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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
