Mother’s Day Jewellery Demand Drives Record Consumer Spending

 

Jewellery is set to play a leading role in what is to be a record-breaking Mother’s Day for consumer spending in the United States, according to the latest survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, sentiment remains resilient. Consumers continue to prioritise meaningful gifting, with jewellery emerging as a key category driven by emotional value and lasting significance.

“Mother’s Day remains a priority for many Americans,” noted Mark Mathews, Chief Economist at the NRF. “Consumers are increasingly seeking unique, sentimental gifts that create enduring memories.”

Total spending for the holiday is projected to reach a record US$38 billion, surpassing last year’s US$34.1 billion and exceeding the previous high of US$35.7 billion set in 2023. Within this, jewellery alone is expected to account for US$7.5 billion, representing a 10% increase year-on-year and reinforcing its position as one of the most significant gifting categories.

On an individual level, consumers are forecast to spend an average of US$284, marking a continued upward trend in per-person expenditure.

Beyond jewellery, experiential gifting continues to gain traction, with special outings projected to generate US$6.4 billion in spending. Electronics are expected to reach US$4.4 billion, followed by flowers at US$3.2 billion and greeting cards at US$1.3 billion.

According to Phil Rist of Prosper Insights & Analytics, consumers are not only budgeting more but also diversifying their spending across multiple gift categories.

The survey further highlights that:

• 54% of consumers plan to purchase gifts for their mother or stepmother
• 22% will buy for a spouse
• 13% intend to purchase gifts for daughters

Retail channels remain mixed, with 33% of shoppers favouring online and department stores, while 29% opt for specialty retailers a segment particularly relevant to the jewellery trade and 26% turning to discount outlets.

For the jewellery industry, the data underscores continued strength in consumer demand for pieces that combine emotional resonance with intrinsic value, reinforcing jewellery’s role as both a luxury purchase and a meaningful store of sentiment.

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Swiss Watch Exports Ease as Key Markets Show Weakness

Swiss watch exports recorded a modest decline in March, reflecting softer demand across several key international markets, according to figures released by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

Total shipments fell 1% year-on-year to CHF 2.11 billion (US$2.71 billion), following a period of strong growth in February across major markets.

The United States, the largest export destination for Swiss watches, led the downturn with a 1.6% decline to CHF 398.9 million. More pronounced weakness was observed in Asia and Europe, with exports to Japan falling 13% and Germany declining 9%.

While some markets showed resilience exports to the United Kingdom rose 3.2%, and China posted a 4.2% increase these gains were insufficient to offset broader softness. France recorded a sharp 72% increase, although this was largely attributed to re-exports rather than underlying consumer demand.

The Middle East presented a mixed picture. Exports to the United Arab Emirates edged up 0.7%, indicating continued stability, while Saudi Arabia experienced a notable 17% contraction.

From a pricing perspective, the only segment to record growth was watches priced between CHF 200 and CHF 500, which rose 15%. All other categories declined:

• Entry-level watches (below CHF 200): down 0.3%
• Mid-range (CHF 500–CHF 3,000): down 3.7%
• High-end (above CHF 3,000): down 0.5%

Despite the March slowdown, the first quarter as a whole remained positive, with exports increasing 1.4% to CHF 6.2 billion (US$7.95 billion).

The data suggests a market entering a phase of consolidation following periods of strong post-pandemic growth, with demand becoming increasingly uneven across regions and price segments.

Source: IDEX

Chanel’s $4 Million Diamond Chessboard: A Masterpiece of Haute Horlogerie and High Jewellery

 

In a breathtaking fusion of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation, Chanel has redefined the traditional game of chess with a spectacular high jewellery creation valued at approximately $4 million.

Unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva, the extraordinary chess set forms the centrepiece of Chanel’s Coco Game collection a suite of 14 limited-edition timepieces conceived by Arnaud Chastaingt. Drawing inspiration from the codes and symbolism of games, the collection elevates horology into a realm of playful sophistication and technical brilliance.

The 32-piece chess set is meticulously crafted from ceramic, gold, and an astonishing 9,000 diamonds. Each chess piece is a miniature work of art, representing iconic Chanel motifs such as the Vendôme Column, a mannequin bust, and the lion a symbol closely associated with Gabrielle Chanel. In a deeply personal touch, Coco Chanel herself is portrayed as both Queens, elegantly dressed in her signature tweed suit.

