FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
SurveysOct 01, 2014
1 in 4 affluents to buy jewelry this holiday season
Twenty-seven percent of wealthy shoppers said they plan to buy jewelry this holiday season, with most indicating that they would spend the same amount or more on gifts this year, a recent study shows.
New York--Twenty-seven percent of wealthy shoppers said they plan to buy jewelry this holiday season, with most indicating that they would spend the same amount or more on gifts this year, a recent study shows.
In Shullman Research Center’s latest “Insights Into Luxury, Affluence and Wealth” report, the firm looks at the way that consumers are planning to shop for the 2014 holiday season, with a particular focus on affluent American shoppers, those with a household income of more than $75,000.
While 21 percent of all U.S. adults who plan on Christmas shopping expect to buy jewelry, the percentage increases when looking at the top 41 percent of households.
A total of 27 percent of those who earn more than $75,000 likely will buy jewelry in 2014. When looking at consumers who earn more than $250,000, that number increases to 29 percent, and to 38 percent when looking at income levels above $500,000.
At all levels of income, the top gift was gift cards, with nearly half of U.S. adults indicating that they plan on giving gift cards this year. For households with an income greater than $75,000, this is followed by toys, books, personal electronics, and then video games and related equipment, among others.
A majority of consumers in all income segments said that the amount they plan on spending this year is either about the same as or more than what they spent last year.
According to Shullman, 17 percent who will buy for the holidays already have begun shopping. Another 23 percent intend to begin shopping before Thanksgiving, 18 percent expect to start and finish their shopping during Thanksgiving week, and 17 percent plan on shopping during the first two weeks of December.
The remaining 7 percent said that they won’t begin holiday shopping until the middle of December.
Millennials are notable in this part of the study for being late starters, with more than half saying that they will start shopping sometime around Thanksgiving, which means that luxury marketers still have time to reach these consumers before they make their final shopping decisions, Shullman said.
The research also shows that online-only retailers will be popular among affluent consumers, with 74 percent of those with household incomes of $500,000 or more indicating that they would do some shopping at pure-play Internet retailers.
Mainstream department stores and specialty stores also attract a healthy share
of consumers with an income greater than $250,000.
When it comes to using digital devices for holiday shopping, affluent consumers particularly are enthusiastic about this shopping method.
However, Shullman pointed out that while approximately nine out of 10 of these shoppers will go online to do some purchasing, that doesn’t mean they don’t have an omnichannel shopping strategy; they’ll still go to brick-and-mortar stores.
More on Surveys
The Latest
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
