SurveysJun 29, 2022
US Platinum Jewelry Demand Starts 2022 on a Strong NoteSurveysJul 07, 2022
US Jewelry, Watch Sales Taper Off in May
The jewelry and watch market is expected to see more moderate growth this year compared with 2021.
A moonstone, Paraiba tourmaline, and diamond pendant from Omi Privé ($9,000). U.S. watch and jewelry sales slowed in May, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
New York—U.S. watch and jewelry sales tapered off in May, government data shows.
Sales in the category were up nearly 11 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Sales were up 16 percent year-over-year in April and up 10 percent in March.
Though still on the rise, the double-digit growth in May 2022 pales in comparison with the triple-digit growth in May 2021.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to rise but not nearly as high as last year.
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 BEA data.
This year, as of May, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $126.13 billion, a 9 percent year-over-year increase.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category were up nearly 11 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Sales were up 16 percent year-over-year in April and up 10 percent in March.
Though still on the rise, the double-digit growth in May 2022 pales in comparison with the triple-digit growth in May 2021.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to rise but not nearly as high as last year.
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 BEA data.
This year, as of May, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $126.13 billion, a 9 percent year-over-year increase.
The overall economy is expected to take a similar path of slowed growth.
“The economy is moving away from extremely strong growth toward moderate growth,” said National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz in the organization’s Monthly Economic Review.
In the July review, Kleinhenz gave an overview of the current economic situation.
Consumers are battling rising prices as the inflation rate hits a 40-year high.
Overall U.S. retail sales in May slumped, down 0.3 percent month-over-month, though up 8 percent year-over-year.
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 percent month-over-month in May.
It was up nearly 9 percent year-over-year, the largest 12-month increase since December 1981.
The Federal Reserve recently raised the interest rate to combat inflation, which weighs down stock and bond returns and impacts consumer confidence.
Consumers are also feeling the effects of the war in Ukraine, which has led to geopolitical instability and has driven up energy prices and exacerbated supply chain issues.
Kleinhenz also shared his predictions for the next few years ahead, noting that while he doesn’t necessarily see a recession in the U.S.’s future, a “contracting economy” just short of recession levels is possible.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
