ColumnistsDec 06, 2023
On Data: How Are Independents Doing So Far This Holiday Season? ColumnistsDec 13, 2023
On Data: Independent Jewelers Shine Bright in Early December
Sherry Smith dishes on bridal versus fashion diamond jewelry sales and the “unexpected heroes” of the first week of the month.
Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com.
In my last column, I broke down the performance of independent jewelers in the month of November, including the last weekend of the month, the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season.
In this column, I will dissect the facets of the jewelry market’s early December performance, from a nuanced 2 percent boost in overall sales to the surge in custom creations.
During the first week of December, independent jewelers experienced a favorable trend, witnessing a notable 2 percent surge in overall gross sales and a substantial 4 percent increase in the average retail sale.
Despite a modest 2 percent dip in the number of units sold, the overall performance was evidence of independent jewelers’ continued resilience.
However, the broader diamond market (including both natural and lab-grown diamonds) witnessed an 8 percent decline in gross sales, primarily impacted by a significant setback in the bridal categories.
Specifically, gross sales fell 15 percent in the segment comprising loose diamonds, semi-mounts, completed diamond engagement rings, and wedding bands.
This decline was accompanied by a 4 percent drop in units sold and a noteworthy 12 percent decrease in the average retail sale.
Conversely, the diamond fashion sector remained relatively stable, with no change in gross sales and a marginal 2 percent decrease in units sold.
Notably, the average retail sale in this category demonstrated a positive trend, increasing by 2 percent.
Related stories will be right here …
In this column, I will dissect the facets of the jewelry market’s early December performance, from a nuanced 2 percent boost in overall sales to the surge in custom creations.
During the first week of December, independent jewelers experienced a favorable trend, witnessing a notable 2 percent surge in overall gross sales and a substantial 4 percent increase in the average retail sale.
Despite a modest 2 percent dip in the number of units sold, the overall performance was evidence of independent jewelers’ continued resilience.
However, the broader diamond market (including both natural and lab-grown diamonds) witnessed an 8 percent decline in gross sales, primarily impacted by a significant setback in the bridal categories.
Specifically, gross sales fell 15 percent in the segment comprising loose diamonds, semi-mounts, completed diamond engagement rings, and wedding bands.
This decline was accompanied by a 4 percent drop in units sold and a noteworthy 12 percent decrease in the average retail sale.
Conversely, the diamond fashion sector remained relatively stable, with no change in gross sales and a marginal 2 percent decrease in units sold.
Notably, the average retail sale in this category demonstrated a positive trend, increasing by 2 percent.
The colored stone and pearl categories experienced a slight downturn, with a slightly more than 1 percent decrease in gross sales and an 11 percent drop in units sold.
Despite these challenges, there was an encouraging 11 percent upturn in average retail sale.
In contrast, the sterling silver and alternative metals categories faced declines across key performance indicators, registering a 12 percent drop in gross sales, an 8 percent decrease in units sold, and a 4 percent decline in average retail sale.
The repair and custom jewelry segment, however, exhibited promising results, with a commendable 10 percent increase in gross sales, a 4 percent rise in units sold, and a 6 percent boost in the average retail sale.
A standout performer in the market was the watch category, showcasing an impressive 28 percent surge in gross sales and a remarkable 31 percent increase in the average retail sale.
Although units sold experienced a slight 2 percent decrease, the overall performance highlighted the strength and appeal of this particular segment.
Independent jewelers are navigating a diamond-shifting holiday season, with fashion, watches, and repair services shining brighter than ever.
While bridal dreams face a chill, these unexpected heroes are reminding us that holiday sparkle comes in many forms.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Columnists
The Latest
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