Each figure is fashioned from 18-carat white gold and set with 193 brilliant-cut diamonds. Beyond their sculptural beauty, these pieces conceal a hidden complication a secret watch embedded within the base. Ingeniously designed, the timepiece can be removed and worn as a necklace, suspended from a white gold chain adorned with diamonds and onyx.

The chessboard itself is equally striking. Carved from black obsidian, it is framed by a scintillating border of 516 brilliant-cut diamonds, reinforcing the piece’s status as both a functional object and a collector’s masterpiece.

Elsewhere in the Coco Game collection, Chanel continues to explore the interplay between time and design. The Gabrielle Watch features a diamond-set depiction of Coco Chanel in her iconic white tweed suit, achieved through an intricate “tweed setting” technique. The Gabrielle Long Necklace transforms her silhouette into a refined pendant concealing yet another secret watch.

Additional highlights include the Première Coco Game cocktail ring, where a hidden dial is revealed by rotating a diamond, and the Première watch, whose bracelet is adorned with tiles spelling out the Chanel name a subtle nod to the maison’s enduring identity.

This remarkable collection is not merely about timekeeping; it is a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the enduring allure of diamonds where each piece tells a story as timeless as the brand itself.

Source: DCLA

US Jewelry Sector Shrinks Again in Q1

The decline in the US jewelry sector continues, with yet another drop in the number of retail, wholesale and manufacturing businesses.

The total number fell by 3.4 per cent – just under 800 businesses – to 22,330 year-on-year, according to the latest update from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), which provides commercial credit information. The figures take account of both closures and new business openings.

The figure for the previous quarter, Q4 2024, was -3.2 per cent, and for Q3 2024 it was -3.3 per cent, indicating a steady rate of decline.

The biggest fall in Q1 2025 was among jewelry manufacturers, down 4.6 per cent to 2,119. The number of retailers fell 3.5 per cent, down to 16,959 and the number of wholesalers fell 2.5 per cent to 3,252.

JBT reported the opening of 68 new retail jewelers in the US during Q1.

Source: DCLA

Revenue Down, Stores Closed at Chow Sang Sang

Chow Sang Sang suffered a net loss of 74 of its 1,032 stores last year, amid weak demand, record-high gold prices and an economic slowdown in China, as well as Hong Kong and Macau.

China’s third biggest jewelry retailer (by revenue) saw sales for the year to 31 December 2024 fall by 15 per cent to HKD 21.18bn ($2.72bn).

Same-store sales were down 38 per cent on the mainland and 24 per cent in Hong Kong and Macau, primarily due to a drop in diamond demand. Profit slid 20 per cent to HKD 805.6m ($103.6m).

Chow Sang Sang did not rule out further store closures. “Under the present economic climate, it would be prudent to continue our physical store network consolidation,” it said its Annual Results.

“In 2024, uncertain economic conditions coupled with record-high gold price exerted significant pressure on jewellery demand in both Mainland China, and the Hong Kong and Macau markets, resulting in a 15 per cent year-on-year decline in turnover.

“Continuing our efforts to consolidate the store networks, we opened 48 and closed 122 stores, mostly in Mainland China.”

Source: DCLA

Jewelry Segment Sees Rebound in Recovering China Luxury Market

Jewelry was one of the strongest categories as China’s luxury market expanded in 2023 following the resurgence of tourism, according to a new report by Bain & Co.

The jewelry segment increased between 15% and 20% last year after the government lifted Covid-19 restrictions and travel resumed, Bain said last week. The fashion and lifestyle category also gained 15% to 20%, leather goods 10% to 15%, and beauty 8%. The watch market saw the softest rebound, up 5% to 10%.

While the growth was strong in 2023 compared to the previous year, which saw sharp declines due to restrictions on travel and extended lockdowns, it has still not returned to the record high of 2021. That disparity is primarily attributable to lower consumer confidence, a slower-than-expected economic recovery, and the return of Chinese consumers to purchasing luxury goods overseas.

