Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Mother’s Day jewelry spending to increase
Americans are expected to spend a total of $4.3 billion on jewelry for the day, up considerably from $3.6 billion last year.
Washington, D.C.--Nearly 35 percent of shoppers are planning to splurge on jewelry for Mother’s Day this year, and their spending could total more than $4 billion, the National Retail Federation said on Monday.
According to the NRF’s 2015 Mother’s Day Spending Survey, 34.2 percent of consumers will “wow” their mothers will jewelry next month, spending $4.3 billion, up from $3.6 billion last year.
Still, jewelry will not be the No. 1 of those buying for the mother figures in their lives this May.
According to the survey, the majority of shoppers will pick up a greeting card (80 percent), spending more than $786 million, and another 67 percent will buy flowers, spending $2.4 billion. Respondents also plan on giving apparel and clothing items (36 percent), spending $1.9 billion.
Overall, the NRF said, total spending on Mother’s Day is expected to reach $21.2 billion, with Americans spending an average of $173, up from $163 last year and the highest amount in the survey’s 12-year history.
“We’re encouraged by the positive shift we’ve seen in spending on discretionary and gift items from consumers so far this year, certainly boding well for retailers across all spectrums who are planning to promote Mother’s Day specials,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
Most survey respondents will head to department stores to make their purchases (33 percent), as well as specialty stores (28 percent) and discount stores (25 percent). Fewer are shopping online this year--only 25 percent, compared with 29 percent in 2014.
The survey also showed that consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 will spend the most on mom, an average of $244.
Americans also will shop for more than just their mom or step-mom: 23 percent will buy something for their wife, 10 percent for their daughter, 9 percent for their sister and 7 percent for their grandmother.
The Latest

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.


The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

Jewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.

The graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.

The event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.

The yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.

The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.

The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Bold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”

The New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.

Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.

These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.























