WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
SurveysFeb 23, 2016
No. of US Jewelers Closing Climbs 24%
The latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that in the United States, 760 retail jewelers/repairers ceased operations in 2015, up from 612 in 2014.
Warwick, R.I.--The Jewelers Board of Trade’s final statistics for 2015 show that the size of the industry is continuing to shrink slightly, with those who have decided it’s time to exit simply ceasing operations rather than filing bankruptcy or seeking out a sale or merger.
According to JBT data, 760 retail jewelers/repairers in the United States ceased operations in 2015, up from 612 in 2014.
The total number of U.S. jewelry businesses (counting retailers as well as wholesalers and manufacturers) that ceased operations was up 21 percent, from 770 in 2014 to 929 in 2015. Including Canada, the increase was 20 percent.
While there are a number of factors contributing to this continuing trend, JBT President Dione Kenyon said the main one is succession.
Many business owners are reaching retirement age and don’t have children who are interested in continuing the family business.
RELATED CONTENT: Demographic drop-off
They also might be unable, or unwilling at this point in their career, to change their business model to adapt to the demands of retail today.
“If you’re not up for the game of reinventing yourself, you might also be making that same decision,” Kenyon said. “I don’t think there’s anything mysterious about it.”
While the number of businesses ceasing operations continues to climb, bankruptcies remain relatively low and the number of consolidations (sales/mergers) continues to decline.
A total of 39 companies filed for bankruptcy in the United States in 2015, up from 33 in 2014, the JBT data shows. Including Canada, bankruptcies totaled 40, compared with 39 in the prior year.
Sales and mergers totaled 114 in the U.S. in 2015, down 33 percent from 170 in 2014. Including Canada, those figures were 118 and 173.
“If you’re not up for the game of reinventing yourself, you might also be making (the) decision (to close your store). I don’t think there’s anything mysterious about it.”While business discontinuances continued to rise in 2015, it’s not all bad news.
--Dione Kenyon, Jewelers Board of Trade
Kenyon said that credit inquiries, which she considers to be a viable proxy to indicate the level of business activity in the trade, are up year-over-year in February. She also noted that the U.S. hasn’t had terrible winter weather like it did last year--weather that forced some jewelers to close for almost all of February.
In addition, the number of new businesses entering the industry in the U.S. grew 11 percent year-over-year.
There
were 227 new retailers, 41 wholesalers and 21 manufacturers totaling 289 new businesses, compared with 261 in 2014.
The highest concentration of new retailers opened in the Southeast part of the country (71), followed by the South Central (48) and Southwest (35), while the Northeast had the fewest amount of new retailers at seven.
Including Canada, new jewelry business listings totaled 292 in 2015, compared with 265 in 2014.
All told, JBT finished 2015 with 29,352 listings in in the U.S. and Canada, down 3 percent year-over-year.
“You can (look at) the gloomy side of this--the industry is getting smaller--(but) it is getting better for those who can figure out the new things to do,” Kenyon said.
As previously announced, Kenyon plans to retire this year after 14 years as president of the JBT and a total of 25 with the organization. Her successor will be named in the next month.
The highest concentration of new retailers opened in the Southeast part of the country (71), followed by the South Central (48) and Southwest (35), while the Northeast had the fewest amount of new retailers at seven.
Including Canada, new jewelry business listings totaled 292 in 2015, compared with 265 in 2014.
All told, JBT finished 2015 with 29,352 listings in in the U.S. and Canada, down 3 percent year-over-year.
“You can (look at) the gloomy side of this--the industry is getting smaller--(but) it is getting better for those who can figure out the new things to do,” Kenyon said.
As previously announced, Kenyon plans to retire this year after 14 years as president of the JBT and a total of 25 with the organization. Her successor will be named in the next month.
More on Surveys
The Latest
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
