Gold’s Surge Puts Margins Under the Spotlight
Gold prices jumped 67% in 2025, driving jewellery sales value up to $172 bn while volume fell 18% to 1,542 tonnes. Luxury houses with strong brand equity, such as Richemont and Cartier, saw sales growth, whereas mass‑market jewellers, whose costs are tied to gold, faced margin compression. Industry bodies urge dynamic pricing, leaner inventory and material shifts, including increased platinum use. The World Gold Council expects demand to stabilise in 2026 but warns of downside risk if prices stay high.
The Secret World of the Branded Clock
Branded clocks, ubiquitous in luxury watch boutiques and public spaces, are typically outsourced to specialist manufacturers rather than produced in‑house. Swiss firm Alatron, founded by former Gucci watches executive Daniele Spadini, handles design, engineering and assembly for brands such as...
Dolce & Gabbana Co-Founder Quits as Chair of Fashion House
Stefano Gabbana, co‑founder of Dolce & Gabbana, announced his resignation as chair of the fashion house while remaining as creative director. The move comes after a series of brand controversies that have strained relationships with retailers and sparked consumer backlash....
‘A Toxic Environment for Children’ — Inside the Beauty ‘Cosmeticorexia’ Battle
The Financial Times investigates the growing crisis dubbed "cosmeticorexia," where the beauty industry’s relentless promotion of flawless looks creates a toxic environment for children. Influencers, social‑media filters, and aggressive marketing push minors toward extreme dieting, excessive makeup, and even early...
Unilever and Kraft Heinz Held Talks over Food Merger Uniting Ketchup and Mayo
Unilever and Kraft Heinz are in advanced discussions about a potential merger that would bring together their ketchup and mayonnaise businesses. The talks signal a strategic move to combine two of the world’s most recognizable condiment brands under one corporate...
Artisans Recast Landmark Tiffany Designs Into Horological Form
Tiffany & Co., now owned by LVMH, has launched the Enamel Diamond Watch, a high‑end timepiece that transforms the iconic 1962 paillonné enamel “Bird on a Rock” bangle into a watch. The piece features a spinning enamel‑filled dial ring mounted...
Vacheron Constantin Bets on Culture and Complications Instead of Volume
Vacheron Constantin, led by CEO Laurent Perves, posted over SFr 1 bn in 2023 revenue while producing roughly 25,000 watches, yet it refuses to chase volume growth. Instead, the brand is diversifying across classic, sport, high‑complication and Métiers d’art segments, treating its portfolio like...
Affordable Brands Tap Into Luxury’s Penchant for Alluring Dials
Luxury watch growth is now driven by daring dial designs rather than new movements, with brands like Rolex and Piaget showcasing vivid colours and exotic stones. The trend has filtered down to affordable makers, most notably Dennison, which relaunched in...
Vintage Jewellery Sellers Seek Red Carpet Exposure
Awards season is driving a surge in vintage jewellery loans as celebrities seek unique pieces for red‑carpet events. Auction house Sotheby’s has become a prominent lender, providing items like Jennifer Lawrence’s 1987 JAR ear clips and a Suzanne Belperron brooch, while...
