Editors

Supreme impact

EditorsJul 10, 2015

Supreme impact

Immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 26 that same-sex marriage was legal across all 50 states, reports began popping up about the increase in business jewelers could expect from this historic decision that, in my opinion, was long overdue.


The stock market also reacted. Investment research firm Schaeffer’s reported that same afternoon that Blue Nile, Signet and Tiffany & Co. stock all had risen following the ruling.

While I don’t doubt that the Supreme Court’s decision will have nothing put a positive effect both on the jewelry industry and in general, I found myself wondering exactly how much of an impact the industry is in for, and where it will hit.

So I turned to the always reliable Ken Gassman (who is just never going to get to retire) and asked him to pull some figures on just how much of a lift jewelers can expect from the ruling. I also talked to a few jewelers in Texas, a large state with a diverse population and one of the states where same-sex marriage remained outlawed up until late last month.

According to Gassman, averaging numbers from different sources shows that there are about 750,000 same-gender households in the United States, while UCLA’s Williams Institute puts that number closer to 1 million.

Either way, it is a small percentage of total U.S. households, which number 126 million, and it means a very small amount of weddings every year when compared with the overall population.

There are a few other factors to consider as well.
1) I didn’t realize this until I did some reading on the weekend following the ruling but, prior to June 26, there only were 13 states where same-sex marriage hadn’t been legalized. To put it another way, same-sex marriage already was legal across three-quarters of the country.

2) Some same-sex couples in those 13 states already are married, having crossed state lines to tie the knot, or consider themselves married and, thus, already have exchanged wedding jewelry.

I know this is just one example, but two very good friends of mine who live in Georgia exchanged beautiful diamond rings years ago. While they are thrilled to have the chance to make it official, my friends long have considered themselves wife and wife. They didn’t need to wait for any court to tell them it was OK to buy each other a diamond.

The jewelers I talked to in Texas confirmed the same. Same-sex couples have been buying commitment jewelry for them from years, either because they drove to another state to get hitched or because they didn’t need a legal ruling to
do the same thing so-called straight couples do all the time—exchange jewelry to demonstrate their love for each other.

Dan Schweiterman, of C. Kirk Root Jewelry in the very liberal Texas town of Austin, said his store always has been a supporter of the gay community. They’ve been selling jewelry to same-sex couples for the last four or five years, as couples traveled to other states to get married or wanted rings to show they were together, married or not.

He said while he hasn’t seen a “huge jump” in business right away, he hopes the ruling will boost his business over time.

El Paso jeweler Susan Eisen, also a same-sex marriage supporter, said the same.

She’s been selling jewelry to same-sex couples for years and noted that people aren’t “knocking down the doors” right now to buy wedding bands just because of the Supreme Court’s decision. Like Schweiterman, though, she remains hopeful that she’ll see a bump in business a little further down the road.

3) Some states aren’t going quietly. One Tyler, Texas jeweler I interviewed, Elliott Herzlich of Elliott’s Jewelers, said that the clerk’s office there is refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and similar reports are surfacing in other states, including this one about a Kentucky couple that ABC News published Thursday.

He said he hasn’t had any same-sex couples come in since the ruling but, to be fair, Tyler’s not exactly a diverse community. Herzlich said he’s only served two same-sex couples in the 10 years he’s owned the store.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not open to it. Like all the jewelers I spoke to on Thursday, Herzlich said he supports love and the freedom for people to marry whomever they like, and he is against discrimination of any kind.

“What if somebody said, ‘I don’t like short, middle-aged, chubby men who are losing their hair?’ (in my store),” he said, referring to himself. “I couldn’t go a lot of places then.”

4) Are jewelers just looking at a lot of wedding band sales? In doing his analysis, Gassman bases his final impact figure—about $150 million a year, or three-tenths of 1 percent of total U.S. jewelry sales—on the assumption that many same-sex couples will be exchanging wedding bands only. I think this is a hard one to nail down, to be honest.

It’s mostly true for gay couples, yes. (Despite the requisite article that pops up every year, I don’t really think the “man”-gagement ring really ever caught on.) However, my friends mentioned above exchanged diamond rings.

Also, as Eisen pointed out to me, it’s not just about bridal jewelry. There’s also birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions for which couples of all kinds can exchange jewelry, and more people being allowed to get married equals more anniversaries.

So, will this amazing ruling have an impact on the jewelry market? Yes it will, but not on the same level it would have when same-sex marriage remained outlawed across much of the land just a few years ago.

Like I said above, though, it’s nothing put a positive for the market. After all, it never hurts to have more love in the world, especially if you’re a jeweler.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy