CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent CalendarsThe trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
SurveysAug 02, 2015
Industry shrinkage trend continues in Q2
The latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that the number of companies exiting the jewelry industry rose again in the second quarter and is up 12 percent year-to-date.
New York--The latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that the jewelry industry is continuing to shrink in size, as more retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers close up shop.
Business discontinuances in the United States and Canada totaled 251 in the second quarter 2015, compared with 241 in the second quarter 2014. Year-to-date, discontinuances--which include bankruptcies, consolidations (sales/mergers) and companies that simply cease operations--are up 12 percent year-over-year, from 485 to 545.
The second quarter statistics represent a continuation of a trend that began in earnest in 2014, when the number of businesses discontinuances rose 32 percent year-over-year.
During the JBT’s industry update webinar held Wednesday, President Dione Kenyon gave many of the same reasons cited previously for the shrinking size of the industry: aging owners deciding not to continue and the inability, or lack of desire to, make the changes necessary to keep up in this rapidly changing world.
She also said that some of the recent closures among retailers might be the result of the lack of cash flow from gold buybacks, which for a few years “helped mask deeper issues with jewelers,” including outdated inventory and lack of adaption to technology.
Of those businesses shutting down, JBT data shows that most are choosing to cease operations rather than consolidate or file for bankruptcy.
In North America, a total of 216 retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers ceased operations in the second quarter 2015, compared with 185 in the second quarter 2014. Year-to-date, the number of businesses that have simply shut down is up 28 percent.
Consolidations, meanwhile, are down 43 percent so far this year. Kenyon said while it is likely there are deals “percolating” behind the scenes, not as many have come to fruition so far this year.
Bankruptcies essentially are flat. There have been 21 bankruptcies so far in 2014, compared with 20 at this time last year. Kenyon said this is the continuation of a trend seen for some time now--very few companies are opting to spend the money to go through a bankruptcy.
Other highlights from the JBT’s second quarter data include:
--The number of new jewelry businesses in the U.S. and Canada has totaled 152 so far this year, down slightly from the 159 at this point last year;
--The JBT’s number of total listings (including retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers) for North America as of the end of the
second quarter 2015 is down 3 percent year-over-year at 29,607, compared with 30,392 in the second quarter 2014; and
--The number of collection claims placed with the JBT (593) is down year-to-date while the average claim amount ($8,728) is up slightly. Kenyon described the industry’s credit metrics as “OK” during Wednesday’s call; not all businesses are paying immediately or easily but it’s not a situation where getting payment is impossible either.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of SalesJewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
