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.
SurveysSep 03, 2019
The Benchmarking Survey for Jewelers Is Back
The study formerly known as The Cost of Doing Business is back and is now called the Retail Jewelers Benchmarking Study.
Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Board of Trade are now conducting the Retail Jewelers Benchmarking Study, an update to the popular Cost of Doing Business Survey that JA used to conduct. A sample report from the study is seen here.
New York—Remember the Cost of Doing Business Survey?
Well, it’s back, and it has a new name.
Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Board of Trade announced Tuesday they are teaming up to launch the Retail Jewelers Benchmarking Study.
Using an online platform powered by Dynamic Benchmarking, the study allows retailers to input key data and run dynamic reports.
It is designed to bring retail jewelers the information they need to make informed decisions about their businesses that can improve profitability by allowing them to see how their performance compares with that of their peers.
“Benchmarking shows not only what we’re really good at, but also where there’s room for improvement to help the bottom line,” Jeff Corey, Day’s Jewelers owner and JBT board member, said in a press release. “I’m thrilled that JBT has partnered with JA to produce this valuable tool and encourage all retailers to participate.”
JA and JBT are asking retailers to complete the survey by Oct. 1. Those who complete it by Sept. 17 will be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards.
Once the data collection period ends, participants who complete all the required questions will have access to aggregated data, as well as the ability to compare their financials and key performance indicators (KPIs) using dynamic filters based on demographics of their choice (e.g., location, store size, etc.)
Examples of KPIs include: merchandise units sold, inventory turn, net sales per square foot, employee expenses, cost of goods sold, gross profit and gross profit margin.
In addition, the study includes questions about lab-grown diamonds for the first time.
JA used to publish the Cost of Doing Report; the last one came out in 2015, based on 2014 data.
JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said the organization is “thrilled” to be working with JBT to bring back a benchmarking study.
“We know it will be a valuable tool for participants and the industry at large,” he said.
The study is live now and can be completed online at Benchmarking.Jewelers.org.
Only companies that complete the survey will have free access to the interactive and customizable comparative data tables, charts and reports.
All participant information is confidential; reporting is only presented as aggregated results with a minimum of 10 respondents.
Following the data collection period, non-participants can purchase access to the data for $295.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of
America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
More on Surveys
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
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.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
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.”
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.
