CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2018
Live From Las Vegas: Industry’s Level of Optimism ‘Striking’
JCK Events shared highlights from its new State of the Industry Jewelry Report, which found that many in the industry are feeling positive right now.
Yancy Weinrich, who heads the JCK jewelry shows, presented the results of a recent jeweler survey at a breakfast held Friday morning, before the opening of the 2018 edition of JCK Las Vegas.
Las Vegas--If one recent survey is any indication, the industry is feeling pretty optimistic right now.
JCK Events conducted a survey in conjunction with GfK this spring and created a report based on the findings, the 2018 JCK State of the Industry Jewelry Report.
On Friday morning in Las Vegas, Reed Jewelry Group Senior Vice President Yancy Weinrich shared select highlights from the report at a breakfast held before the jewelry trade shows opened for the day.
Performed in February and March, the survey included feedback from 549 respondents. Most of them were retailers, but survey-takers also included manufacturers and wholesalers as well as some jewelry designers.
Weinrich added that 79 percent of the respondents have been in the industry for more than 11 years, meaning they’ve weathered changes before and bring a long-term perspective to the results.
When looking at the results, she said they discovered a “level of optimism about individual business prospects and the overall direction of the general economy that was striking.”
Though the male respondents were slightly more optimistic than the females, the overall sentiment was positive by a margin of two to one.
In fact, Weinrich said the confidence in the industry and future outlook for the general economy far outstrips that of the general public. Forty-six percent of those who took the jewelry survey said the economy was doing better in the last 12 months, which was nearly twice as many as who said the same in the population at large.
Those expecting continued improvement in the next year are slightly fewer than that, but still outnumber the American public by almost 50 percent.
She said the industry is “overwhelmingly positive” about the likely effects of the recent tax overhaul, with only 13 percent concerned it might hurt the economy.
In questions of trade policy, however, there was more caution and concern; more respondents were worried the changes in the policy toward the Asia-Pacific region, in particular, might hurt the economy.
Nevertheless, the industry sentiment, according to the survey, seems to be positive, especially when it comes to respondents’ own businesses.
Coinciding with the release of the survey, JCK Events introduced a number designed to reflect the state of the industry: the 2018 JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index, which will be based on the percentage of jewelers who express optimism regarding their stores.
For the first measure of the index, when
asked how optimistic they were about their own businesses over the next 12 months, 88 percent of retailers said they were either somewhat or very optimistic.
“This is a number that we’re eager to watch over the years, testing its resilience and learning about the attitudes of our professionals in the jewelry industry over time,” Weinrich said.
When it comes to the industry’s biggest challenges, the most commonly mentioned were: online competition, overall economic climate, a lack of general consumer demand and a lack of millennial demand.
According to the survey, the top strategy for dealing with these challenges is improving the in-store buying experience, which “shows that retailers particularly believe that buying jewelry is not something that can only migrate to the virtual world,” she said.
Even with the larger number of brick-and-mortar stores closing, many in the industry aren’t behind going all-in on e-commerce, as buying jewelry goes beyond product to also include seeing and feeling pieces in person, becoming educated and being guided by a trusted professional.
The industry also is turning toward non-traditional advertising and social media as ways to drive the consumers into the store.
Eighty-one percent of survey-takers ranked social media marketing as one of their most successful business practices, while 90 percent indicated they plan to increase their efforts in this area, with Facebook and Instagram dominating.
“Social media is obviously seen as a cost-effective front for taking on online competition,” Weinrich said.
The survey also delved into lab-grown diamonds.
Though only one in five respondents reporting selling the stones, those that are in the business reported that sales were good; 62 percent said sales were up in the last year, and 78 percent expect them to increase again in the coming year.
Also among the top trends for survey-takers was the sale of “responsibly sourced jewelry,” with 73 percent reporting that they sell it, and 49 percent reporting sales were up year-over-year in 2017.
“While this may bolster the growth of blockchain in the industry in the immediate future, it also provides a foothold for lab-grown diamonds to leverage going forward,” Weinrich said.
Meanwhile, sales of watches and charms were “visibly down” from 2016 to 2017, with the former being affected by the disruption of smartwatches and wearable tech, while sales of custom pieces were up 59 percent among respondents as the customization trend across all consumer categories picks up.
The full version of the 2018 JCK State of the Industry Jewelry Report can be purchased at JCKLasVegas.com/IndustrySurvey.
“This is a number that we’re eager to watch over the years, testing its resilience and learning about the attitudes of our professionals in the jewelry industry over time,” Weinrich said.
When it comes to the industry’s biggest challenges, the most commonly mentioned were: online competition, overall economic climate, a lack of general consumer demand and a lack of millennial demand.
According to the survey, the top strategy for dealing with these challenges is improving the in-store buying experience, which “shows that retailers particularly believe that buying jewelry is not something that can only migrate to the virtual world,” she said.
Even with the larger number of brick-and-mortar stores closing, many in the industry aren’t behind going all-in on e-commerce, as buying jewelry goes beyond product to also include seeing and feeling pieces in person, becoming educated and being guided by a trusted professional.
The industry also is turning toward non-traditional advertising and social media as ways to drive the consumers into the store.
Eighty-one percent of survey-takers ranked social media marketing as one of their most successful business practices, while 90 percent indicated they plan to increase their efforts in this area, with Facebook and Instagram dominating.
“Social media is obviously seen as a cost-effective front for taking on online competition,” Weinrich said.
The survey also delved into lab-grown diamonds.
Though only one in five respondents reporting selling the stones, those that are in the business reported that sales were good; 62 percent said sales were up in the last year, and 78 percent expect them to increase again in the coming year.
Also among the top trends for survey-takers was the sale of “responsibly sourced jewelry,” with 73 percent reporting that they sell it, and 49 percent reporting sales were up year-over-year in 2017.
“While this may bolster the growth of blockchain in the industry in the immediate future, it also provides a foothold for lab-grown diamonds to leverage going forward,” Weinrich said.
Meanwhile, sales of watches and charms were “visibly down” from 2016 to 2017, with the former being affected by the disruption of smartwatches and wearable tech, while sales of custom pieces were up 59 percent among respondents as the customization trend across all consumer categories picks up.
The full version of the 2018 JCK State of the Industry Jewelry Report can be purchased at JCKLasVegas.com/IndustrySurvey.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
