CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
SurveysFeb 29, 2016
Business is improving, but the recovery remains slow
Jewelers of America’s 2013 Cost of Doing Business Report shows that jewelers’ sales continue to increase a little bit each year, and that brick-and-mortar retailers may be regaining ground when it comes to diamond sales.
New York--Jewelers of America’s 2013 Cost of Doing Business Report shows that jewelers’ sales continue to increase a little bit each year, and that brick-and-mortar retailers may be regaining ground when it comes to diamond sales.
The report, released by JA Tuesday, compiles 2012 financial data from a cross section of jewelers. It is intended for use as a benchmarking tool so jewelers can compare their performance to that of their peers.
Overall, retailers surveyed reported that sales were up 5 percent in 2012 as compared with 2011.
The last time JA did the Cost of Doing Business Survey, in 2011 using fiscal year 2010 data, survey-takers’ sales were up 7 percent year-over-year, a sharp increase following three straight years of falling revenues during the recession.
The 2013 report also sheds light on how different types of jewelry, i.e., diamonds, colored stones, and karat gold, are selling these days.
Though it may surprise some, the report shows brick-and-mortar retailers are experiencing resurgence in diamond sales.
Retailers surveyed reported that in 2012, 51 percent of their sales came from diamond jewelry (36 percent) and loose diamonds (15 percent). That is up from 36 percent (27 percent diamond jewelry, 9 percent loose diamonds) in fiscal year 2010 and 44 percent in 2009 (31 percent diamond jewelry, 13 percent loose diamonds).
In addition, those surveyed reported that diamond jewelry sales were up 9 percent in 2012 as compared with 2011 while sales of loose diamonds climbed 8 percent.
Other key merchandise categories for survey-takers include repairs (13 percent of sales), colored stone jewelry (8 percent of sales), karat gold jewelry (7 percent of sales), fashion jewelry (6 percent of sales) and timepieces and watch bands (5 percent of sales).
A total of 116 retailers took JA’s 2013 Cost of Doing Business Survey.
They were asked to classify themselves as primarily high-end, mid-range or designer/artist/custom firms.
Using data from all participants, JA then broke out the performance of the top 29 stores with the highest profit before tax to compare their performance with that of the other retailers.
The comparison indicated that high-profit retailers didn’t necessarily sell more jewelry but manage to have a fatter bottom line because of their ability to cut operating expenses, specifically in payroll, occupancy and advertising.
“The report reveals that there are no barriers to high-profit success in the jewelry industry; the only requirement is
to identify the areas where high-profit firms perform better and target for that level of performance,” JA stated in an analysis.
Jewelers can order the entire 2013 Cost of Doing Business Report online at Jewelers.org or by contacting JA at 800-223-0673 or info@jewelers.org. The report is $49.95 for JA members and $199.95 for non-members.
Profit Planning Group compiled the survey and administered the report using jeweler responses from across the United States. Retailers who participated in the survey received the final report for free, as well as a customized performance analysis.
Jewelers can order the entire 2013 Cost of Doing Business Report online at Jewelers.org or by contacting JA at 800-223-0673 or info@jewelers.org. The report is $49.95 for JA members and $199.95 for non-members.
Profit Planning Group compiled the survey and administered the report using jeweler responses from across the United States. Retailers who participated in the survey received the final report for free, as well as a customized performance analysis.
The Latest
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
