Surveys

Consumers Could Spend $4.6B on Jewelry This Mother’s Day

SurveysApr 27, 2018

Consumers Could Spend $4.6B on Jewelry This Mother’s Day

According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, 34 percent of consumers will buy jewelry for the moms in their lives this year.

20180427_MothersDay.jpg
The National Retail Federation said 34 percent of shoppers will buy jewelry as a gift for Mother’s Day, like the Moritz Glik locket rings seen here, which feature one diamond pave initial enclosed between white sapphires in 18-karat gold. The style retails for $2,480.

Washington—Consumers are planning to spend as much as $4.6 billion on jewelry for Mother’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation.

The organization’s annual survey about the holiday, which polled 7,520 consumers between April 4 and 12, showed that about 34 percent of consumers indicated they will buy jewelry for the moms in their lives this year.

Overall, the NRF said Mother’s Day spending is expected to total a near-record $23.1 billion, falling second to last year’s $23.6 billion, the highest amount in the 15-year history of the survey at an average $186 per person.

In 2018, a total 86 percent of Americans will celebrate Mother’s Day and spend an average of $180 per person.

“This year’s Mother’s Day forecast is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With spring in full bloom, Americans are looking forward to splurging on their mothers and retailers are prepared to offer a variety of options that will allow consumers to find the perfect gift for the occasion.”

In addition to jewelry, shoppers also are expected to spend $4.4 billion on special outings like dinner or brunch (55 percent) and $2.6 billion on flowers (69 percent).

Another $2.5 billion will be spent on gift cards (45 percent), $2.1 billion on clothing (36 percent), $2.1 billion on consumer electronics (14 percent) and $1.8 billion on personal services like a spa day (24 percent).

Still an additional $956 million will be spent on housewares or gardening tools (19 percent), $813 million on greeting cards (77 percent) and $494 million on books or music (19 percent).

In terms of what they want to receive, 29 percent of survey takers said they want to get a “gift of experience” like a spa day, tickets to a concert or gym membership, while 26 percent plan to give these experiences as a gift.

Shoppers between the ages of 35 and 44 are expected to be the biggest Mother’s Day spenders this year at an average $224 each, but younger consumers are the most likely to online shop for Mom.

When searching for gifts, 35 percent said they will go to department stores, 31 percent will shop online and 29 percent plan to shop at specialty stores such as florists, jewelers or electronics stores.

Meanwhile, 23 percent plan to shop at a local small business, 22 percent at

discount stores and 10 percent at specialty clothing stores.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Etiq Khol Ring
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ Ring

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

Arch Crown Tag & Label 2026 Catalog
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is Here

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s Day

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Step-cut Colombian emerald ring London Jewels Bonhams
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025

The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Red Rubies AGTA
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced Gemstones

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

Audemars Piguet Atlanta Store Artwork
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in Atlanta

The Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Anza Gems gemstones
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

Foundrae Aspen Store
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store Opening

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

Bulgari Gioco di Forme e Colori watch and brooch
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales Slip

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

GemFair x DBL Toi et Moi Ring
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

Clientbook
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking Tool

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837 Campaign
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love Stories

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

×

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