The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
This Survey Shows a Mother’s Day Demand for Jewelry
A survey from MVI Marketing indicated jewelry was a top gift among those who typically buy in the category, even during the pandemic.

New York—A recent survey shows the pandemic didn’t negate Mother’s Day gifting for jewelry lovers this year.
In a survey conducted May 11, the day after the holiday, MVI Marketing picked the brains of 405 male and female American fine jewelry consumers with household incomes between $50,000 and $150,00 and a median age of 37.
The findings showed these consumers still purchased or received jewelry and watches for Mother’s Day, despite the economic losses and isolation brought on by the spread of COVID-19.
Of the 83 percent of husbands who bought their female significant others a gift for the occasion, 57 percent opted for jewelry and 13 percent for a watch.
Of the 80 percent of daughters who bought a gift, 31 percent purchased jewelry and 5 percent purchased a watch. Of the 83 percent of sons who bought a gift, 47 percent opted for jewelry and 11 percent opted for a watch.
One obvious shutdown-related shopping effect was the increase in digital spending, with the majority of shoppers buying their presents online.
The majority of online jewelry purchases (48 percent) were from a chain jewelry store, like Tiffany & Co., Zales, Helzberg, etc., while 36 percent of consumers surveyed bought their Mother’s Day jewelry from major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Etsy and Blue Nile.
Online jewelry sales at locally owned fine jewelry stores accounted for 26 percent of purchases, tied with department stores, while big-box stores accounted for 7 percent of jewelry and watch purchases.
The most popular jewelry item was a pendant or necklace, which “far exceeded” other categories, MVI noted.
While yellow gold has been on the rise for the last decade, it officially edged out white gold in the survey, with the former accounting for 42 percent of jewelry purchases and the latter accounting for 33 percent.
Platinum accounted for 16 percent and silver, 14 percent.
Diamonds proved to be the most popular gemstone, comprising 31 percent of the purchases, with colored gemstones at 11 percent and pearls at 6 percent.
The lion’s share of online watch purchases were through online-only retailers (46 percent) followed by chain jewelry and watch stores (42 percent), department stores (27 percent) and, lastly, independent jewelers and big-box stores (each 15 percent).
The average amount spent on jewelry and watches was $450.
Besides jewelry, gift cards were the second most popular gift from husbands, sons and daughters.
Of the women polled who didn’t receive jewelry this Mother’s Day, 28 percent said they would have liked to, while 27 percent said no, they have enough.
For watches, 32 percent of respondents said no, they wouldn’t have liked to receive one as they have enough while 25 percent said yes, they would have liked it.
For more information on the research, visit MVI Marketing’s website.
The Latest

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.


The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.























