EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
ColumnistsFeb 11, 2020
On Data: Independents End 2019 on an Upswing
Despite a few challenging months, 2019 turned out to be a positive year for the independent jeweler, Sherry Smith writes.
Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com.
It’s time to wrap up 2019!
All said, it was a good year for our independent retailers. Here is what our $2 billion in aggregated sales data is showing us.
All said, it was a good year for our independent retailers. Here is what our $2 billion in aggregated sales data is showing us.
There were a few challenging months last year. However, a robust fourth quarter—which featured a 5 percent increase in gross sales—played a pivotal role in how the independent channel ended up in 2019. And all of this despite the continued drop in number of units sold.
Gross sales were up 3.6 percent annually.
Another key performance indicator was the overall average retail sale, which climbed 10 percent from $301 up to $332.
The Northeast region had the smallest increase in gross sales at 1.2 percent, followed by the South at 1.3 percent and the Midwest, which saw a 3.6 percent increase in gross sales.
The standout regions were the Southeast, which finished with a 4.4 percent increase in gross sales, and the West, which finished up with a 5 percent increase in sales growth and had the highest overall average retail sale of all regions—$472.
(As a point of clarification, the Southeast region encompasses Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The South, meanwhile, is: Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.)
It’s important to note some interesting category performances for 2019 as well.
Men’s watches recorded a 22 percent increase in sales growth year-over-year and represented 6.2 percent of annual sales and 4.5 percent of annual gross profit.
The second-highest increase came in the diamond bracelet category, with a 17 percent increase in gross sales representing just under 3.1 percent of annual sales and 3.1 percent of annual gross profit.
While loose diamonds only had a 1.4 percent increase in gross sales, the category did represent 13 percent of gross sales and the highest percentage of annual gross profit at 11 percent.
All told, the diamond categories accounted for 44.8 percent of annual sales and 45 percent of annual gross profit. (Please note that this doesn’t include diamond sales that are processed through custom.)
This year will be an interesting one to watch.
Economists predict growth will continue to slow, and many of us are keenly aware that we’re overdue for a market correction. That, coupled with an election year, means uncertainty in our retail world.
Having said that, independent jewelers are embarking on a new decade.
There is real opportunity for our retailers to meet consumer demands by delivering exceptional and personalized experiences.
People, position and product need to exceed our customers’ expectations.
Here’s to a successful and prosperous 2020!
More on Columnists
The Latest
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
