TechnologyAug 22, 2022
Specialty Jewelers’ Sales Cooled Off in July, Data Shows SurveysAug 29, 2022
Here’s the Latest Government Data on Jewelry Sales
Plus, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz shares his thoughts on inflation and a possible recession.
A gold and diamond ring from Gismondi 1754’s “Clip Sintesi’ collection ($3,945). U.S. watch and jewelry sales slowed in June and July, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
New York—U.S. watch and jewelry sales picked up in July following a relatively quiet June, government data shows, but the numbers still pale in comparison to last year.
Sales in the category in July were up 10 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Jewelry sales alone increased 10 percent year-over-year while watch sales were also up 10 percent.
In June, sales in the watch and jewelry category rose only 0.8 percent year-over-year, with jewelry sales increasing 0.9 percent and watch sales essentially flat.
Watch and jewelry sales were up 5 percent year-over-year in May and up 14 percent year-over-year in April, as per revised data.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to continue to grow but won’t reach the highs of last year.
In 2021, dubbed by industry analyst Edahn Golan as “the year of jewelry,” 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 July, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $126.66 billion, a 10 percent year-over-year increase.
The overall economy is expected to be on a similar trajectory of slowing growth amid rising inflation and geopolitical unrest.
In the National Retail Federation’s August review, Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz gave an overview of the current economic situation.
“Today, inflation is both sky-high and on everyone’s mind,” he said.
The Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose about 9 percent year-over-year in both June and July.
“Many of the forces contributing to inflation will not be unwound soon but we are seeing some potential relief as commodity and oil prices decline,” he said.
As gas prices fell, CPI was flat month-over-month in July compared with a 1 percent increase in June.
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category in July were up 10 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Jewelry sales alone increased 10 percent year-over-year while watch sales were also up 10 percent.
In June, sales in the watch and jewelry category rose only 0.8 percent year-over-year, with jewelry sales increasing 0.9 percent and watch sales essentially flat.
Watch and jewelry sales were up 5 percent year-over-year in May and up 14 percent year-over-year in April, as per revised data.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to continue to grow but won’t reach the highs of last year.
In 2021, dubbed by industry analyst Edahn Golan as “the year of jewelry,” 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 July, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $126.66 billion, a 10 percent year-over-year increase.
The overall economy is expected to be on a similar trajectory of slowing growth amid rising inflation and geopolitical unrest.
In the National Retail Federation’s August review, Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz gave an overview of the current economic situation.
“Today, inflation is both sky-high and on everyone’s mind,” he said.
The Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose about 9 percent year-over-year in both June and July.
“Many of the forces contributing to inflation will not be unwound soon but we are seeing some potential relief as commodity and oil prices decline,” he said.
As gas prices fell, CPI was flat month-over-month in July compared with a 1 percent increase in June.
Looking at the overall economy, Kleinhenz noted that key economic indicators, including employment, retail sales, income and industrial production have slowed, but have not yet reached contraction territory.
“Clearly, demand has slowed, but the slowdown is entirely a result of towering inflation,” he said.
The Federal Reserve has hiked interest rates an unprecedented amount recently in an effort to combat inflation, but the problem is complex.
“The Fed is caught between an economic rock and a monetary policy hard place,” he said.
If the Fed doesn’t do enough, inflation rates will continue to rise, but if it goes too far in adjusting monetary policy, there could be a recession.
“Consumer reaction to interest rate hikes is hardly immediate or predictable, making it impossible to judge the effect of the Fed’s actions in real time and quickly correct any oversteering,” said Kleinhenz.
As for the remainder of 2022, he predicted inflation forecasts will continue to be “highly uncertain” and that supply constraints will factor into the second half of the year.
The NRF has not changed its full-year outlook, and still expects 2022 retail sales will grow by a range of 6-8 percent year-over-year.
“The driver of the U.S. economy is the consumer and spending has been fueled by the stronger-than-ever labor market,” he added.
For now, Kleinhenz reiterated his prediction that the U.S. should be able to avoid a recession this year.
“Despite ongoing uncertainties, we believe the underlying strength of the economy is strong enough to deal with inflation and keep a recession at bay – or short-lived even if we are wrong.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
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.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
