Swiss fashion conglomerate Richemont reported robust first-quarter results on the back of an “outstanding performance” of its luxury jewellery houses, led by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

According to Richemont, its jewellery maisons and specialist watchmakers recorded growth of 142 per cent and 143 per cent respectively during the first quarter ended June 30, 2021 compared to last year, largely contributing to the group's overall sales increase of 129 per cent at constant exchange rates.

“Versus the prior year, which was severely affected by the pandemic, all regions, channels and business areas saw sales progress at triple-digit rates, with the exception of Asia Pacific, online distributors and online retail where sales grew by double digits,” the company said.

The US market, which generated the strongest regional performance, saw a 276 per cent hike in sales driven by steady local demand, followed by the Middle East and Africa. 

Q1 2021 figures also exceeded pre-Covid levels in Q1 2019, thanks to a solid double-digit upsurge in the US, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Compared to 2019, jewellery sales were up 43 per cent, driven by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.