IndependentsMay 21, 2024
State of Retail: 4 Retail Design Trends for 2024From lighter color palettes to the integration of AR, experts offer inspiration for jewelers in need of an aesthetic refresh.
SurveysSep 21, 2016
Product Pulse: How Strong is Your Bridge Jewelry Business?
The category as a percentage of overall sales has either stayed the same or increased for the majority of retailers in recent years, our latest survey found.
John Hardy was one of the brands mentioned by a number of jewelers in the latest survey as a best-seller in the “bridge” jewelry category. This is the brand’s “Lava” hinged bangle in silver with black sapphires from the recently launched Modern Chain collection.
New York--The latest category-specific survey from National Jeweler/Jewelers of America shows that bridge jewelry as a percentage of overall sales has either stayed the same or increased for retailers in recent years.
The Product Pulse survey on bridge jewelry was conducted online in late August/early September; approximately 120 jewelers responded.
It defined bridge jewelry as pieces that “bridge” the gap between costume and fine, often crafted using gold vermeil/gold fill and/or sterling silver with “semi-precious” gemstones.
Nearly half (48 percent) of jewelers said that bridge jewelry sales have stayed about the same as a percentage of their overall sales in recent years, while another 43 percent said they have increased.
Only 10 percent said they were decreasing.
More than half of retailers (53 percent) said that bridge jewelry accounts for 10 percent or less of their overall sales, while 19 percent indicated it was between 11 percent and 15 percent of the total and another 11 percent put it somewhere between 16 and 20 percent.
Thirteen percent of respondents said bridge jewelry made up between 21 and 30 percent of total sales, and another 4 percent indicated it was between 31 and 40 percent.
Only 1 percent had bridge jewelry sales at more than 40 percent of overall sales.
In terms of the overall gross margin from bridge jewelry, the most respondents (57 percent) said that the category has more than a 50 percent margin for them, while one in four said it was between 41 and 50 percent.
Only 6 percent said it was between 31 percent and 40 percent margin, while 5 percent said bridge jewelry had a margin between 21 percent and 30 percent and the remaining 6 percent saw a 20-percent-or-less margin. 
When asked why they started carrying bridge jewelry, many survey takers said they did it when the price of gold began to go up in order to have jewelry at the price points consumers wanted.
“We started as soon as gold started rising in price so that we could still offer affordable jewelry,” one respondent wrote.
Another said that they made the move into bridge “to give our customers a wider price range to select from and try out some trendy fashions.”
The possibility of a higher margin from bridge jewelry also helped, as one retailer said they began carrying jewelry in the category 18 months ago “to compensate and boost sagging sales overall.”
Among the
brands mentioned as best-sellers in the bridge category were Frederic Duclos, Kendra Scott, David Yurman, John Hardy and Ed Levin.
Outside of specific brand names, many jewelers just stated that what does best for them in this category is sterling silver jewelry set with gems or diamonds.
Outside of specific brand names, many jewelers just stated that what does best for them in this category is sterling silver jewelry set with gems or diamonds.
More on Surveys
The Latest
AuctionsMay 21, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their EncoreSotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer in Paris this October.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2024
Successful Vendor Relationships: A Win-Win ApproachSherry Smith shares tips for fostering successful vendor-retailer partnerships, from marketing investment to fast-seller replenishment.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
IndependentsMay 21, 2024
Jennifer Herold Promoted to VP at IJOHerold has been with the organization for 22 years and will continue in her current role of conference director.
Weekly QuizMay 16, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsMay 20, 2024
Studs Opens Luxury Piercing Pop-Up in NYC“Fancy Studs” will feature revamped branding and a new lab-grown diamond fine jewelry collection.
SourcingMay 20, 2024
2 Business-to-Business Platforms Secure Millions in Funding Nivoda and Liquid Diamonds both have big plans for the new capital.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
MajorsMay 20, 2024
Stuller Issues New Packaging & Display CatalogThe 2024-2025 edition features new colors and styles, as well as storytelling elements.
SourcingMay 20, 2024
State of the Diamond Industry: Botswana Beyond DiamondsFrom moringa to ecotourism in the Okavango Delta, the country and its leaders are exploring how Botswana can diversify its economy.
SourcingMay 20, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Richemont Appoints Van Cleef & Arpels’ Nicolas Bos as New CEOThe announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Fiscal-Year Sales Flat Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Recorded WebinarsMay 17, 2024
Watch: Preparing for Trade Show SuccessJewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
AuctionsMay 17, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cartier’s Ring-Tailed LemurThis little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Christie’s Holds 2 Sales Despite CyberattackThough its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from AuctionDespite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
ColumnistsMay 16, 2024
The PR Adviser: What the Designer Should’ve DoneLilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
SourcingMay 16, 2024
Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips GenevaThe “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2024
See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 YearsOwner David Mann is heading into retirement.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
