Surveys

Survey: Jewelry, Watch Purchases Are Up in 2021

SurveysNov 29, 2021

Survey: Jewelry, Watch Purchases Are Up in 2021

Here’s what else Provoke Insights found in its latest consumer study.

20211129_Delphine-Necklace.jpg
The Boheme Confetti Lune Noire chain from Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry’s new Confetti Lune collection, featuring onyx inlay and 18-karat yellow gold ($2,460)
New York—Consumer behavior has changed since the start of the pandemic, and it’s an area that continues to transform. 

To help brands keep up with these shifting behaviors and the trends that are popping up, market research firm Provoke Insights launched a biannual study gauging consumer thoughts. 

This fall, it conducted a 15-minute survey from Sept. 22-28 among 1,504 Americans between the ages of 21 and 65. 

When it comes to luxury accessories, the study found that more than 10 percent of consumers are buying jewelry and watches, up slightly from earlier this year.

According to the survey results, 6 percent indicated they had purchased fine jewelry in the past month, a 1 percent increase from January 2021. 

For watches, meanwhile, 7 percent of survey takers said they had purchased a watch in the past month, which is a 3 percent uptick over January. 

Interestingly, these purchases are being made by younger, more affluent consumers living in urban areas, Provoke Insights found. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Luxury purchasers are more likely to want to take their time picking items—61 percent of those who said they had purchased jewelry or watches in the past month said they enjoy spending time to pick items.

And 49 percent of those who had bought jewelry or watches recently said they are more likely to stick with brands they know.

More of the luxury purchasers are willing to pay a premium for a sustainably sourced item, and they prefer to shop online—41 percent of luxury shoppers said this is their preference.

And though they might prefer e-commerce shopping, when they are in store, luxury consumers indicated they feel the experience has improved compared with shopping pre-pandemic, especially when it comes to store cleanliness and customer service.

Provoke also asked respondents about attire and fashion trends.

It found that Americans are still dressing “dressing down” compared to what they wore pre-COVID, with more than three-fourths saying their attire is more casual.

This includes jewelry, with women saying overall they’re wearing less jewelry than they were before, though that number appears to be decreasing. More women are back to wearing jewelry than at the start of the pandemic, Provoke Insights said.

To view the full Fall 2021 Trends study, visit ProvokeInsights.com

The Latest

Pandora platinum
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated Jewelry

The introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.

Entrance to the Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another Writedown

It would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.

Rendering of renovated Borsheims store
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring

The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Marco Bicego Paradise Amethyst Long Necklace
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple Paradise

The “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.

Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Watches of Switzerland Regent Street London store
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3

The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.

Headshot of Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold

Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York storefront
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s Bankruptcy

From how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.

Jacquie Aiche Raw Amethyst Cluster Starburst Diamond Ring
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone Bliss

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.

Matteo Cuelli
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing Director

The Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.

Bryan Cowan, Thomas Schwartz, Liliana Estrella
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership Team

The manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make Deal

President Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.

Jade Trau Spring Summer 2026 Collection Campaign
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces Rondelles

The designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.

Casio Headquarters Jersey City, New Jersey
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City Home

The watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Nivoda gemstones
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone Marketplace

The company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.

International Gemological Institute logo
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories

IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.

Ylang 23 store burglary
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store Burglarized

The Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.

Tyla at 68th annual Grammy Awards
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 Grammys

From cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for 2026 Winter Olympics
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.

Etiq Khol Ring
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ Ring

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

Arch Crown Tag & Label 2026 Catalog
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is Here

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s Day

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”

Step-cut Colombian emerald ring London Jewels Bonhams
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025

The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Red Rubies AGTA
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced Gemstones

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

Audemars Piguet Atlanta Store Artwork
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in Atlanta

The Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”

Anza Gems gemstones
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

×

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