Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
TechnologyDec 02, 2019
Mobile Shopping Emerges as an Early Holiday Winner
Nearly three-quarters of traffic on retail websites came from mobile devices on Black Friday, and 56 percent of all online orders were placed on a mobile device.
New York—Black Friday, as National Jeweler has learned over years of interviewing retailers at the start of the holiday season, is not usually a big day for independent jewelers.
It’s more of a day in which consumers hit the big-box stores for deals on flat-screen TVs and other electronic gadgets, a trend underscored by what consumers were buzzing about on social media over the weekend.
According to a blog published Saturday by cloud computing and software company Salesforce, the five brands with the most mentions on social media on Black Friday were: PlayStation, Nintendo, Apple, Xbox and Google.
The five most-talked-about retailers were: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Gamestop and Best Buy.
Still, there are insights retailers can glean from the weekend following Thanksgiving, which marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.
According to Salesforce, 73 percent of all traffic on retail websites came from mobile devices on Black Friday, and more than half (56 percent) of all online orders were placed on a mobile device.
The company said the day “solidified the device’s position as a true driver of digital traffic and orders.”
Social media also performed strongly, with 8 percent of all mobile retail traffic coming from a social media channel.
In addition, 4 percent of mobile orders were generated by a referral from social media, with the greatest percentage of those happening the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Salesforce said: “Social media’s influence will continue to grow as younger generations gain greater purchasing power.”
Overall, Salesforce said consumers spent $7.2 billion online on Black Friday, up 14 percent from last year.
But, that doesn’t mean the season is over before it starts for brick-and-mortar retailers, particularly those with unique products to offer.
Retail Dive reported Sunday that while in-store foot traffic was down over the weekend, the conversion rate was up, meaning that more consumers who came into stores left with a bag in their hands (after, in many cases, having researched online beforehand).
The keys for physical retailers to draw customers in this holiday season include offering consumers an in-store experience and product they can’t find at the big chains, and aligning the in-store and online experiences—websites need to be mobile-friendly, easy to navigate and offer features such as buy online, pick up in store.
Consumers might not buy jewelry on their phones but they will be looking at product there, whether it’s on a
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
retailer’s website or via its social media feeds.
According to the Holiday Purchase Intentions Survey published by NPD Group in October, more than half of all holiday purchases will be done in stores this holiday season, and 20 percent of online purchases will be picked up in stores, giving retailers the opportunity to sell online shoppers additional product.
About 17 percent of consumers doing pre-purchase research online will use social media, with strength of brand and product reviews most likely to positively influence a purchase and, interestingly, celebrities most likely to do the opposite.
NPD’s survey also heralded the rise of mobile shopping this season, predicting that 25 percent of consumers who shop online will do so from their smartphones, up from 19 percent two years ago.
Later this week, National Jeweler will publish interviews with jewelers regarding their views on the holiday ahead—how much they expect to sell, which products they anticipate will be the top sellers this year and how much traffic they generated on Small Business Saturday, both in-store and online.
If you would like to be interviewed, please email Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff at michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
