SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
SurveysFeb 23, 2016
No. of US Jewelers Closing Climbs 24%
The latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that in the United States, 760 retail jewelers/repairers ceased operations in 2015, up from 612 in 2014.
Warwick, R.I.--The Jewelers Board of Trade’s final statistics for 2015 show that the size of the industry is continuing to shrink slightly, with those who have decided it’s time to exit simply ceasing operations rather than filing bankruptcy or seeking out a sale or merger.
According to JBT data, 760 retail jewelers/repairers in the United States ceased operations in 2015, up from 612 in 2014.
The total number of U.S. jewelry businesses (counting retailers as well as wholesalers and manufacturers) that ceased operations was up 21 percent, from 770 in 2014 to 929 in 2015. Including Canada, the increase was 20 percent.
While there are a number of factors contributing to this continuing trend, JBT President Dione Kenyon said the main one is succession.
Many business owners are reaching retirement age and don’t have children who are interested in continuing the family business.
RELATED CONTENT: Demographic drop-off
They also might be unable, or unwilling at this point in their career, to change their business model to adapt to the demands of retail today.
“If you’re not up for the game of reinventing yourself, you might also be making that same decision,” Kenyon said. “I don’t think there’s anything mysterious about it.”
While the number of businesses ceasing operations continues to climb, bankruptcies remain relatively low and the number of consolidations (sales/mergers) continues to decline.
A total of 39 companies filed for bankruptcy in the United States in 2015, up from 33 in 2014, the JBT data shows. Including Canada, bankruptcies totaled 40, compared with 39 in the prior year.
Sales and mergers totaled 114 in the U.S. in 2015, down 33 percent from 170 in 2014. Including Canada, those figures were 118 and 173.
“If you’re not up for the game of reinventing yourself, you might also be making (the) decision (to close your store). I don’t think there’s anything mysterious about it.”While business discontinuances continued to rise in 2015, it’s not all bad news.
--Dione Kenyon, Jewelers Board of Trade
Kenyon said that credit inquiries, which she considers to be a viable proxy to indicate the level of business activity in the trade, are up year-over-year in February. She also noted that the U.S. hasn’t had terrible winter weather like it did last year--weather that forced some jewelers to close for almost all of February.
In addition, the number of new businesses entering the industry in the U.S. grew 11 percent year-over-year.
There
were 227 new retailers, 41 wholesalers and 21 manufacturers totaling 289 new businesses, compared with 261 in 2014.
The highest concentration of new retailers opened in the Southeast part of the country (71), followed by the South Central (48) and Southwest (35), while the Northeast had the fewest amount of new retailers at seven.
Including Canada, new jewelry business listings totaled 292 in 2015, compared with 265 in 2014.
All told, JBT finished 2015 with 29,352 listings in in the U.S. and Canada, down 3 percent year-over-year.
“You can (look at) the gloomy side of this--the industry is getting smaller--(but) it is getting better for those who can figure out the new things to do,” Kenyon said.
As previously announced, Kenyon plans to retire this year after 14 years as president of the JBT and a total of 25 with the organization. Her successor will be named in the next month.
The highest concentration of new retailers opened in the Southeast part of the country (71), followed by the South Central (48) and Southwest (35), while the Northeast had the fewest amount of new retailers at seven.
Including Canada, new jewelry business listings totaled 292 in 2015, compared with 265 in 2014.
All told, JBT finished 2015 with 29,352 listings in in the U.S. and Canada, down 3 percent year-over-year.
“You can (look at) the gloomy side of this--the industry is getting smaller--(but) it is getting better for those who can figure out the new things to do,” Kenyon said.
As previously announced, Kenyon plans to retire this year after 14 years as president of the JBT and a total of 25 with the organization. Her successor will be named in the next month.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
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.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
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.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
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.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
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.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
