SurveysMay 10, 2022
US Jewelry, Watch Sales Slowed in MarchSurveysMay 19, 2022
5 Predictions for Jewelry Retail in the Second Half of 2022
From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.
A pair of 18-karat rose gold earrings set with white, fancy yellow, and fancy brown diamonds from Gismondi 1754’s “Clip” collection. Jewelry marketing company Fruchtman Marketing recently released its “State of Jewelry Retail” report, giving its predictions for the year ahead.
New York—Jewelry retailers have seen spectacular sales growth the past two years, but there’s mounting evidence that a slowdown is on the way.
In its latest “State of Jewelry Retail” report, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.
“With all the turmoil in the news, including rising interest rates, inflation and the state of the market, there are a lot of unknowns as retailers move forward in 2022,” said the report.
Here are five key takeaways.
Sales growth is expected to slow.
Industry analyst Edahn Golan dubbed last year the “year of jewelry,” and for good reason.
Full-year sales in the watches and jewelry category reached an estimated $115.29 billion, a 51 percent increase year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Jewelry sales in 2022 are expected to grow, but not nearly as aggressively as last year.
This year, 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.
Fruchtman predicts year-over-year growth of between 4 and 8 percent.
“We think it will be tough to hit double-digits over last year, which saw double-digit increases the year before,” the report noted.
Two major jewelry retailers, Pandora and Brilliant Earth, both also recently predicted a slowdown ahead.
Travel may not be as strong of a competitor as originally thought.
Travel tends to be jewelry’s biggest competitor in the fight for consumer discretionary dollars, and travel being restricted because of COVID-19 has worked to jewelers’ advantage.
An easing of travel restrictions coupled with the pent-up demand for vacations is a cause for concern for jewelers, but rising travel costs may soften the impact this year.
“One only has to look at what the cost of a roundtrip fare was pre-pandemic [compared] to now,” said the report.
The cost of airfare rose 19 percent from March to April, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking the highest-ever monthly increase since the agency began compiling that data.
Year-over-year, the cost of airfare has climbed 33 percent.
Inflation is taking a toll on shoppers.
The cost of airfare is rising, and so is the cost of nearly everything else.
The consumer price index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 0.3 percent month-over-month in April.
It was up 8.3 percent year-over-year, nearing the highest level seen since the summer of 1982.
Prices are rising at the gas pump and in the grocery aisles, while housing costs are also going up.
“This will affect nearly every consumer. If you are a lower to a moderately priced retailer, it will most likely affect you more,” said the report.
“If your customer is more ‘middle class’, they’re getting squeezed the most.”
For wealthier customers, how the stock market is performing and other factors will impact their buying decisions, the report noted.
Related stories will be right here …
In its latest “State of Jewelry Retail” report, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.
“With all the turmoil in the news, including rising interest rates, inflation and the state of the market, there are a lot of unknowns as retailers move forward in 2022,” said the report.
Here are five key takeaways.
Sales growth is expected to slow.
Industry analyst Edahn Golan dubbed last year the “year of jewelry,” and for good reason.
Full-year sales in the watches and jewelry category reached an estimated $115.29 billion, a 51 percent increase year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Jewelry sales in 2022 are expected to grow, but not nearly as aggressively as last year.
This year, 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.
Fruchtman predicts year-over-year growth of between 4 and 8 percent.
“We think it will be tough to hit double-digits over last year, which saw double-digit increases the year before,” the report noted.
Two major jewelry retailers, Pandora and Brilliant Earth, both also recently predicted a slowdown ahead.
Travel may not be as strong of a competitor as originally thought.
Travel tends to be jewelry’s biggest competitor in the fight for consumer discretionary dollars, and travel being restricted because of COVID-19 has worked to jewelers’ advantage.
An easing of travel restrictions coupled with the pent-up demand for vacations is a cause for concern for jewelers, but rising travel costs may soften the impact this year.
“One only has to look at what the cost of a roundtrip fare was pre-pandemic [compared] to now,” said the report.
The cost of airfare rose 19 percent from March to April, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking the highest-ever monthly increase since the agency began compiling that data.
Year-over-year, the cost of airfare has climbed 33 percent.
Inflation is taking a toll on shoppers.
The cost of airfare is rising, and so is the cost of nearly everything else.
The consumer price index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 0.3 percent month-over-month in April.
It was up 8.3 percent year-over-year, nearing the highest level seen since the summer of 1982.
Prices are rising at the gas pump and in the grocery aisles, while housing costs are also going up.
“This will affect nearly every consumer. If you are a lower to a moderately priced retailer, it will most likely affect you more,” said the report.
“If your customer is more ‘middle class’, they’re getting squeezed the most.”
For wealthier customers, how the stock market is performing and other factors will impact their buying decisions, the report noted.
Engagement ring shoppers may prioritize value.
Consumers are also contending with rising mortgage interest rates and rent prices, noted the report.
With the cost of living rising ever higher, many young adults live at home with their families longer and when it’s time to pop the question, they might have less to spend on an engagement ring.
“This can go either way on the engagement ring front. They may spend more money on the ring if they are no longer in the market for a home. Or they may need to have more money to put down on that home, reducing their spending or looking to [natural diamond] alternatives such as lab-grown, less expensive colored gemstones, or repurposing an heirloom.”
The average age of an engagement ring purchaser is 32, said the report, with many people in this demographic saving up longer for larger purchases.
“This age group will be hyper-focused on ‘value’. You may see carat size go down. Or you may see less importance on quality in cut and color sacrificed to purchase that larger diamond. You also may see more inquiries about lab-grown diamonds,” said the report.
Rising gas prices may impact foot traffic.
U.S. retail gas and diesel prices hit a record high last week with energy costs up 30 percent year-over-year in April.
“Foot traffic might decline,” said the report. “On the other hand, if that customer is making the effort to come to your store, your closing ratios should be higher.”
Though foot traffic may take a hit, online shopping is expected to increase, so jewelers should fine-tune their websites now, if they haven’t already.
“Getting your website in tip-top shape will be critical in 2022. If you actually sell online, you should see an increase this year,” said the report.
“If you don’t, there’s no better time than now to seriously make this change.”
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
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.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
