EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
IndependentsDec 01, 2016
More Than 300 Jewelers Went Out Of Business in Q3
Year-to-date, nearly 900 retailers in the U.S. and Canada have closed up shop, along with 178 wholesalers and 104 manufacturers.
New York--The trend of jewelry businesses shutting down continued in the third quarter, with the total number of closures pacing well ahead of last year.
The Jewelers Board of Trade’s vital statistic and trend data report for the third quarter shows that a total of 400 U.S. and Canadian jewelry businesses called it quits in the third quarter: 318 retail jewelers/repairers, 57 wholesalers and 25 manufacturers.
That is up 42 percent from the third quarter 2015, when 282 jewelry businesses closed, including 240 retail jewelers/repairers, 34 wholesalers and eight manufacturers.
Year-to-date, a total of 1,177 jewelry business owners ceased operations: 895 retail jewelers/repairers, 178 wholesalers and 104 manufacturers.
That is a 57 percent increase over last year.
“The trend is not reversing itself. There’s a downward trend in the number of retailers,” JBT President and CEO Anthony Capuano said in an interview Wednesday.
The reasons for the closures have been well documented.
Baby boomer store owners are reaching retirement age and many don’t have children who are interested in staying in the family business.
RELATED CONTENT: Column--What it Feels Like to Close My Store
At the same time, baby boomer consumers are entering a phase in their life in which they are looking to downsize and are not buying as much, for lack of a better word, stuff, choosing instead to spend their money on experiences.
Their children, the millennials, also value spending money on experiences over physical possessions, and many don’t enjoy the same level of middle-class security as the generations before them.
Further complicating the picture for brick-and-mortar retailers is increased competition, not just in terms of what consumers can and want to buy--experiences over physical possessions--but from online sellers of jewelry.
“Retailers are really fighting for those dollars because they are fighting a whole pattern of purchasing,” Capuano said. “You just have to be really good to survive and prosper.”
While the continually climbing number of closures among independent retailers is making news in the jewelry industry, it’s an old story for those who operated family-owned furniture and hardware stores and saw their industries taken over by large chains years ago.
RELATED CONTENT: Analysis--State of the Majors
“I think this is sort of catch up right now,” Capuano said, though he noted that the personal nature of jewelry means that the independents in his industry are better positioned for survival than those in other fields.
As he put it, “Buying a screw is not a personal experience.”
Capuano
also pointed to custom jewelry as an area that can offer the independent jeweler differentiation, and it seems that retailers of all sizes already are taking advantage of their ability to create made-to-order rings.
In a recent National Jeweler/Jewelers of America survey, more than half of jewelers said their custom jewelry sales have increased over the past three years, and Signet Jewelers is emphasizing custom in its advertising campaign for Jared the Galleria of Jewelry this holiday season.
In a recent National Jeweler/Jewelers of America survey, more than half of jewelers said their custom jewelry sales have increased over the past three years, and Signet Jewelers is emphasizing custom in its advertising campaign for Jared the Galleria of Jewelry this holiday season.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
