Study: Here’s How Many Have Been Shopping for Jewelry, Watches
Provoke Insights also found out which luxury brands are top-of-mind for consumers.

It’s vital for brands to understand these new habits and trends to know how they impact their industries, and where they stand with consumers.
To gain a better understanding of the consumer mindset, market research firm Provoke Insights recently conducted brand equity and trends research across 19 industries, including jewelry and watches.
Between Jan. 18 and Feb. 3, Provoke fielded a 15-minute survey to 3,000 Americans between the ages of 21 and 70.
Among those surveyed, only 6 percent said they had purchased luxury watches or jewelry in the past three months.
Those with a household income of $100,000-plus, with children, and within the millennial demographic account for the majority of watch and jewelry buyers.
Provoke said 89 percent of these buyers are optimistic about the future but are still concerned about COVID-19 impacting the economy (89 percent), in-person social events (80 percent), in-store shopping (75 percent), their health (71 percent), and their jobs (66 percent).
The study also found that consumers perceive the luxury category as slightly more innovative and a leader compared with other sectors.
But during the pandemic, survey-takers were less likely to say that they will purchase luxury brands in the future, or that luxury brands fit their current needs.
When they are shopping for jewelry or watches, survey respondents said the quality of the brand is most important, while price is less important.
More than half (53 percent) prefer to shop online rather than in store, 68 percent said they like spending time to research items they’re buying, and 54 percent said they would pay more for items that are “sustainably sourced.”
Top-of-Mind Brands
The first was unaided brand awareness, in which survey takes were asked an open-ended question: When thinking about luxury brands, which is top of mind?
The second was a brand equity score, representing the average ratings given by survey takers on “leadership,” “innovation,” “fits needs,” “pay more,” and likelihood to purchase in the next year. These attributes were rated on a 10-point “agree” scale, where one is “strongly disagree” and 10 is “strongly agree.”
Gucci and Rolex led the luxury category when it comes to being top-of-mind for consumers, according to Provoke Insights, with unaided awareness of 20 percent and 11 percent, respectively, and brand equity scores of 6.62 and 6.88.
Not surprisingly, Apple led the scoring in the technology category with unaided brand awareness of 2 percent and a brand equity score of 7.87.
Other luxury brands that were top-of-mind for consumers were: Tiffany & Co. (2 percent unaided brand awareness and a brand equity score of 7.19), Coach, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Michael Kors.
The Latest

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

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

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.


Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

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

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.























