TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Events & AwardsNov 01, 2016
Live from New York: The Holiday Season is Looking Up
Exhibitors and buyers noted that the JA New York Special Delivery trade show was strong this year, particularly on opening day.
New York--JA New York’s Special Delivery show, which opened Sunday and ends today at the Javits Convention Center in New York, is experiencing a festive mood this year, and not just because it overlapped with Halloween.
“Sunday was amazing,” said Albert Kalantarov of New York-based wholesaler AR Creations. “The holiday season looks promising. We’re expecting a lot more sales.”
The majority of exhibitors with whom National Jeweler spoke noted the strength of business on Sunday, with things slowing down after that, though there was still a good amount of foot traffic on Monday.
“People aren’t spending like they used to, of course, but they have definitely been buying here,” said Adriene Pernice of World Trade Jewelers, who noted that the company’s diamond fashion jewelry seemed to be doing well.
David Rosen of Gold Trader Inc., a jewelry store in Springfield, Mass., also noted a positive buying mood, saying, “We are optimistic that we will see an increase over last December, simply based on trends we’re seeing. It’s not a comment on the economy in general, but at least for our slice of the world (it’s positive).”
"Given the market conditions, we’re feeling very positive about the show and the job we’ve done driving attendance," said JA New York Group Show Director Drew Lawsky. "People are seeing an uptick in their business because of exhibiting at Special Delivery.
Several companies who declined to be quoted for this story felt a discrepancy in buying per price point, with the lower-end category coming out on top. Fashion jewelry and silver sales were said to be particularly strong at the show.
Pernice concluded that items wholesaling between $150 and $500 seemed to be the sweet spot at Special Delivery, though a number of accounts still felt comfortable spending up to $3,000 or $4,000 total if needed.
Bowie Ha, of Top Ten Jewelry Corporation, a New York wholesale company explained, “I’m sure the election has something to do with the buying mood here at the show. People are not willing to spend a considerable amount of money into purchasing stock for their stores because consumers are not ready to spend that much money for jewelry yet.”
Ah, the election.
Like the country, buyers and sellers at Special Delivery seemed split on whether the presidential race was affecting business.
"It's difficult to speculate on the impact the election has had on buying behavior," Lawsky
said. "I think it's safe to say that people are being cautious in their buying decisions until they know the outcome of the election and how it may affect the global financial market."
While many wholesalers felt the gravitation toward lower-end price points was due to election anxiety, others took an opposite view.
“I would say the election isn’t influencing how people are buying,” said Matt Laggenbauer of swing state Ohio-based Quality Gold, who noted that the company was expecting a very busy holiday season. “No, I don’t see it affecting sales at all,” he affirmed.
Kalantarov said that he would be voting for Trump on Nov. 8, though. “We think that it’s going to be OK whether it’s Hillary or Trump; we’re going to be alright. Customers are a little more cautious, but it’s still a little hard to tell right now.”
Rosen wasn’t afraid of the election negatively influencing sales. “I think our customers are looking for value and opportunity--the opportunity to find a selection at a price they can afford. They’re value shoppers. They recognize price; they shop price.”
Some thought the election could even have positive effects.
Retailer Diane Glynn of Jenkintown, Pa. store Diane Glynn Jewelry, said, “After the election [business] is going to pick up because we’re all going to be optimistic no matter who the candidate is who wins.”
Glynn’s daughter, Lisa Glynn Vinicur, chimed in, “I am seeing, actually, more people starting to come in and buy, and business seems to be picking up.”
“We did see a real jump in business,” Glynn confirmed, “and I think that people are just going to be ready to do some more.”
Janice Levy, of Lissa Fine Jewelry, a retail store in New York, also felt that the retail jewelry landscape was looking positive for the holidays, no matter the outcome on Election Day.
She concluded, “Shopping makes everybody feel better.”
--Michelle Graff and Brecken Branstrator contributed to this report.
While many wholesalers felt the gravitation toward lower-end price points was due to election anxiety, others took an opposite view.
“I would say the election isn’t influencing how people are buying,” said Matt Laggenbauer of swing state Ohio-based Quality Gold, who noted that the company was expecting a very busy holiday season. “No, I don’t see it affecting sales at all,” he affirmed.
Kalantarov said that he would be voting for Trump on Nov. 8, though. “We think that it’s going to be OK whether it’s Hillary or Trump; we’re going to be alright. Customers are a little more cautious, but it’s still a little hard to tell right now.”
Rosen wasn’t afraid of the election negatively influencing sales. “I think our customers are looking for value and opportunity--the opportunity to find a selection at a price they can afford. They’re value shoppers. They recognize price; they shop price.”
Some thought the election could even have positive effects.
Retailer Diane Glynn of Jenkintown, Pa. store Diane Glynn Jewelry, said, “After the election [business] is going to pick up because we’re all going to be optimistic no matter who the candidate is who wins.”
Glynn’s daughter, Lisa Glynn Vinicur, chimed in, “I am seeing, actually, more people starting to come in and buy, and business seems to be picking up.”
“We did see a real jump in business,” Glynn confirmed, “and I think that people are just going to be ready to do some more.”
Janice Levy, of Lissa Fine Jewelry, a retail store in New York, also felt that the retail jewelry landscape was looking positive for the holidays, no matter the outcome on Election Day.
She concluded, “Shopping makes everybody feel better.”
--Michelle Graff and Brecken Branstrator contributed to this report.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
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.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
