From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

Lenore Fedow

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

Lenore Fedow

The jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.

Michelle Graff

The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.

Lenore Fedow

Stores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.

Michelle Graff

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

Sherry Smith

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Michelle Graff

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

Lenore Fedow

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Lenore Fedow

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Michelle Graff

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

Peter Smith

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

Lenore Fedow

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

Lenore Fedow

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Emmanuel Raheb

The fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.

Lenore Fedow

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

Lenore Fedow

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Lenore Fedow

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

Jennifer Shaheen

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Lenore Fedow

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Lenore Fedow

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

Peter Smith

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

Lenore Fedow

Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.

Lenore Fedow

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Sherry Smith