SurveysApr 28, 2022
Inflation Not Taking Huge Toll on Consumer Confidence, YetSurveysMay 10, 2022
US Jewelry, Watch Sales Slowed in March
Full-year watch and jewelry sales are still expected to rise, but not quite as sharply as last year.
A sapphire and garnet ring by Stephen Silver, featuring a 6.03-carat cushion-cut violet purple sapphire with purple garnets and diamonds ($28,900). U.S. watch and jewelry sales were up nearly 9 percent year-over-year in March, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
New York—U.S. watch and jewelry sales slowed in March, government data shows.
Sales in the category were up nearly 9 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), down from 28 percent growth in February.
While still positive, the numbers are a far cry from March 2021, when watch and jewelry sales more than doubled, rising 103 percent year-over-year.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to rise but not nearly as high as last year.
The government’s data what panelists said at a session at the recently concluded American Gem Society Conclave—that jewelry sales seem to be coming down from their pandemic peak, a trend that panelists attributed to a return to spending on travel and experiences.
In 2021, dubbed by industry analyst Edahn Golan as “the year of jewelry,” full-year sales in the category reached an estimated $115.29 billion, a 51 percent increase year-over-year, according to preliminary BEA data.
In 2022, as of March, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $125.53 billion, about a 9 percent year-over-year increase.
Year-over-year growth in jewelry and watch sales reached its zenith last April, up 218 percent, more than tripling when compared to April 2020, a month after COVID-19 lockdowns began.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category were up nearly 9 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), down from 28 percent growth in February.
While still positive, the numbers are a far cry from March 2021, when watch and jewelry sales more than doubled, rising 103 percent year-over-year.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to rise but not nearly as high as last year.
The government’s data what panelists said at a session at the recently concluded American Gem Society Conclave—that jewelry sales seem to be coming down from their pandemic peak, a trend that panelists attributed to a return to spending on travel and experiences.
In 2021, dubbed by industry analyst Edahn Golan as “the year of jewelry,” full-year sales in the category reached an estimated $115.29 billion, a 51 percent increase year-over-year, according to preliminary BEA data.
In 2022, as of March, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $125.53 billion, about a 9 percent year-over-year increase.
Year-over-year growth in jewelry and watch sales reached its zenith last April, up 218 percent, more than tripling when compared to April 2020, a month after COVID-19 lockdowns began.
Overall U.S. retail sales in March followed a similar path of muted growth, up 0.5 percent month-over-month, but down from an 0.8 percent rise in February.
Consumers have continued to battle rising prices.
Prices hit a four-decade high in March, driven by increasing food and energy costs coupled with strong consumer demand and supply chain constraints.
The consumer price index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 1.2 percent month-over-month in March.
It was up 8.5 percent year-over-year, the largest 12-month increase since December 1981.
In an effort to combat inflation, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point last week, its largest interest rate hike in more than two decades.
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
