Columnists

The Smart Lab: 4 Online Shopping Predictions for 2022

ColumnistsJan 04, 2022

The Smart Lab: 4 Online Shopping Predictions for 2022

Emmanuel Raheb discusses the importance of social selling, providing multiple payment options and more in growing a jewelry business.

2021_Emmanuel-Raheb.jpg
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
In 2021, the number of online shoppers rose to an estimated 2.14 billion worldwide. This means about 28 percent of the global population now makes purchases this way, at least some of the time. 

Just in the past year alone, there was an increase of 4.4 percent, which adds millions of new buyers to the pool of online shoppers.

The growth of ecommerce has been primarily driven by two factors: internet accessibility and necessity. 

With broadband reaching more and more households and internet speeds increasing every year, accessibility has become less and less of a factor. 

When the pandemic struck and everyone was told to stay home, it quickly became apparent that the internet was no longer an option, it was a necessity. Attending Zoom video calls, ordering groceries and even shopping online became essential activities.

The convenience of ecommerce enables every jewelry buyer to shop from the comfort of their home and choose from several delivery and payment options. Buyers can also explore new jewelry collections, view new styles or check a jewelry store’s business reviews. 

More and more people trust making large purchases online and aren’t afraid to buy something they truly love.

To take advantage of this opportunity, here are four online shopping predictions for 2022 that every jeweler should consider.

1. Rapid Rise of Social Commerce on Instagram
The ability to make purchases directly within Instagram is a game changer. 

People can shop online anytime and discover new jewelry styles as they scroll through their feed. 

As a jeweler, you have the perfect way to showcase your company on social media and help propel people through the purchase journey. 

With social commerce, you can customize and personalize each person’s shopping experience to make it unique to them. Instagram provides you with ready feedback about your audience you can use to immediately grow your business.

2. Importance of Having Additional Payment Options
Every jeweler offers payment by credit card; people expect it. But what other payment options should you consider that’ll help your jewelry website stand out?  

Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Klarna, Affirm and others have been growing steadily over the past few years and consumers have grown to depend on them. Some jewelry buyers will even make their final purchasing decisions based on how they can pay. 

Including more payment options is always a great idea, as this helps to reduce friction with buyers and gives them more reasons to say “yes” to you!

 Related stories will be right here … 

3. Exponential Growth of Live Streaming
Live streaming has become a way of life. Many consumers found live streaming to be fun and entertaining, as they spent hours watching friends, influencers, and celebrities do even the most mundane tasks online. 

Live streaming has also been a major influence on education and has become the new way to learn.

There’s no reason why your jewelry store can’t offer “virtual consultations” with a trusted expert on jewelry repairs, or fashion styling advice. 

Most anything you can do in store, you do online and service your clients before they visit you. 

Try creating a jewelry concierge service and live-stream directly with your clients. They can shop from home, with you!

4. Leveraging the Power of Chatbots
Chatbot usage is increasing every year. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, consumers expect someone to respond to them even if the store where they are shopping is closed.  

Use chatbots to your advantage and capture leads when you’re unavailable.  

You can program your chatbot to answer common jewelry questions, promote your store hours, make special offers and more. No one has to wait for customer service to get back to them. Your chatbot has it covered.
These four trends show that online shopping is no fad; it’s here to stay.  

To compete effectively, your jewelry business needs to always stay abreast of new and emerging opportunities.  

Understanding which trends align with your jewelry store’s vision, goals, and strategy can help you make the most of your digital marketing campaigns.  

Always keep an eye on the future so that when you get there, you’re already prepared. When you know what to expect and act early, your jewelry business can reach new heights you never dreamed possible.

Emmanuel Rahebis the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner.

The Latest

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Alan Hodgkinson
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New Award

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

41.82-carat Type IIb blue diamond recovered from Cullinan in January 2026
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

American Gem Society Confluence Logo
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Dennis Buzz Busby and Randy Welch
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

Isabel Delgado A necklace
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into Question

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Retiring GIA CFO David Tearle and new GIA CFO John Cowley
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Gemology Geek Ignite collection tourmaline ring
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry Collection

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

Fope Golden Now Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Former Signet executive Kecia Caffie
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet Jewelers

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

Author Tanzy Ward and her book Precious Black Jewels The Bijou Material Culture of Black Victorians & Edwardians
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ Jewelry

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Screenshot of Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor" music video
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and Center

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

Neiman Marcus store in Fort Worth, Texas
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This Summer

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

NouvelleBox logo
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer Ballroom

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

Buddha Mama Moon Locket
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To Dallas

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

Pandora distribution facility Canada
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff Concerns

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

Michelle Yeoh Mikimoto
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign

The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.

GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel at GIA Taiwan campus
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in Taiwan

It is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy