SurveysJun 15, 2021
NRF Raises 2021 Retail Sales ForecastFinancialsJun 18, 2021
Jewelry Sales Surge in May, Says Mastercard
U.S. jewelry sales were up more than 200 percent year-over-year in May while also exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
An 18-karat rose gold “Petit Garden” bracelet set with pink sapphires by Pasquale Bruni ($5,850). Jewelry sales were on the rise in May, according to a survey by Mastercard SpendingPulse.
Purchase, N.Y.—Jewelry sales more than tripled in May as COVID-19 restrictions lifted and reopenings continued, according to a recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey.
Sales in the category were up 203 percent year-over-year in May and up 45 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The survey measures overall U.S. retail sales across all payment types, including cash and check.
U.S. retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were up 12 percent year-over-year in May and up 10 percent compared with May 2019, according to Mastercard.
Online sales were up 1 percent year-over-year and 95 percent compared with May 2019.
The National Retail Federation, which calculates core retail sales and excludes auto sales, gas stations, and restaurants, also found that sales were on the rise year-over-year, though down compared with sales in April.
Related stories will be right here …
By sector, the Mastercard survey found the lodging category saw the highest year-over-year growth, up 254 percent as the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions makes way for vacation planning. Compared with 2019, the sector’s sales were down 2 percent.
Department stores sales were up 212 percent year-over-year and up 4 percent compared with 2019.
Restaurants saw the fourth-highest growth year-over-year, up 85 percent, followed by apparel (76 percent), furniture and furnishings (23 percent), and grocery (5 percent).
The survey narrowed in on the back-to-school season, which runs from July 15 through September 6.
“Back to school has always been a prime season for retailers. This year, the broader reopening brings an exciting wave of optimism as children prepare for another school year, and the grown-ups in their lives approach a similar ‘return to office’ scenario,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and Chairman of Saks Incorporated, in a press release about the survey.
U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive and gas, are expected to grow nearly 6 percent year-over-year during this season. Compared to pre-pandemic 2019, sales are expected to grow about 7 percent.
“This back-to-school season will be defined by choice as online sales remain robust, brick and mortar browsing regains momentum and strong promotions help retailers compete for shoppers' wallets,” said Sadove.
E-commerce sales are expected to be down 7 percent year-over-year during this period, but, when compared with pre-pandemic 2019, sales will be up 53 percent.
Looking at retail trends, the survey forecasted a move away from athleisure to going-out clothes as in-person events start up again.
In turn, department stores, outdoor shopping centers, and malls are expected to see foot traffic rebound.
Consumers are still expecting “low-contact experiences,” like buy online, pick-up in store options and contactless payments.
Tech upgrades may also be on the horizon as consumers look to stay connected.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Financials
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New PresidentThe organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersAlisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAXThe boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We KnowBeginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’sAround 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers JewellersAssimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry SelectionsDesigns from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
