SurveysAug 18, 2021
Jewelry Sales Soared in July, Says MastercardEvents & AwardsAug 30, 2021
At JCK, 5 Panelists Give Their Outlook on the State of the Industry
Sarin Bachmann, David Bonaparte, Detria Courtalis, Tirath Kamdar, and Miya Owens talk about the last 18 months and what lies ahead.
Las Vegas—Jewelry sales were strong in 2020, driven by consumers’ desire for meaningful gifts and the funneling of money to fine jewelry from other categories.
And the Roaring ’20s have continued into this year as the industry has quickly adapted to the new normal created by COVID-19, the guests at a JCK Las Vegas keynote talk said Saturday morning.
Sarin Bachmann, David Bonaparte, Pandora’s Detria Courtalis, eBay’s Tirath Kamdar, and Miya Owens sat down with Mary McGinty, the National Retail Federation’s vice president of communication and public affairs, for a discussion that centered on the last 18 months in retail and what lies ahead.
According to data shared during the discussion, U.S. jewelry store sales dropped 72 percent in March and April of 2020, as COVID-19 forced physical stores to close and consumers, in general, were uncertain and scared.
As of February 2021, jewelry store sales are up 25 percent year-over-year—meaning people are spending more on jewelry than they were pre-pandemic in the U.S.—with money that normally would have been spent on dining out, going out, and travel funneled to fine jewelry last year.
Kamdar, who noted eBay recorded a significant jump in sales, put it like this: “People were not spending on experiences anymore. They were at home, but they thought, ‘I still want to get my luxury experience.’”
The good times have continued to roll into the middle of 2021. A recent MasterCard SpendingPulse survey showed jewelry sales jumped 83 percent year-over-year in July and are up 54 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels.
And the NRF’s forecast calls for a great holiday ahead, with McGinty noting during the keynote that household wealth is at an all-time high.
In June, the NRF increased its outlook for retail sales in 2021. Spurred by the resiliency of consumer spending, the organization is now forecasting 10.5 percent to 13.5 percent year-over-year growth, up from its previous prediction of 6.5 percent to 8.2 percent growth.
Courtalis, who is Pandora’s vice president of wholesale sales, said while it is unknown exactly what the second half of 2021 will hold, Pandora knows it needs to meet the consumer where they want to shop, whether that’s online, in stores safely, or some combination of both.
She said Pandora does expect to have a strong holiday season.
“We have to be very smart, though,” she noted, “and we have to have a plan.”
Courtalis also mentioned the importance of getting the brand in front of Gen Z consumers, noting twice during the discussion how key TikTok is for reaching this generation.
Related stories will be right here …
And the Roaring ’20s have continued into this year as the industry has quickly adapted to the new normal created by COVID-19, the guests at a JCK Las Vegas keynote talk said Saturday morning.
Sarin Bachmann, David Bonaparte, Pandora’s Detria Courtalis, eBay’s Tirath Kamdar, and Miya Owens sat down with Mary McGinty, the National Retail Federation’s vice president of communication and public affairs, for a discussion that centered on the last 18 months in retail and what lies ahead.
According to data shared during the discussion, U.S. jewelry store sales dropped 72 percent in March and April of 2020, as COVID-19 forced physical stores to close and consumers, in general, were uncertain and scared.
As of February 2021, jewelry store sales are up 25 percent year-over-year—meaning people are spending more on jewelry than they were pre-pandemic in the U.S.—with money that normally would have been spent on dining out, going out, and travel funneled to fine jewelry last year.
Kamdar, who noted eBay recorded a significant jump in sales, put it like this: “People were not spending on experiences anymore. They were at home, but they thought, ‘I still want to get my luxury experience.’”
The good times have continued to roll into the middle of 2021. A recent MasterCard SpendingPulse survey showed jewelry sales jumped 83 percent year-over-year in July and are up 54 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels.
And the NRF’s forecast calls for a great holiday ahead, with McGinty noting during the keynote that household wealth is at an all-time high.
In June, the NRF increased its outlook for retail sales in 2021. Spurred by the resiliency of consumer spending, the organization is now forecasting 10.5 percent to 13.5 percent year-over-year growth, up from its previous prediction of 6.5 percent to 8.2 percent growth.
Courtalis, who is Pandora’s vice president of wholesale sales, said while it is unknown exactly what the second half of 2021 will hold, Pandora knows it needs to meet the consumer where they want to shop, whether that’s online, in stores safely, or some combination of both.
She said Pandora does expect to have a strong holiday season.
“We have to be very smart, though,” she noted, “and we have to have a plan.”
Courtalis also mentioned the importance of getting the brand in front of Gen Z consumers, noting twice during the discussion how key TikTok is for reaching this generation.
Saturday morning’s keynote also included conversations on the other big issue of 2020—the push for racial justice and equity that arose after the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020.
Among the changes the racial reckoning brought about in the jewelry industry was the creation of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, an organization created for the advancement of Black professionals in the jewelry and watch industry.
Owens, a BIJC co-founder who is also the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s associate counsel and director of mediation, said the industry needs to continue to foster the launch of Black-owned companies and provide mentorship to Black business owners so existing businesses can grow.
Mentorship is also needed in high schools so young Black people know there are fulfilling careers available in jewelry, which is something she did not realize when she was in school.
When panelists were asked for their biggest takeaways from the past year-and-a-half, Owens said people need to not be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations about race and they need to act in order to make change.
“Do better; just don’t talk about it. Operationalize these discussions,” she said.
For Bonaparte, the president and CEO of Jewelers of America, the biggest takeaway was the way the industry came together to support each other during COVID-19, while Pandora’s Courtalis emphasized the importance of listening to your team and over-communicating.
Both Bachmann, the group vice president of RX Jewelry Group, and Kamdar, the senior director and general manager of luxury at eBay, said their biggest takeaway was the importance of being open to change.
“Things are going to be different for a while,” Bachmann noted.
Both Bachmann, the group vice president of RX Jewelry Group, and Kamdar, the senior director and general manager of luxury at eBay, said their biggest takeaway was the importance of being open to change.
“Things are going to be different for a while,” Bachmann noted.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
