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.
SurveysMar 23, 2016
Pulse On: Succession Planning
In its Business Pulse survey for March, Jewelers of America surveyed jewelers about their plans for passing on the family business. How do our results compare with the situation at your store?
Of the family-owned jewelers who took JA’s survey in March, a total of 48 percent said they had no succession plan or planned to close or sell their business when they reach retirement age, while 40 percent said the next generation would take over.
New York--Jewelers of America’s Business Pulse survey shows that while a great number of jewelry stores are headed by individuals age 50 or older, many don’t have any type of succession plan in place.
Conducted in March, JA’s online poll was taken by a total of 204 retailers, and they were asked about succession planning as well as their sales for the month of January.
Of those 204 jewelers polled, 177, or 92 percent, reported that their jewelry store was a family-owned business.
The vast majority (83 percent) of those 177 family-owned operations said the owner of their business is over 50 years old.
Of that 83 percent, the greatest percentage of respondents--45 percent--said the owner is more than 60 years old while the remaining 38 percent reported that the owner is between 50 and 59.
A total of 14 percent of owners are reported to be between the ages of 40 and 49 while only 4 percent are 39 or younger.
The graying of the jewelry industry is not news.
RELATED CONTENT: Demographic drop-off
When the Jewelers Board of Trade released its final statistics for 2015, outgoing President Dione Kenyon cited the lack of a next generation waiting in the wings to take over the family business as the number one reason--albeit among many--that the number of jewelers closing their stores continues to rise.
RELATED CONTENT: The Generation Gap
And, getting younger professional interested in careers in jewelry is currently a focal point for a number of organizations. MJSA has it “Be a Jeweler” program, while the Independent Jewelers Organization has launched a Millennial Advisory Board and U.S. Antiques Shows has “Antique Young Guns,” to name just a few. 
Still, succession planning remains an issue for many family-owned stores.
Of the 177 survey respondents who said they were in a family-owned business, 26 percent said they have no succession plan in place, while 22 percent said their plan is to either sell (11 percent) or close (11 percent) their business.
A total of 40 percent, meanwhile, said they do plan for the next generation to take over the store.
The remaining percentage marked “other” and wrote in reasons including selling to staff, changing the business into a custom design studio and undecided.
Jewelers, are these results representative of the situation in your store? Tell us in the comments section below or email us at michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, though the two organizations act independently of each other. JA acquired National Jeweler from Emerald Expositions in February 2015.
Jewelers, are these results representative of the situation in your store? Tell us in the comments section below or email us at michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, though the two organizations act independently of each other. JA acquired National Jeweler from Emerald Expositions in February 2015.
More on Surveys
The Latest
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.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
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.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
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.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
