Surveys

Diamond Jewelry Sales Strong, Says NDC

SurveysJun 22, 2021

Diamond Jewelry Sales Strong, Says NDC

Industry data shows sales in the category were on the rise in recent months and surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

20210622_Pasquale Bruni diamond earrings.jpg
An 18-karat white gold pair of “Aleluiá” diamond earrings by Pasquale Bruni ($37,000). Diamond sales are particularly strong among millennial customers of late, according to the Natural Diamond Council.
New York—Diamond jewelry is having a moment.

Based on industry data, the Natural Diamond Council found sales of diamond jewelry have been on the rise in recent months.

In the period from March to May, diamond jewelry sales were three times what they were during that period in 2020 and 30 percent higher than pre-pandemic 2019 sales.

In 2020, consumers were looking to purchase items that carried both value and meaning, said the NDC.

This year, as COVID-19 restrictions ease and social events return, the growth has continued as consumers look to celebrate.

Millennial shoppers in particular are driving the growth, said the NDC.

Engagements were on the rise throughout 2020 and into this year, sparking demand for natural diamond engagement rings.

In the United States, weddings are back on the schedule as restrictions ease on large gatherings, further increasing the demand for diamond jewelry.

“American consumers are exhibiting a voracious appetite for diamond jewelry,” said industry analyst Edahn Golan in a press statement.

“These purchases are also a far more significant share of consumer expenditure. This is testimony of our ingrained need to celebrate life."

Aside from the wedding season, the reinstatement of all types of social gatherings has given consumers a chance to dress up again and dust off their jewelry boxes.

A recent Mastercard SpendingPulse survey found overall jewelry sales more than tripled year-over-year in May as COVID-19 restrictions lifted and reopenings continued.
 
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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Briony Raymond Carousel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard Stones

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ridgeland Mississippi exterior
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi Flagship

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology Manager

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

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

GIA London Canary Wharf campus
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London Campus

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

Kris Averi Rainbow Prism Thorn Ring
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ Ring

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

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

A tray of Rembrandt charms
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

Bernard James Knickerbockers Special Edition Aura Band
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with Ring

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Brandee Dallow
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEO

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

SCAD Jewelers Mutual Studio exterior
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler Shortage

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

Mejuri Steel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With Steel

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

Watches and Wonders 2027
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 Dates

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

New Gem Legacy board members Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Smart Age CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Hyacinth Charm on Hackmanite Bead Strand, Peach Opal Bead Strand, Hydrangea Charm on Aquamarine Bead Strand
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-Trend

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

Columbia Gem House alexandrite
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee Online

The collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.

Dhaval Raja
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales Officer

Dhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.

Francesca Villa On the Road Collection Race On Brooch and Long Road Necklace
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

A group of Paraiba tourmalines, two of which are possibly from Ethiopia
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Etsy Shop Other Jeffs campaign on a truck
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

NeverNot Feel The Rhythm Boombox Pendant
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.

Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

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

×

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