CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
SurveysJan 04, 2021
Online Jewelry Sales Up 46% This Holiday Season, Mastercard Says
It was a bright spot for the category, where overall retail sales were down 4 percent between Oct. 11-Dec. 24.
Though overall jewelry retail sales were down this holiday season, e-commerce sales boomed, rising 44.6 percent, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. Pictured here are diamond and platinum engagement rings from the Forevermark x Micaela collection.
New York—Online sales provided a bright spot this holiday season in many categories while overall retail sales saw mixed results, according to insights from Mastercard.
According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales excluding automotive and gas were up 3 percent during the extended holiday period, from Oct. 11 to Dec. 24 (measured as such because consumers started shopping earlier this year).
Within that, online sales powered ahead 49 percent compared with 2019.
SpendingPulse measures overall retail spending trends across all payment types.
During the traditional holiday period—Nov. 1 to Dec. 24—retail sales were up by 2.4 percent and e-commerce was up 47.2 percent compared with 2019.
“American consumers turned the holiday season on its head, redefining ‘home for the holidays’ in a uniquely 2020 way. They shopped from home for the home, leading to record e-commerce growth,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and Chairman of Saks Incorporated.
E-commerce sales comprised 19.7 percent of overall retail sales, the firm said, up from 13.4 percent last year.
When looking at overall spending during the expanded holiday season, home furniture and furnishings saw the strongest growth of any sector when compared with last year’s holiday season, up 16.2 percent; the category grew 31 percent online specifically.
Home improvement was also up, growing 14.1 percent with e-commerce sales up 79.7 percent.
Meanwhile, jewelry was down 4.3 percent but up 44.6 percent online.
Apparel saw a decline of about 19.1 percent year-over-year but was up 15.7 percent online, while electronics and appliances were up 6 percent overall.
Department stores saw overall sales decline 10.2 percent while online sales were up 3.3 percent, reinforcing the importance of omnichannel this year; buy online, pick up in store as well as features like contactless services were key for retailers this season.
Luxury goods, excluding jewelry, were down 21.1 percent overall.
Not surprisingly, given that retailers started their holiday advertising and promotions earlier this year, there were fewer last-minute shoppers this year than 2019.
This can be shown by the season’s biggest shopping days.
Though Black Friday shopping was down 16.1 percent, it was still the top spending day of the 2020 holiday season, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.
At No. 2 was the day after Black Friday, known as Small Business Saturday, whereas in 2019 the No. 2 day was the Saturday before Christmas, or Super Saturday.
At No. 3 this year was Saturday,
Dec. 12, compared to last year’s No. 3—Dec. 23.
No. 4 this year was Dec. 11, followed by Nov. 30 and then Nov. 25.
No. 4 this year was Dec. 11, followed by Nov. 30 and then Nov. 25.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
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.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
