SurveysJun 15, 2021
NRF Raises 2021 Retail Sales ForecastSurveysAug 18, 2021
Jewelry Sales Soared in July, Says Mastercard
July also marked the return of the in-store shopper, according to the SpendingPulse survey.
An 18-karat rose gold “Flora” ring featuring pink sapphires, emerald, and white and champagne diamonds from Vendorafa’s “Giardino” collection. Jewelry sales were up 83 percent year-over-year in July, as per a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Purchase, N.Y.—Jewelry sales were strong in July as shoppers returned to browsing in stores with more cash in hand, according to a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Sales in the category were up 83 percent year-over-year in July and up 54 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The survey measures overall U.S. retail sales across all payment types, including cash and check.
Total U.S. retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were up 11 percent year-over-year in July and up 10 percent compared with July 2019, according to Mastercard.
Online sales rose 6 percent year-over-year and are up 78 percent compared with July 2019.
“While e-commerce continues to play an increasingly significant role for retail, nothing replaces the in-store experience,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks Inc., in a press release about the survey.
“July numbers reflect a return to the store. Consumers are shopping, spending, and splurging across channels.”
As per the survey, in-store sales accounted for 82 percent of total retail sales, excluding auto sales, in July.
In-store sales were up 16 percent year-over-year in July, and exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The survey noted positive spikes over the weekends.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category were up 83 percent year-over-year in July and up 54 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The survey measures overall U.S. retail sales across all payment types, including cash and check.
Total U.S. retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were up 11 percent year-over-year in July and up 10 percent compared with July 2019, according to Mastercard.
Online sales rose 6 percent year-over-year and are up 78 percent compared with July 2019.
“While e-commerce continues to play an increasingly significant role for retail, nothing replaces the in-store experience,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks Inc., in a press release about the survey.
“July numbers reflect a return to the store. Consumers are shopping, spending, and splurging across channels.”
As per the survey, in-store sales accounted for 82 percent of total retail sales, excluding auto sales, in July.
In-store sales were up 16 percent year-over-year in July, and exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The survey noted positive spikes over the weekends.
Shoppers had more cash in hand to spend, due in part to pent-up savings and the Child Tax Credit, which arrived just in time for back-to-school season.
Part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the tax credit meant most families will receive automatic monthly payments of $250-$300 per child. The program began July 15, marking the first of six monthly payments.
The back-to-school season was a boon to the apparel sector, with sales up 80 percent year-over-year, and to department stores, with sales up 45 percent year-over-year.
The uptick was concentrated in the days immediately following the first payment on July 15, said Mastercard.
Though new home sales have fallen to an 18-month low, as per U.S. Census Bureau data, consumers are still sprucing up their spaces.
The furniture and furnishing sector was up 3 percent year-over-year and up 27 percent compared with 2019.
Consumers headed back to restaurants as well, with sales up 61 percent year-over-year and 30 percent compared with 2019.
More on Surveys
The Latest
AuctionsNov 13, 2026
Historic ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Achieves $4.9M at Sotheby’sThe 197-carat Russian Crown jewel was the leading lot of Sotheby's white-glove Royal & Noble Jewels sale this week.
CollectionsNov 13, 2026
Maison Marcelle’s Bracelet Flows Like FabricThe “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.
IndependentsNov 13, 2026
Texas Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsAlter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 13, 2026
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Unveil Second Jewelry Designer Award Finalists Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
AuctionsNov 12, 2026
24-Carat ‘Bulgari Pink’ Diamond Sells for $14.8MUnseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
