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.
SurveysApr 20, 2016
Product Pulse: The Bridal Business
In this month’s survey, we asked jewelers about their bridal business. How do your store’s sales of engagement rings and wedding bands compare?
New York--Nearly half of jewelers polled recently by National Jeweler and Jewelers of America said their engagement ring and wedding band sales are on the rise, with custom pieces performing particularly well.
When asked about the trend of their engagement ring sales over the past 10 years, 46 percent of poll-takers said they have increased in that timeframe, while 31 percent said they’ve stayed the same.
Overall gross margin on engagement rings ranges from 31 to 50 percent for more than half (56 percent) of those surveyed, which could be attributed to the current volume of jewelers leaning more heavily on their custom business.
“For us, our custom-designed engagement rings can incorporate a customer’s loose stone diamonds or be built from scratch,” one jeweler wrote when asked an open-ended question about their store’s top sellers. “We are our best brand by a long shot!”
Another survey-taker noted: “Overall our custom work is always our bestseller, repurposing grandma’s or mom’s old stones or providing new stones, making something custom and not charging prices as high as large chains. The personal attention paid to our customers has been a benefit to us.”
When it comes to specific brands, many jewelers listed Gabriel & Co., Simon G and Tacori as among their best-sellers. The dominant style for engagement rings, meanwhile, appears still to be the halo. 
Wedding band sales have trended in a similar direction: increasing or staying the same over the past 10 years for 79 percent of retailers while decreasing for 22 percent.
Alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium and stainless steel remain popular, particularly for men’s bands, while Stuller and Lashbrook were among the brands listed as bestsellers.
One respondent noted that, “In men’s bands, alternative metals are always the bestsellers. That leaves more money to spend on the lady and, as we all know, that’s who the men have to keep happy.”
And even more margin is made on wedding bands than on engagement rings.
Seventy-four percent of respondents said that their overall gross margin on wedding bands is 41 to 50 percent (38 percent) or more than 50 percent (36 percent).
“In men’s bands, alternative metals are always the bestsellers. That leaves more money to spend on the lady and, as we all know, that’s who the men have to keep happy.”Bands, however, comprise a decidedly smaller percentage of a jeweler’s sales than
engagement rings, indicating that perhaps many retailers are missing an opportunity to make another sale.
Nearly 60 percent of survey-takers said engagement ring sales make up 21 percent or more of their overall sales while only 31 percent reported the same for bands.
National Jeweler and Jewelers of America conducted the Product Pulse survey between March 28 and April 13. Approximately 200 jewelers responded.
Nearly 60 percent of survey-takers said engagement ring sales make up 21 percent or more of their overall sales while only 31 percent reported the same for bands.
National Jeweler and Jewelers of America conducted the Product Pulse survey between March 28 and April 13. Approximately 200 jewelers responded.
More on Surveys
The Latest
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
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
