MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
