The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
Strong sales expected for holiday season
Market research company Emarketer said retail sales could reach $885.7 billion in the U.S. in November and December, a nearly 6 percent increase year-over-year.
New York--Retail sales during the holiday season are expected to be “strong” and could reach $885.7 billion, a 5.7 percent increase year-over-year, according to market research company Emarketer.
It’s an upward adjustment from the 3 percent growth rate predicted earlier this year, as well as the highest forecast since the 6.3 percent sales increase projected for 2011.
“Retail sales in November and December 2015 are expected to show a healthy increase over what was experienced during the same period in 2014,” Emarketer analyst Monica Peart said, adding that the expectation is driven by increases in real income from wages and further decreases in unemployment.
E-commerce holiday season sales in the U.S. have a forecasted growth of 13.9 percent, below the 14.4 percent growth seen in 2014. Still, Emarketer said the segment will play an increasingly important role this year as it will account for 9 percent of total retail sales, or $79.4 billion, up from its 8 percent share last year.
Mobile will play a part in these sales as well. Emarketer expects U.S. mobile retail sales to rise more than 32 percent for the full year 2015, more than double the 14 percent increase forecasted for retail e-commerce sales as a whole, as consumers become more comfortable buying on their phones. What’s more, the company said 25 percent of all e-commerce sales in the U.S. will take place via mobile device by the end of 2016.
Emarketer went on to say this holiday season will be the first “real” test of a new wave of social commerce, as “buy” or “shop now” buttons have been added to Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube in the past year.
“As U.S. consumers become more comfortable with conducting a litany of activities with their smartphones, fewer people are putting down the phone to make a purchase using another device,” Peart said. “Consumers are opting to complete their transaction with the same device they began the shopping journey with and that is increasingly with a smartphone.”
The Latest

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.


“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.