wales from his Grandparents and Sponsors King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra at his Christening at Windsor Castle January 26th 1903.”

Shaped like an inverted bell, it is adorned with scroll handles and a detachable cover with baluster finish. A silver medallion depicts King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. It has the mark of Elkington and Co., London, 1900.

Munn said that engravings that appear handwritten, such as what is on the gilt cup, are popular among royalty and is a common service of jewelers used by the royal family, including Wartski.

“What we usually do is engrave small cups of silver and that can be done in the facsimile of the parents handwriting,” he said. “Every generation of royalty has enjoyed facsimile of handwriting. It’s a very interesting procedure, taken up by the great jewelers. They all know how to do it.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

More Than 10,000 People Attended Asia Fashion Jewelry Fair

A total of 10,218 visitors from 94 countries and regions attended the16th edition of Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – June, held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Of the visitors that came to the mid-year trade event for the fashion jewelry and accessories industry, about 63 percent were from outside the Hong Kong region, reflecting the show’s international status. Excluding Hong Kong region and mainland China, the Top 10 source of visitors were the United States, India, Japan, Taiwan region, Korea, Thailand, Australia, the Russian Federation, the Philippines and Singapore.

This year’s event gathered 380 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, namely, mainland China, the Czech Republic, France, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, the Philippines, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Hong Kong and Taiwan regions. More than 80% of the total number of exhibitors is from outside Hong Kong.

Big attractions at the fair included seven group pavilions representing mainland China, France, India, Korea, the Philippines, Spain and Taiwan. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

New Color Mixes at Jewelry Accord the Store

Be sure to check out the new color mixes now available at the Jewelry Accord Store!!

 This one is great for those of you who want to try out a few colors but are wanting cording that goes with any beads! These neutrals are great for that, includes Black, Chocolate brown, Walnut brown, and Neutral ivory!

 Inspired by a recent vacation to Cape Cod!

For the GREEN lover, like myself!

AND!! how bout some new GREEK LEATHER CORDING!  I have 4 great colors, Salmon, Green, Olive, and Navy!

Swatch Group Sees Strong Growth Potential For Harry Winston

The Harry Winston salon in Paris.

The Swatch Group has big plans for the recently acquired Harry Winston brand, finding it an asset that is both complimentary and with plenty of room for growth.

The Swiss conglomerate on Tuesday for the first time partly revealed what it plans for the luxury retail brand during its earnings report for the first half of the year. The company, which now owns 20 watch and jewelry brand, said that gross sales for the period increased 8.7% year-over-year to 4.18 billion Swiss francs ($4.47 billion). Net income increased 6.1% compared to the first half of 2012 to 768 million Swiss franc ($821,700), with a 19.2% return on net sales. Sustained growth was reported in all regions.

“The continued integration of the Harry Winston brand will … make a significant contribution, as this brand has huge, almost untapped market potential in the high jewelry and watches activities,” the company said, adding that this potential will start to be seen in the second half of the fiscal year.

Swatch Group said that following its $1 billion acquisition of Harry Winston in March, the conglomerate invested in infrastructure, settled all debts, expanded its equity capital base and increase inventory. “The latter was initiated in order to ensure that our clientele has access to the best selection of jewelry as well as to increase its availability,” Swatch Group said in its earnings statement.

“The acquisition of the Harry Winston brand did more than simply round off the group’s already broad brand portfolio; it also expanded the high jewelry segment, along with the segment’s value chain from production up to and including the retail network,” Swatch added.

In May, Swatch Group, in Harry Winston’s name, purchased a 101.73-carat diamond at auction for $26.7 million and renamed it the “Winston Legacy,” explaining that it “reconfirms the number one position of this high jewelry brand.”

Swatch says that its see the luxury watch segment of the brand as having the best potential for worldwide growth.

“The Harry Winston brand has an extremely large and almost untapped potential in the watch sector, which the group now aims to expand further using its experience around the world,” the company said. “The necessary funds will also be invested into this activity.”

In fact, the acquisition led to some company restructuring by integrating the production division into the watches and jewelry business unit. “This integration will also provide a more uniform view of activities, facilitating comparability with our competitors.”

Other highlights of the company’s first-half report include:

• Benchmarked to the 1.5% export growth for wristwatches of the Swiss watch industry in the first half of 2013, the segment Watches & Jewelry (now including production) growth was more than 9%.

• An operating profit of 910 million Swiss francs ($973,500) was recorded, with an operating margin of 22.7%, despite a high marketing spend, important investments in products and production methods, and the integration of Harry Winston.

The company said its outlook “remains very promising,” expecting a strong second half. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

CALIFORNIA COOL | MLLE MADEMOISELLE | FALL 2013 LOOKBOOK

Obsessing over the Mlle Mademoiselle Fall 2013 lookbook. The styling, the location, the film-like quality of the photos, the model's hair... don't even get me started on that leopard print jacket.

Their e-boutique launched today and all the California cool pieces from the lookbook are now available. So yea, my bank account is now in serious danger.

Click below to see more from the lookbook...