Surveys

Product Pulse: How Are Your Pearl Sales?

SurveysJul 20, 2016

Product Pulse: How Are Your Pearl Sales?

The jewelers who took our latest poll indicated they are not on the rise, due in part to the new generation’s lack of interest in pearl jewelry.

20160720_Imperial-jewelry.jpg
Their 14-karat gold ring set with graduated pearls, amethyst and diamonds “is the truly modern way to wear pearls,” Imperial Pearl said. This ring retails for $1,350.

New York--National Jeweler/Jewelers of America’s latest category-specific survey showed that pearl jewelry sales continue to slip, despite the industry’s efforts to make more modern-looking pearl pieces.

The Product Pulse survey on pearl jewelry was conducted online in late June/early July. Approximately 144 jewelers responded.

Of those, 84 percent reported that their pearl jewelry sales have declined as a percentage of overall sales in the past three years (43 percent) or stayed about the same (41 percent).

Only 16 percent reported an increase in pearl jewelry sales.

When asked what prevented them from making more pearl sales, many respondents said it’s a matter of perception.

Younger people view pearls are being too old-fashioned or too formal for their casual tastes. This comes despite many companies’ efforts to recreate pearls for a new generation.




“We find that traditional pearl necklaces are not on the radar of anyone under the age of 40- something,” one survey-taker wrote. “Pearl studs sell to most all ages, as does decorative silver with small mabe pearls as earrings or pendants.”

Other responses included, “The perception is it (the pearl) is for older ladies. Not really current or fast fashion,” and “Younger people don't seem to want pearls … not trendy and they think it is for old people.” Another noted simply that, “classics are out.”

The lack of education among consumers--i.e., getting them to understand why the fine jewelry store’s Japanese akoyas costs more than the strand of freshwater pearls they saw at a chain department store--also was mentioned.

Pearl sellers, however, fear not: Some do have hope for the pearl, which once was the most desired gemstone in the world.

One survey-taker said, “I believe the pearl trend will come back into favor, but for now this generation does not seem to align themselves with pearls.”

“People think they are old-fashioned,” another respondent wrote. “(But) when we show them how funky they can be, our customers love them!!”

Best-Selling Brands
Imperial Pearl, Mastoloni and Honora were among the most-mentioned companies on the survey’s list of best-selling brands.

Mikimoto, ASBA, Galatea and Baggins also were cited by multiple survey respondents.

As in past Product Pulse polls, a number of jewelers said the best-selling brand in their store was their own, custom jewelry they create in-house.

One respondent wrote, “I string most of our designs. I like to keep abreast of pearl fashion as they are my particular favorite.”

Merry Month
Also included in the latest Product Pulse poll was a question asking jewelers to compare their sales with the same time period last year, and the results were fairly merry this month.




Seventy percent of respondents reported that business was the same in May 2016 as compared with May 2015, with the greatest percentage of those, 30 percent, reporting a 25 percent year-over-year increase in sales.

Of the survey-takers who reported a decline in sales, only 9 percent said the drop was greater than 25 percent.

National Jeweler/Jewelers of America’s monthly Product Pulse survey was conducted between June 27 and July 5 in conjunction with its Business Pulse survey, which asked jewelers about their methods of counting foot traffic.

The results of survey ran earlier this week on NationalJeweler.com.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Alexandra Rosier gold and opal Eternal Love Hands necklace
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents

This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.

Saboo Fine Jewels emerald and titanium earrings
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald Earrings

They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.

Holly Wesche, Stan Razny, Ingrid Razny, Candy Udell
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.

LAB230043_Dossier_NJ_1872x1052_V1.jpg
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond Reports

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

Jane Taylor letter pendants
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las Vegas

The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

Weekly QuizMay 25, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
35-carat lab-grown diamond created by Maitri
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in Vegas

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

Bottom Line Marketing Chief Growth Officer Gus Garcia and CEO Jackie Brooks
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service Offerings

The marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.

Cover-WN19-Back-&-Front_V5-RGB-(1)_Community.jpg
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin Determination

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

20230306_JohnnyCupcakes.jpg
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

Lauren K gold and gemstone rings
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCK

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

A pearl pendant and a pearl ring
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company Heritage

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

Rob Ballew
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor Relations

Rob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.

Mobile mock-up screens of the new LUX Digital Vault app from Jewelers Mutual Group
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New Brokerage

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

Rendering of Lightbox lab-grown diamond store in House of Showfields
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in Brooklyn

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

Attendees at the JCK Las Vegas show
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education Sessions

From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s David Webb Elephant Clip-Brooch
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family Jewelry

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

Georgie Gleim, Shelly Sergent, and Molly Peterson
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 Honorees

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Historic and modern photos of diamond grading GIA
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond Grading

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Webinar John Pollard and Garry Holloway
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

My Next Question webinar series episode on selling lab-grown diamonds
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

Models wearing Calvin Klein watches and jewelry
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough Comps

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

Bulgari necklace set with 118.35-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.

noamcarver-videoimage.png
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023

Sponsored by Noam Carver

Graphic of phishing scheme
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity Now

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

Louis Anthony Jewelers remodeled exterior
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and Expanding

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.

Yurman Family Crystalline Pass at American Museum of Natural History in New York City
SourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH

The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.

Stanley Zale new principal consultant Hill & Co.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant

Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy