AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
SurveysJun 11, 2018
Platinum, Silver Jewelry Sales See Growth in U.S.
Platinum Guild International and the Silver Promotion Service both reported double-digit growth in the categories in 2017.
These Cartier platinum earrings from the brand’s high jewelry collection, featuring diamonds and spinels, recently made a red carpet appearance at the world premiere of “Ocean’s 8” on actress Helena Bonham Carter.
New York—Platinum and silver jewelry sales are both on the rise in the United States, according to two recent surveys.
Strong demand in both the bridal and self-purchasing markets contributed to platinum’s double-digit growth in 2017, Platinum Guild International indicated.
PGI’s annual market analysis, which polled more than 90 manufacturers and 1,400 retail companies that operate about 13,000 retail outlets, concluded that platinum jewelry sales in the U.S. increased 11 percent year-over-year, marking the fifth year in a row the sector grew.
They attributed it to a strong economy and positive consumer sentiment.
“We saw above-market growth for platinum jewelry in three out of four key markets in 2017, including the U.S.,” PGI CEO Huw Daniel said. “This trend is tied to a robust global economy and historically low platinum prices, together with an increasing preference for platinum among younger consumers, which indicates growth potential in the platinum jewelry sector in 2018.”
Bridal is the strongest driver of platinum jewelry sales, and PGI indicated it sees a new opportunity in that arena via platinum crowns, which it said holds diamonds more securely in rings, regardless of the metal used in the shank.
According to PGI, their platinum crown marketing in the U.S. increased its sales by 10 percent year-over-year and is expected to continue in 2018.
In addition to bridal, PGI is targeting the self-purchasing consumer, citing the 2017 De Beers Diamond Insight Report, which showed that women purchasing jewelry for themselves represents 33 percent of the non-bridal diamond jewelry market.
To access this demographic, PGI has introduced a platinum collection of chain necklaces called “Platinum Born.”
“We have felt for a long time that there was room in the marketplace for a beautifully designed, well made, price-friendly platinum collection,” PGI-USA President Jenny Luker said. “After concluding extensive focus groups and market research, Platinum Born fulfilled what the female self-purchasing consumer was looking for.”
The Silver Institute’s Silver Promotion Service, meanwhile, also reported growth for silver jewelry sales for the ninth consecutive year that it has commissioned a retailer survey, this year performed by InStore.
Retailers polled noted that on average, overall silver jewelry sales in 2017 increased 17 percent year-over-year and represented 36 percent of their unit volume and 29 percent of their dollar volume.
Approximately 57 percent of retailers said silver jewelry had the best inventory turnover rate, and 51 percent said the category had the best maintained margins during the 2017 holiday season.
The majority of retailers surveyed demonstrated confidence in silver jewelry sales in 2018, with 93 percent saying they are optimistic the category’s sales will continue to grow.
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and FamilyThe industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA SaysAt JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s DreamIt highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.
Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsJewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant RecipientsHere’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsThe designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.
Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.
WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full YearThe new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Amid Uncertainties, India’s Diamond Industry Continues to Adjust The mood among diamantaires is fairly optimistic despite the challenges brought about by sanctions and a cloudy economic outlook.
Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing UpThe mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Q&A: GJEPC Chairman Vipul ShahShah talks with National Jeweler about diamond demand, lab-grown, and why it’s difficult to make predictions about the U.S. market.
Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the EarthHari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.
TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on TraceabilityThe educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New OwnerAustralian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.
AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at AuctionA 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.
Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award RecipientsThey will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.
ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February? Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.
MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval JewelsThe 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
