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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
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.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
