Cyrille Vigneron

Focusing on the salespeople (last 18 inches) for engagement rings is the correct approach. Training is good but not sufficient if the economic incentive for synthetics is superior. How much profit in dollars not percentage does the retailer and salesman (commission) make on the sale of a synthetic vs natural diamond? The bottom line is the bottom line.

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Indeed, TBTL research shows that the watch industry is surprisingly neither a stock nor even statistically correlated to the development of stock markets. Differently to the high-end leather, car or fashion industry, for instance, there is no such link between the S&P 500, Bitcoin or GDP China on the one side and exports of the Swiss watch industry on the other. Or in other words, more than other luxury industries the one of timepieces follows its own economic rhythm.

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Interview #6 Jury Member Insights ✨   Today we have the pleasure to share the last insights from the jurors of this edition of the Mark Challenge by presenting Dr. Hannes Gurzki, luxury expert and entrepreneur, Adjunct Professor at the International University of Monaco, Founder and Managing Director of Creative Brands Group, and Senior Director at The DO. Dr. Gurzki has been part of the second jury panel of the Mark Challenge 2024. Let his words guide you through his entrepreneurship experience.   Could you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to where you are today? What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship ❓ “Absolutely. My career began in consulting, transitioned through academia, and eventually led me to entrepreneurship. This diverse experience fueled my dual passions for science and knowledge discovery, as well as applying these insights practically to support startups and innovations. My journey is driven by a commitment to evidence-based solutions.” Can you describe a significant challenge you faced in your entrepreneurial journey and how you overcame it ❓ “Entrepreneurship is inherently challenging, filled with numerous obstacles. One key realization for me was the importance of assembling the right team. This collaborative approach ensured I was not tackling problems alone. We consistently tested hypotheses and critically evaluated our assumptions, which helped us avoid the trap of falling too in love with our own ideas that might not align with customer needs. Applying scientific methods to our startup processes helped maintain objectivity. Ultimately, resilience has been crucial, persisting through setbacks with the energy and drive to continue pursuing my passions.” Finally, what advice or words of wisdom would you offer to new entrepreneurs embarking on their journey ❓ “For new entrepreneurs, my advice is threefold. First, dream big. Allow yourself to envision what you could achieve without being confined by the current reality. Second, recognize the significant impact your venture can have—not just within your company, but for your employees and society at large. This sense of responsibility can guide your innovations toward making a meaningful difference. Lastly, surround yourself with the right people. The support of a dedicated team can be invaluable during challenging times. Persistence and determination are often the hallmarks of those who ultimately succeed.” Dr. Gurzki tells us how critical thinking and a solid team can transform obstacles into opportunities. Are you thinking about a solution that combines the luxury world and sustainability? 🌍💎 Keep following us because the next edition of the Mark Challenge is closer than you think! #MarkChallenge #SustainableLuxury #Innovation #InsightfulIdeas #leaveyourmark

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Diamonds are traditionally cherished in their classic round cut, but there's a world of stunning shapes that bring a whole new personality to jewellery. From the regal emerald cut to the romantic heart shape, and from the modern princess cut to the sophisticated Asscher, each shape offers a unique sparkle and an opportunity to express personal style. What's more, shapes like the elongated oval or the striking baguette are becoming increasingly popular for their distinct appearance and the way they can enhance a piece's overall design. One of the great advantages of LGDs is their affordability, which allows for experimentation with these various shapes without the steep price tag associated with their natural counterparts. This accessibility opens up the world of diamonds to more people, offering the chance to own something truly special and personalized. At The6c, our signature collection embraces this diversity, where exquisite design meets responsible sourcing, all while embracing the myriad shapes that make each diamond uniquely yours. #NotJustRound #the6C #labgrowndiamond Not just round, shape your moments with our Gem-ometry. 🤗

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#DeBeers stops to make #LGD for #jewlery. At #JCK, the price of LGD is brutal. Quite a few Chinese dealers came to JCK for selling and ended up buy #LGD because of crushing prices at JCK. They can make the money by reselling them in China. With cheap and cheaper LGD, the cutting cost and lab reports take much bigger percentage of total cost of LGD. In my view, the lab reports for LGD will have NOT so bright future. Who cares a LGD is D or F color while it is hard to resell at a good price. Who cares about clarity of LGD while the price hit new low every month. #IGI is a leader on LGD report who looks for IPO. Well, it is better to act fast to grab some money from investors. https://lnkd.in/gcU4-yKu

