CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
SurveysMar 25, 2015
SPS reveals results of annual retailer survey
The Silver Promotion Service polled jewelers across the country to gauge how sales in the category fared in 2014. Here’s what the organization discovered.
In addition to releasing the results of its annual survey, the SPS also revealed a re-vamped website this month, a screenshot from which is shown here.
New York--The vast majority of silver sales are $500 and under--mainly self-purchases by women or gifts--and the most popular silver pieces are those set with colored gemstones.
These are among the findings from the Silver Promotion Service’s annual retailer survey, conducted earlier this year.
According to the results of the survey, released this week by the SPS, 67 percent of jewelers said their silver jewelry sales increased year-over-year in 2014, while 16 percent said sales remained the same and 17 percent saw a decline.
The average increase in silver sales among those polled was 17 percent. Nearly half said sales rose between 11 and 25 percent, and 13 percent saw an increase of more than 25 percent.
Respondents also said their silver jewelry sales, as a percentage of overall sales, were, on average, 34 percent of their unit volume and 30 percent of their dollar volume.
When it comes to how much customers are spending and what they are buying, survey-takers said $100 to $500 (41 percent) and less than $100 (53 percent) were their “sweet spot” price points.
Respondents identified female self-purchasers as their best selling opportunity (49 percent), followed by those purchasing gifts (30 percent) and the “youth market” (19 percent).
Style-wise, 39 percent said the top-selling silver pieces last year where those set with colored gemstones, followed by plain silver pieces (21 percent), textured finishes (20 percent), silver and diamond jewelry (15 percent), and color-treated silver (5 percent).
Other findings from the survey include:
--A total of 43 respondents named silver jewelry as the “best” in maintained margins, followed by diamond jewelry (31 percent), bridal jewelry (19 percent) and gold jewelry (7 percent); and
-- During the 2014 holiday season, 61 percent of jewelers said silver sales increased year-over-year, while 22 percent said sales remained steady and 17 percent reported a drop in silver sales.
The SPS conducted its Silver Jewelry Sales Results survey online from Feb. 13 to March 2 and calculated responses from 291 retailers.
Of those surveyed, 83 percent were independent retailers, 4 percent were from jewelry chain stores and 13 percent were categorized as “other.”
A total of 68 percent of retailers said they operate one physical store, 20 percent said they operate two or more stores and 12 percent were online-only. The SPS said the annual per-store sales of survey-takers was $1.6 million.
Respondents were pretty well spread
out around the country: Mid-Atlantic (22 percent), North Central (21 percent), the South Atlantic (16 percent), South Central (12 percent), the West (8 percent), New England (7 percent) and the Mountain region (4 percent).
A total of 10 percent of respondents marked their location as “other.”
Also this month, the SPS announced the re-launch of its website, SavorSilver.com.
The newly reconfigured, mobile-responsive site showcases a growing number of silver jewelry designers and their pieces, with an interactive catalog and other relevant silver-related content.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
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.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
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.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
