Surveys

This Survey Shows a Mother’s Day Demand for Jewelry

SurveysMay 21, 2020

This Survey Shows a Mother’s Day Demand for Jewelry

A survey from MVI Marketing indicated jewelry was a top gift among those who typically buy in the category, even during the pandemic.

20200521_BabyGold2.jpg
Two necklaces from Baby Gold, Helen Ashikian’s line of 14-karat gold “Mommy and Me” jewelry. Both yellow gold and necklaces were top jewelry gifts for Mother’s Day this year, an MVI Marketing survey shows.

New York—A recent survey shows the pandemic didn’t negate Mother’s Day gifting for jewelry lovers this year.

In a survey conducted May 11, the day after the holiday, MVI Marketing picked the brains of 405 male and female American fine jewelry consumers with household incomes between $50,000 and $150,00 and a median age of 37.

The findings showed these consumers still purchased or received jewelry and watches for Mother’s Day, despite the economic losses and isolation brought on by the spread of COVID-19.

Of the 83 percent of husbands who bought their female significant others a gift for the occasion, 57 percent opted for jewelry and 13 percent for a watch.

Of the 80 percent of daughters who bought a gift, 31 percent purchased jewelry and 5 percent purchased a watch. Of the 83 percent of sons who bought a gift, 47 percent opted for jewelry and 11 percent opted for a watch.

One obvious shutdown-related shopping effect was the increase in digital spending, with the majority of shoppers buying their presents online.

The majority of online jewelry purchases (48 percent) were from a chain jewelry store, like Tiffany & Co., Zales, Helzberg, etc., while 36 percent of consumers surveyed bought their Mother’s Day jewelry from major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Etsy and Blue Nile.

Online jewelry sales at locally owned fine jewelry stores accounted for 26 percent of purchases, tied with department stores, while big-box stores accounted for 7 percent of jewelry and watch purchases.

The most popular jewelry item was a pendant or necklace, which “far exceeded” other categories, MVI noted.

While yellow gold has been on the rise for the last decade, it officially edged out white gold in the survey, with the former accounting for 42 percent of jewelry purchases and the latter accounting for 33 percent.

Platinum accounted for 16 percent and silver, 14 percent.

Diamonds proved to be the most popular gemstone, comprising 31 percent of the purchases, with colored gemstones at 11 percent and pearls at 6 percent.

The lion’s share of online watch purchases were through online-only retailers (46 percent) followed by chain jewelry and watch stores (42 percent), department stores (27 percent) and, lastly, independent jewelers and big-box stores (each 15 percent).

The average amount spent on jewelry and watches was $450.

Besides jewelry, gift cards were the second most popular gift from husbands, sons and daughters.

Naturally, experiences, trips and memberships were the least popular categories.

Of the women polled who didn’t receive jewelry this Mother’s Day, 28 percent said they would have liked to, while 27 percent said no, they have enough.

For watches, 32 percent of respondents said no, they wouldn’t have liked to receive one as they have enough while 25 percent said yes, they would have liked it.

For more information on the research, visit MVI Marketing’s website.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

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.

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.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

Foundrae Aspen Store
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store Opening

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

Bulgari Gioco di Forme e Colori watch and brooch
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales Slip

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

GemFair x DBL Toi et Moi Ring
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

Clientbook
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking Tool

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

×

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