AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
OtherAug 10, 2016
Why jewelry sales are like the weather
Retail today is comparable to the weather: the forecast depends largely on where the store is located and, just like weathermen and their wildly varying predictions, whom one asks for the outlook.
Warwick, R.I.--Retail today is comparable to the weather: the forecast depends largely on where the store is located and, just like weathermen and their wildly varying predictions, whom one asks for the outlook.
This was one perspective on the industry the Jewelers Board of Trade shared during its recent mid-year conference call, which took place July 24, a few days before the JBT released its statistics for the second quarter 2014.
The latest statistics show much of the same: the industry continues to shrink in size, slowly. There isn’t a landslide of new businesses rushing in and business discontinuances, particularly consolidations, are up year-over-year.
Through the first half of the year JBT statistics show that there were a total of 156 new jewelry business in the United States, the same as there were through the first six months of 2013. Including Canada, there were 159 new jewelry business year-to-date.
Meanwhile, business discontinuances for the U.S. and Canada have totaled 485 year-to-date, up from 411 at this point last year.
This includes a 60 percent increase in consolidations (sales or mergers) year-over-year, from 63 to 101, but a decline in bankruptcies, from 26 to 20.
All told, the JBT’s total listings for the U.S. and Canada are down slightly year-over-year, from 30,237 last year to 30,038 this year, a 0.7 percent decline.
The gradually shrinking state of the jewelry industry, which has witnessed a number of key mergers and acquisitions this year, not the least of which was the joining of giants Signet Jewelers and Zale Corp., coincides with another languid process: the recovery of the U.S. economy.
During the JBT’s mid-year conference call, President and CEO Dione Kenyon observed that, “slow growth is the story again for 2014.”
The International Monetary Fund recently cut its 2014 growth forecast for the U.S. economy from 2 to 1.7 percent. The National Retail Federation also lowered its expectations in light of the harsh winter that impacted first half sales, but said it expects sales growth to pick up in the remaining six months of the year.
RELATED CONTENT: NRF lowers 2014 sales growth forecast
Question marks surround some key factors contributing to economic growth, including the unemployment rate--jobless claims are going down, but how much of this is due to people who simply have stopped looking for work or are only employed part-time?--and the housing market, which is improving,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
but only in some parts of the country.
Kenyon said holiday season retail sales rose 4 percent last year, making for an “OK” holiday season that favored the high end of the market.
It was not a holiday that “floated all boats,” she says, and much of the same is expected this year--retailers are going to have to work very hard for sales.
Still, the economy has come through the conditions experienced in 2008 and 2009 and the outlook, in general, seems to be positive among members of the jewelry industry, or at least those who participated in the JBT conference call.
When polled during the call about their sales results for the first six months of the year, 69 percent said they were the same (41 percent) or better (28 percent), and 91 percent said they expect to finish the year with sales on par (33 percent) or better than (58 percent ) last year’s figures.
This optimism did come with one caveat, shared by a JBT member and relayed by Kenyon: “Sales today are like the weather--it depends on where you are.”
More on Other
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
