SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2019
Industry Optimistic About Year Ahead, JCK Survey Says
The JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index is at 86 this year, but the challenge of online competition remains.
Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of JCK organizer Reed Exhibitions, delivered the results of the second annual “JCK State of the Jewelry Industry Report” Saturday morning at the show.
Las Vegas—A strong majority of jewelers are feeling good about the year ahead, according to the second annual “JCK State of the Jewelry Industry Report.”
The JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index, a numerical reflection of industry sentiment, is at 86, meaning that 86 percent of respondents said they were optimistic about business for the next 12 months.
That is down slightly compared with 88 percent last year.
Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of JCK organizer Reed Exhibitions who oversees the JCK and Luxury shows, shared the research at a session held Saturday morning in Las Vegas.
JCK partnered with research firm MRI-Simmons to conduct the survey, asking jewelry industry professionals to pinpoint challenges and track trends in order to gain insight on the future of the industry.
The most commonly identified challenge was online competition (67 percent) followed by the overall economic climate (56 percent), lack of general consumer demand (50 percent), and lack of millennial demand (40 percent).
Competing with Online Players
When asked how they planned to tackle the problem of online competition, the greatest percentage of respondents said they would build connections via social media (17 percent).
The survey found that 96 percent of respondents use social media marketing, with 89 percent stating social media will play a greater role in their marketing in 2019.
About 72 percent of those surveyed forecast that social media marketing would be the most successful business practice in 2019.
Facebook and Instagram were the most popular for customer engagement, tied at 74 percent, with Pinterest (24 percent) in the next slot, followed by Twitter (16 percent) and LinkedIn (11 percent).
Social media was the most popular advertising platform among respondents, though 61 percent of survey-takers said they also use other forms of online advertising, including: paid search (64 percent), online display ads (57 percent), digital ad networks (50 percent), and native or content-based ads (33 percent).
Around 37 percent of respondents said they would reach out to social influencers to boost their brand.
RELATED CONTENT: Micro-influencers Are the Next Big Thing, Says ReportOther answers to the question of how to combat online competition included trying non-traditional advertising (13 percent), improving the in-store buying experience (13 percent) or changing up inventory buying habits (12 percent).
Only 3 percent of respondents said they would invest in new technology to combat online competition.
Managing Inventory
Survey-takers were asked about how they manage their stock, and the survey showed that 65 percent of businesses
use an inventory management system for both tracking (60 percent) and forecasting (39 percent).
A majority of respondents (59 percent) did not use a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system.
Of the 41 percent that did use a CRM system, they said it improved sales (57 percent) and increased profits and revenue (49 percent).
Lab-Grown Diamonds
The survey also asked about lab-grown diamonds, a polarizing, hot topic throughout the industry, to get a sense of consumer views.
Lab-grown diamonds topped the list of types of jewelry that produced the most consumer concerns (61 percent) followed closely by “conflict” diamonds (60 percent) and responsibly sourced jewels (37 percent).
Affordability topped the list of reasons customers were interested in lab-grown diamonds (86 percent) followed by “eco-friendly” positioning (36 percent), “conflict-free” positioning (33 percent), and an interest in the technology behind the stones (15 percent).
The top reason customers were not interested in lab-grown diamonds was that natural stones were considered more “real” (47 percent), with a preference for natural diamonds (46 percent) coming in at a close second, followed by concerns that lab-grown diamonds will not hold their value (39 percent) and the price not being low enough (17 percent).
The trend of women buying their own jewelry also is expected to continue, with 67 percent of women buying jewelry for themselves spending more than $500. The average price point is $1,240.
Other trends expected to stay strong include stacked rings and heart-themed jewels while purple jewels and beads are on the way out, according to the survey.
Custom pieces and colored stones buoyed 2017-2018 sales, while sales of charms were on the decline.
For 2018-2019, colored gemstones and fashion and bridge jewelry are anticipated to be top sellers, while watches could be on the decline.
A majority of respondents (59 percent) did not use a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system.
Of the 41 percent that did use a CRM system, they said it improved sales (57 percent) and increased profits and revenue (49 percent).
Lab-Grown Diamonds
The survey also asked about lab-grown diamonds, a polarizing, hot topic throughout the industry, to get a sense of consumer views.
Lab-grown diamonds topped the list of types of jewelry that produced the most consumer concerns (61 percent) followed closely by “conflict” diamonds (60 percent) and responsibly sourced jewels (37 percent).
Affordability topped the list of reasons customers were interested in lab-grown diamonds (86 percent) followed by “eco-friendly” positioning (36 percent), “conflict-free” positioning (33 percent), and an interest in the technology behind the stones (15 percent).
The top reason customers were not interested in lab-grown diamonds was that natural stones were considered more “real” (47 percent), with a preference for natural diamonds (46 percent) coming in at a close second, followed by concerns that lab-grown diamonds will not hold their value (39 percent) and the price not being low enough (17 percent).
The trend of women buying their own jewelry also is expected to continue, with 67 percent of women buying jewelry for themselves spending more than $500. The average price point is $1,240.
Other trends expected to stay strong include stacked rings and heart-themed jewels while purple jewels and beads are on the way out, according to the survey.
Custom pieces and colored stones buoyed 2017-2018 sales, while sales of charms were on the decline.
For 2018-2019, colored gemstones and fashion and bridge jewelry are anticipated to be top sellers, while watches could be on the decline.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