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Over the last few months (actually, many, many months!) we have been trying to solve one of our biggest problems... Our clients do not burn the candles because they believe they are too beautiful! Such a compliment but obviously this results in a very long return customer time frame, if at all! We have finally come up with an idea to transition the empty candle vessel in to a new product! This has been a long time coming with so many challenges along the way. As someone who loves things to be as close to perfect as possible, this process has been very difficult for me. We thought we had all of the pieces of the product functioning and of a very high quality and then something wouldn't fit or it wouldn't work so we would have to start all over again! This happened several times! We will finally go to market soon and I am so excited that we have got ourselves to this point. Is it 100% perfect, no, because on the cards inside the packaging the font is so small, it is not ideal. Will everyone love the fragrance, no. We have decided that if we wait for everything to be absolutely perfect we may never go to market. This is a difficult thing to balance when building a luxury brand - Go to market with the product that's almost 100% or wait and continue to analyse every single tiny detail until it is never perfect anyway? What do you think? If you want to know more, follow along on Instagram here at https://lnkd.in/g2_H2hmd or head to the website and subscribe to be the first to find out about our new aromatic statement piece. I am so grateful for every like, comment, share, follow, save etc! All of this is so very helpful when building a business, so thank you, it does not go unnoticed.

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Get up to speed with key takeaways from Hogan Lovells' ESG webinar! Here are some notable 'sound bites' for those who couldn't join live.

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It’s crucial to understand and verify the authenticity of watches to avoid counterfeit products. Ensuring provenance and certification from reputable sources helps protect your investment.

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Why nature matters to business Join Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 with Marie-Claire Daveu at JCK. The science is clear. Nature is deteriorating globally, and biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. Both business and society depend on services that nature provides for free, providing the foundation for every economy — such as fresh water, healthy soils and a stable climate. The majority of these vital ‘ecosystem services’ are in decline. The global economy is already operating outside the safe zones for six of the nine planetary boundaries — processes that are critical for maintaining the Earth’s stability. Ecosystem services are not being appropriately priced by business and financial markets today. There is growing evidence that this poses risks for businesses (including watch and jewellery companies), and the supporting services such as capital providers, financial systems and economies, and that these risks are increasing in severity and frequency. For more on this topic see Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Biodiversity and Nature are terms often used interchangeably. But there is a difference. Simply put, biodiversity is the part of nature that is alive, and includes every living thing on Earth. Nature is all the existing systems created at the same time as the Earth, all the features, forces and processes, such as the weather, the sea and mountains (Convention on Biological Diversity). All businesses, including yours, are dependent on the biological diversity, natural resources, and ecosystem services provided by nature. A clear understanding of the relationship between business, nature and biodiversity is a crucial first step for companies wanting to understand how their business can thrive and contribute to a Nature Positive world.   I am happy to share that I will be moderating a panel at JCK on May 30th for “Empowering the Change: a Fireside Chat on Nature & Climate Solutions” with esteemed speakers, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, Kering, and @Dr. M Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International. This discussion will encompass how to better link production to protection, what the stakes are for business and nature, and advice for leadership as looking for solutions to curb planetary change. Click the link to learn more about The Sustainability Summit at JCK: https://lnkd.in/e_CVjTFV and join us to empower the change. #Sustainability #JCK #EmpowerTheChange #WJI2030

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The Epic Story Behind This Creation Imagine a starry evening at the heart of the Princely Palace of Monaco, a place where elegance meets history. It was here that we first crossed paths with Louis Ducruet. From the very first minutes of our conversation, a spark ignited. We discovered that we shared a burning passion for samurais and Japan. From this serendipitous encounter was born a bold idea: to merge our love for haute horlogerie with the mysterious world of samurais in a joint creation. We are not merely talking about making a timepiece, but about forging a masterpiece that embodies the very essence of time and the art of the sword. In designing the Cyborg Black Shadow Warrior, we sought to capture the soul of the samurai in every element of this revolutionary timepiece. The delicate details and complex mechanisms draw inspiration from the honor, courage, and precision that define these legendary warriors. We immersed ourselves in Japanese history and culture to imbue our creation with unique depth and significance. By combining our horological expertise and shared passion, we have given birth to a piece that transcends time. It is much more than a mere timepiece; it is a sensory experience, a dive into a world where every second tells a story. This bold project is an ode to innovation and tradition, destined to captivate adventurous spirits and aesthetes around the globe. #SamuraiTimepieces

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Thanks Danny Younis for this insightful post. I would also add that Independent brands are gaining the share of wallet from the big spenders. Stay tuned, more insights coming in the next days! You can view the full report at www.everywatch.com

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Market2024: NO.31 Poll Summary: Fashion's Impact on Eyewear Choice Poll Results: A Great Deal: 18 votes (🌟) Moderately: 11 votes (👍) Slightly: 6 votes (👌) Not at All: 7 votes (🙅‍♂️) Quick Take: Fashion plays a big role for many when picking eyewear, with 29 folks valuing style from a bit to a lot! 👓🎨 Advice: Shoppers: Mix it up! Choose frames that match both your style and comfort. 🎭👓 Retailers: Stock a variety of styles to cater to all fashion tastes. 🏬👀 Let's keep rocking those stylish frames! 🚀👓 #Eyewear #Fashion #StyleChoices #Market2024 #marketresearch

