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.
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.
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 ReportOther 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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
