IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
SurveysApr 25, 2017
Pace of Store Closures Slowed in Q1, JBT Data Shows
A total of 229 jewelry stores shut down in North America in the first quarter 2017, compared with 268 in the first quarter of last year.
Warwick, R.I.--Jewelry stores are continuing to close though the pace has abated from the frenetic shuttering of doors recorded in 2016, the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade shows.
The JBT’s latest statistics show that in North America (the United States and Canada), a total of 292 jewelry retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers ceased operations in the first quarter 2017, down 17 percent from 353 in the first quarter 2016.
This includes 229 jewelers shutting down their stores, a 15 percent decline when compared with the same period last year.
Isolating the statistics for the United States, there were 277 jewelry retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers that ceased operations in the first quarter, down 14 percent from 323 in the first quarter 2016.
This includes the closure of 217 jewelry stores, compared with 244 in the same period last year.
“I was surprised by the magnitude of the closures when we got the year-end numbers in January,” JBT President Anthony J. Capuano told National Jeweler on Friday. “I was glad to see the results (for Q1 2017), but let’s keep in mind that the trend is still for there to be fewer jewelry companies.”
The number of companies that ceased operations dropped to start the year but they still numbered nearly 300, and the number of new jewelry businesses was down as well.
In North America, 48 new businesses registered with the JBT in the first quarter 2017: 38 retailers, five wholesalers and five manufacturers. By comparison, there were 73 new businesses in the first quarter 2016.
Total listings also are down, from 29,439 at this point last year to 27,706 now, a 6 percent decline.
“The trend hasn’t reversed itself (though) the pace and the momentum that we saw pick up last year seems to have abated a bit,” Capuano said.
Another notable change in the JBT’s first quarter statistics was the rise in the number of industry bankruptcies.
JBT data shows that there were seven bankruptcies--four wholesalers and three retailers--in the United States in first quarter 2017, up from four in the same period last year. (There were zero bankruptcies recorded in Canada.)
Capuano said the uptick in jewelry industry bankruptcies mirrors the nationwide trend.
CNBC reported at the end of March that retail bankruptcies are poised to hit a post-recession high, with nine big retailers--mall stalwarts like Wet Seal, Limited Stores Co. and BCBG Max Azria along with electronics chain
HH Gregg--filing for Chapter 11 in the first quarter alone, equaling the total for all of 2016.
But, he said, bankruptcies in the jewelry industry still remain well off of what they were in 2008 and 2009 at the height of the Great Recession.
As in prior periods, retailers simply closing up shop account for the bulk of the JBT’s business discontinuances, which include companies that have ceased operations (as recounted above), companies that have filed for bankruptcy and mergers/acquisitions.
“What we are seeing is a lot of the mom-and-pops just closing their doors quietly, not really leaving any obligations,” he said, adding that they are having a going-out-of-business sale and exiting the industry or moving into being part-time or private jewelers.
For the rest of 2017, Capuano said he expects to see continued consolidation in the industry.
While he hopes the slowdown in business closures will continue into the second quarter, he said it’s premature to say that it’s a trend or to determine if the industry saw the zenith of closures last year.
“I hope it (the first quarter data) bodes well for the year, but I think it’s too early to tell.”
But, he said, bankruptcies in the jewelry industry still remain well off of what they were in 2008 and 2009 at the height of the Great Recession.
As in prior periods, retailers simply closing up shop account for the bulk of the JBT’s business discontinuances, which include companies that have ceased operations (as recounted above), companies that have filed for bankruptcy and mergers/acquisitions.
“What we are seeing is a lot of the mom-and-pops just closing their doors quietly, not really leaving any obligations,” he said, adding that they are having a going-out-of-business sale and exiting the industry or moving into being part-time or private jewelers.
For the rest of 2017, Capuano said he expects to see continued consolidation in the industry.
While he hopes the slowdown in business closures will continue into the second quarter, he said it’s premature to say that it’s a trend or to determine if the industry saw the zenith of closures last year.
“I hope it (the first quarter data) bodes well for the year, but I think it’s too early to tell.”
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
