SurveysDec 02, 2021
2021 Will Be the ‘Year of Jewelry,’ Analyst Says SurveysDec 30, 2021
Jewelry Sales Climb 32% Over the Holidays
The jewelry sector saw some of the strongest year-over-year and year-over-two-year growth, said Mastercard’s recent survey.
A white and brown gold ring, set with diamonds and tsavorites, from Picchiotti’s “Fiocco” collection (price available upon request). Jewelry sales were up 32 percent year-over-year, according to a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Purchase, N.Y.—Jewelry sales were strong this holiday season, according to a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Sales in the category were up 32 percent year-over-year for the period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, and up 26 percent compared with pre-pandemic 2019.
The jewelry sector saw some of the strongest year-over-year and year-over-two-year growth, Mastercard noted.
Overall holiday retail sales, excluding automobiles, were up nearly 9 percent year-over-year during the period and up 11 percent compared with 2019.
“Shoppers were eager to secure their gifts ahead of the retail rush, with conversations surrounding supply chain and labor supply issues sending consumers online and to stores in droves,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks Incorporated, in a press release about the survey.
Shoppers returned to physical stores, with in-store sales up 8 percent year-over-year and up 2 percent compared with 2019.
E-commerce sales continued to grow, making up 20.9 percent of total retail sales, up from 20.6 percent in 2020 and nearly 15 percent in 2019.
Online sales were up 11 percent year-over-year, and up 61 percent compared with 2019.
“The channel continues to experience elevated growth as consumers enjoy the ease of holiday browsing and buying in the comfort of their own homes,” Mastercard said.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category were up 32 percent year-over-year for the period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, and up 26 percent compared with pre-pandemic 2019.
The jewelry sector saw some of the strongest year-over-year and year-over-two-year growth, Mastercard noted.
Overall holiday retail sales, excluding automobiles, were up nearly 9 percent year-over-year during the period and up 11 percent compared with 2019.
“Shoppers were eager to secure their gifts ahead of the retail rush, with conversations surrounding supply chain and labor supply issues sending consumers online and to stores in droves,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks Incorporated, in a press release about the survey.
Shoppers returned to physical stores, with in-store sales up 8 percent year-over-year and up 2 percent compared with 2019.
E-commerce sales continued to grow, making up 20.9 percent of total retail sales, up from 20.6 percent in 2020 and nearly 15 percent in 2019.
Online sales were up 11 percent year-over-year, and up 61 percent compared with 2019.
“The channel continues to experience elevated growth as consumers enjoy the ease of holiday browsing and buying in the comfort of their own homes,” Mastercard said.
Shoppers filled their carts, physical or virtual, earlier than in previous years, a trend continuing from 2020.
Retailers offered early promotions to attract shoppers, followed by late-in-the-season promotions for those last-minute shoppers looking to ensure delivery by Christmas.
The expanded holiday season, which Mastercard defines as the 75 days between Oct. 11 and Dec. 24, saw nearly 9 percent year-over-year retail sales growth.
Black Friday was once again the top spending day of the year, said Mastercard, though all of Thanksgiving weekend was a busy time for retailers.
From Nov. 26-28, sales were up 14 percent year-over-year. In-store sales rebounded, up nearly 17 percent year-over-year, while online sales continued to grow, up 5 percent year-over-year.
“Consumers splurged throughout the season, with apparel and department stores experiencing strong growth as shoppers sought to put their best dressed foot forward,” Sadove said.
The apparel category posted 47 percent year-over-year growth, up 29 percent compared with 2019.
Department stores also drew in shoppers, with sales up 21 percent year-over-year and up 11 percent compared with 2019.
Electronics were popular among shoppers as well, with sales up 16 percent year-over-year and up 20 percent compared with 2019.
The Mastercard SpendingPulse survey measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment.
More on Surveys
The Latest
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in AustinThe Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