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If you are interested in Sustainable materials, you may enjoy reading my latest article in 2Luxury2.com Oh, you may find my latest article interesting :)  https://lnkd.in/eTiWDsG3 Best Philippe

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In 2023, global diamond production saw a 5.5% decline to 111.5 million carats, with a stated value of $12.7 billion dropping by 20.5% YoY, as per the latest Kimberley Process data. Despite the volume decline being less severe than anticipated, there remains significant work ahead for the diamond industry to facilitate a much-needed turnaround. #DiamondIndustry #GlobalProduction #KimberleyProcess #DataAnalysis

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💛 Iris Maria Alexis Van der Veken is the Executive Director of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030. 💚 Her commitment and dedication to the great and important goals of the Initiative are impressive. During this #interview, I asked her about #Gender. Why is this still on the agenda, and HOW important is it? 💙 Gender equality is one of the 17 sustainable development goals of the UN. -85% of those goals are not on track -There is an intersectionality between #climate #biodiversity #humanrights and #womenrights - The most affected group is often women whenever there is a climate crisis or geopolitical instability. 💛 When it comes to the #luxury and #jewelry industry: 90% of purchases are predominantly influenced by women. Either through #selfpurchase (great, so it means she is economically independent) or otherwise. - We need to think about the most vulnerable groups in #artisinalmining; for example - We also need to be aware that 72% of leaders in #jewelry and #luxury are male, and only 5% are people of color. 💪 CALL TO ACTION: ''We (the #jewelryindustry at large) must seriously integrate gender into a company's strategies and see it as a business imperative.'' Kering Boucheron Black in Jewelry Coalition Cartier CHANEL Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. Pandora Mattioli Pomellato World Jewellery Confederation - CIBJO and many more are part of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 If you like to know more, you can check out this website: https://lnkd.in/euRtRyHq Video credits: Esther B.J. Ligthart

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Increased supply lowers price which increases competition which lowers price. Synthetic diamond prices will fall to cost plus added value. Adding value to synthetic diamonds is in the domain of fashion jewelry as merchandised by Swarovski. Pandora, and eventually WallMart, Amazon and other retailers that specialize in low cost adornments. Synthetic people that misposition synthetic diamonds as engagement rings will go bankrupt. The gift of commitment requires something of value. Marriage is not a one night stand and engagement rings are not costume jewelry, There is a relationship between real values, real value and real diamonds.

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An interesting question: Can tourism save European luxury? Another would be: Does European luxury need saving? If it does, maybe it is from itself. Those brands which are flourishing in the post pandemic - and let us remember that tourists’ luxury spend has almost recovered post Covid - are actually the ones speaking to and engaging local clients in a new and interesting way. Looking to tourists for recovery is only one step from looking to the Chinese traveller who will not return. Brands and retailers must learn to engage the shoppers they have. There are no easy solutions. More from @Vogue Business: https://lnkd.in/eeCp38qt #luxury #Europe # Engagement 

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Why Partnerships matter ... At the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 we do not believe in reinventing the wheel. Our strong collaboration with United Nations Global Compact and UN Women and ESG Book reflects this vision. No one can solve the challenges we face alone. Today we are thrilled to announce that the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 has joined Business for Nature, a global coalition of 100+ influential partner organizations as well as forward-thinking companies. Together we are driving credible business action and policy ambition to achieve a nature-positive economy for all by 2030.   We believe in the power of collaboration to drive impactful change. By joining forces with Business for Nature, we are amplifying our commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting responsible practices within the watch and jewellery industry.   Both WJI 2030 and Business for Nature are united by the vision of a resilient, resource-efficient, and inclusive future. Together, we will work to:   • Provide technical expertise to governments so that they adopt, implement and enforce ambitious policies that help create a nature-positive economy   • Scale and accelerate business action by strengthening, clarifying and amplifying why and how companies should act now   Please join us in celebrating this milestone by sharing one step your company is making to preserve or restore nature. Together, we can contribute toward a nature-positive economy by 2030. For those of you who have not seen our Nature Roadmap yet, we invite you to give us feedback in the formal consultation process we launched. https://lnkd.in/e_wMQzat   #ForNature #WJI2030 #Nature #Biodiversity #Collaboration #PreservingResources #EmpowerTheChange

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Engagement with lab-grown diamonds is a topic close to my heart lately! It's essential to acknowledge that consumer preferences drive the market, not the other way around, regardless of brands' resistance. Gen Z and young consumers are leading the charge towards sustainability and ethical practices. Personally, I cherish and proudly wear both natural and lab-grown diamonds. At the end of the day, they're both real diamonds, so let's embrace them wholeheartedly instead of engaging in unnecessary debate. 💎 #Sustainability #EthicalFashion #Diamonds #LabgrownDiamonds

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