Events & Awards

Industry Optimistic About Year Ahead, JCK Survey Says

Events & AwardsJun 05, 2019

Industry Optimistic About Year Ahead, JCK Survey Says

The JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index is at 86 this year, but the challenge of online competition remains.

20190605_industry_trends_header.jpg
Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of JCK organizer Reed Exhibitions, delivered the results of the second annual “JCK State of the Jewelry Industry Report” Saturday morning at the show.

Las Vegas—A strong majority of jewelers are feeling good about the year ahead, according to the second annual “JCK State of the Jewelry Industry Report.”

The JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index, a numerical reflection of industry sentiment, is at 86, meaning that 86 percent of respondents said they were optimistic about business for the next 12 months.

That is down slightly compared with 88 percent last year.

Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of JCK organizer Reed Exhibitions who oversees the JCK and Luxury shows, shared the research at a session held Saturday morning in Las Vegas.

JCK partnered with research firm MRI-Simmons to conduct the survey, asking jewelry industry professionals to pinpoint challenges and track trends in order to gain insight on the future of the industry.

The most commonly identified challenge was online competition (67 percent) followed by the overall economic climate (56 percent), lack of general consumer demand (50 percent), and lack of millennial demand (40 percent).

Competing with Online Players
When asked how they planned to tackle the problem of online competition, the greatest percentage of respondents said they would build connections via social media (17 percent).

The survey found that 96 percent of respondents use social media marketing, with 89 percent stating social media will play a greater role in their marketing in 2019.

About 72 percent of those surveyed forecast that social media marketing would be the most successful business practice in 2019.

Facebook and Instagram were the most popular for customer engagement, tied at 74 percent, with Pinterest (24 percent) in the next slot, followed by Twitter (16 percent) and LinkedIn (11 percent).

Social media was the most popular advertising platform among respondents, though 61 percent of survey-takers said they also use other forms of online advertising, including: paid search (64 percent), online display ads (57 percent), digital ad networks (50 percent), and native or content-based ads (33 percent).

Around 37 percent of respondents said they would reach out to social influencers to boost their brand.

RELATED CONTENT: Micro-influencers Are the Next Big Thing, Says Report
Other answers to the question of how to combat online competition included trying non-traditional advertising (13 percent), improving the in-store buying experience (13 percent) or changing up inventory buying habits (12 percent).

Only 3 percent of respondents said they would invest in new technology to combat online competition.

Managing Inventory
Survey-takers were asked about how they manage their stock, and the survey showed that 65 percent of businesses
use an inventory management system for both tracking (60 percent) and forecasting (39 percent).

A majority of respondents (59 percent) did not use a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system.

Of the 41 percent that did use a CRM system, they said it improved sales (57 percent) and increased profits and revenue (49 percent).

Lab-Grown Diamonds
The survey also asked about lab-grown diamonds, a polarizing, hot topic throughout the industry, to get a sense of consumer views.

Lab-grown diamonds topped the list of types of jewelry that produced the most consumer concerns (61 percent) followed closely by “conflict” diamonds (60 percent) and responsibly sourced jewels (37 percent).

Affordability topped the list of reasons customers were interested in lab-grown diamonds (86 percent) followed by “eco-friendly” positioning (36 percent), “conflict-free” positioning (33 percent), and an interest in the technology behind the stones (15 percent).

The top reason customers were not interested in lab-grown diamonds was that natural stones were considered more “real” (47 percent), with a preference for natural diamonds (46 percent) coming in at a close second, followed by concerns that lab-grown diamonds will not hold their value (39 percent) and the price not being low enough (17 percent).

The trend of women buying their own jewelry also is expected to continue, with 67 percent of women buying jewelry for themselves spending more than $500. The average price point is $1,240.

Other trends expected to stay strong include stacked rings and heart-themed jewels while purple jewels and beads are on the way out, according to the survey.

Custom pieces and colored stones buoyed 2017-2018 sales, while sales of charms were on the decline.

For 2018-2019, colored gemstones and fashion and bridge jewelry are anticipated to be top sellers, while watches could be on the decline.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy