IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
SurveysFeb 06, 2016
More to shop for ‘smart’ jewelry this holiday season
From watches to activity trackers, the number of consumers who own something “smart” for their wrist could increase as much as 4 percent this holiday season, the NPD Group said.
Port Washington, N.Y.--From wearable devices to activity trackers, the number of consumers who own something “smart” for their wrist could increase as much as 4 percent this holiday season, according to recent data from the NPD Group.
The marketing consulting company said that when it comes to smartwatches, consumers at first were stalled by price tags and continued uncertainty about the functionality of the products. However, the release of the Apple Watch last April “has made majors ripples within the smartwatch sector.”
“(Apple Watch) is much more of a mainstream product than other generation one smartwatches,” said Weston Henderek, director of wearables and connected intelligence at NPD Group. He added that even Apple Watch may not reach its full potential until the launch of a second-generation version that could offer integrated cellular connectivity.
Integrated cellular connectivity refers to a smartwatch that will not be reliant on syncing with a smartphone to connect with a cellular network. The current version of the Apple Watch does not have its own cellular connectivity, explains David Riley of NPD Group. The device can connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth and then use the cellular connectivity of the phone but, without the phone, it has no ability to connect to a cellular network.
“Independent cellular connectivity is one of the key differentiators that will accelerate smartwatch growth even further in the coming year,” Henderek said.
Other types of smart devices--activity trackers and digital fitness devices--already have seen significant growth that will continue into the holiday shopping season, the NPD Group said. The retail sales of these items increased 120 percent in the first eight months of the year, from $343.5 million to $754.8 million.
“That level of growth is expected to extend through the end of the year, making activity trackers some of the hottest tech gifts this holiday,” said Ben Arnold, executive director and industry analyst of consumer electronics at NPD Group. “Awareness of these products has grown tremendously over the past year, and there are a diverse number of products on the market offering a variety of features and price points.”
He added that manufactures continue to partner with designers to increase the appeal of the products.
RELATED CONTENT: Hermes brings high fashion to Apple Watch
“There is a product for every type of consumer, from the most active athlete to the mom who
just wants to remember when to pick up her kids from soccer practice, on the market,” Arnold said.
NPD Group said in November 2013, awareness of activity trackers was just more than 30 percent in the U.S. market, with younger consumers being the most knowledgeable. Now, in 2015, the situation has changed--close to 82 percent of the market knows about activity tracking devices.
“The wearables industry has come to a crossroads in the past six months, as the quality, depth and price points of activity trackers and smartwatches have expanded at a rapid rate,” Henderek said. “The two sectors are much more segmented now, with the activity tracker category in particular having a wide variety of price ranges, depending on features, quality and design.”
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
