AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
SurveysSep 03, 2019
The Benchmarking Survey for Jewelers Is Back
The study formerly known as The Cost of Doing Business is back and is now called the Retail Jewelers Benchmarking Study.
Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Board of Trade are now conducting the Retail Jewelers Benchmarking Study, an update to the popular Cost of Doing Business Survey that JA used to conduct. A sample report from the study is seen here.
New York—Remember the Cost of Doing Business Survey?
Well, it’s back, and it has a new name.
Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Board of Trade announced Tuesday they are teaming up to launch the Retail Jewelers Benchmarking Study.
Using an online platform powered by Dynamic Benchmarking, the study allows retailers to input key data and run dynamic reports.
It is designed to bring retail jewelers the information they need to make informed decisions about their businesses that can improve profitability by allowing them to see how their performance compares with that of their peers.
“Benchmarking shows not only what we’re really good at, but also where there’s room for improvement to help the bottom line,” Jeff Corey, Day’s Jewelers owner and JBT board member, said in a press release. “I’m thrilled that JBT has partnered with JA to produce this valuable tool and encourage all retailers to participate.”
JA and JBT are asking retailers to complete the survey by Oct. 1. Those who complete it by Sept. 17 will be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards.
Once the data collection period ends, participants who complete all the required questions will have access to aggregated data, as well as the ability to compare their financials and key performance indicators (KPIs) using dynamic filters based on demographics of their choice (e.g., location, store size, etc.)
Examples of KPIs include: merchandise units sold, inventory turn, net sales per square foot, employee expenses, cost of goods sold, gross profit and gross profit margin.
In addition, the study includes questions about lab-grown diamonds for the first time.
JA used to publish the Cost of Doing Report; the last one came out in 2015, based on 2014 data.
JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said the organization is “thrilled” to be working with JBT to bring back a benchmarking study.
“We know it will be a valuable tool for participants and the industry at large,” he said.
The study is live now and can be completed online at Benchmarking.Jewelers.org.
Only companies that complete the survey will have free access to the interactive and customizable comparative data tables, charts and reports.
All participant information is confidential; reporting is only presented as aggregated results with a minimum of 10 respondents.
Following the data collection period, non-participants can purchase access to the data for $295.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