Overall, China’s personal luxury sales rose 12% in 2023, Bain noted. The market is set to see mid-single-digit growth in 2024. Part of the issue with the slower market recovery is the pricing gaps between luxury goods in China and other markets. Jewelry is as much as 10% higher on the mainland than overseas, while watches cost up to 5% more.

Source: DCLA

Signet Sales Decline in Weak US Market

Signet Jewelers’ sales fell in its third fiscal quarter as the US economy weakened and engagement-ring demand underwent an expected downswing.

Revenue decreased 12% year on year to $1.39 billion for the three months that ended October 28, the retailer reported Tuesday. Same-store sales those at branches open for at least a year were also down 12%, while net profit slid 69% to $11.7 million.

“These declines were driven by the impact of heightened inflationary pressure on consumers’ discretionary spending and the decline in the bridal category, driven by lower engagements,” the jeweler said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sales dropped at all of the company’s store chains, the largest of which are Kay Jewelers, Zales and Jared. Overall bridal revenue slumped 15% to $664.6 million, while sales of fashion jewelry dipped 12% to $448.2 million. Signet’s services division including jewelry rental and repairs offset the declines with a 5% increase for a total of $169.9 million.

The results were in line with Signet’s expectations: The company had forecast sales of $1.36 billion to $1.41 billion for the period and projected that engagement-ring sales would only start recovering in the fourth fiscal quarter, which began October 29. A lull in dating during Covid-19 manifested as a drop in proposals this year, management had explained in the past.

The jeweler barely changed its sales outlook for the full year, predicting revenue of $7.07 billion to $7.27 billion down only slightly from an earlier projection of $7.1 billion to $7.3 billion.

Bridal demand rallied in November as anticipated. Still, sales in the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes most of the holiday shopping season, will likely range from $2.4 billion to $2.6 billion, the company said a decline of up to 10% from last year’s $2.67 billion.

“Trends through Black Friday weekend, including sequential improvement in engagement trends, are performing in line with guidance expectations for the fourth quarter,” said Signet CEO Virginia Drosos. “As we enter the holiday season, jewelry remains a top-of-mind gifting category for consumers in a value-conscious shopping environment.”

Total sales for the jeweler’s first three fiscal quarters fell 10% year on year to $4.67 billion. Net profit for the nine-month period, which ended October 28, rose 85% to $184.2 million because of charges in the previous year relating to litigation and a pension settlement.

Source: DCLA

Hong Kong Rebound Boosts Luk Fook Revenue

Hong Kong-based jeweler Luk Fook saw sales rise in the second fiscal quarter as tourists returned to the municipality in search of luxury items.

Same-store sales — at self-operated shops open for at least a year — jumped 31% for the three months ending September 30 compared with the same period a year ago, the company reported Wednesday.

Hong Kong’s border with the mainland reopened to tourists in January, while the territory’s government removed local restrictions. The municipality derives much of its luxury revenue from visitors — primarily from China — who travel there to purchase goods.

The retailer also attributed the growth to strong sales over the National Day Golden Week holiday as well as its decision to carry a greater proportion of gold products, which are more popular than diamond jewelry.

“Given the decreased demand for diamond products [on the] mainland, the group will continue to actively promote non-diamond fixed-price jewelry products, especially fixed-price gold products, in order to improve…performance,” it said.

The 41% increase in Hong Kong and Macau outweighed an 8% dip on the mainland resulting from a challenging economic situation and subdued consumer sentiment, the company explained.

Luk Fook’s same-store sales of gold — priced by weight at international market rates — grew 30% year on year during the quarter, while “fixed-price jewelry,” which refers to products sold at prices determined by the retailer, was up 36%. Overall, sales of fixed-price gold products increased 76%, while fixed-price diamond goods rose 19%.

“Since the full reopening of borders amongst Hong Kong, Macau and mainland…the Hong Kong and Macau market has shown consistent improvement,” Luk Fook noted. “The macroeconomic in the mainland market showed no signs of improvement and its consumption sentiment exhibited a slower recovery compared to the Hong Kong and Macau market…. This year marked the first National Day Golden Week after the return to normalcy following the pandemic. During this Golden Week period…the Hong Kong and Macau market sustained growth momentum.”

Source: DCLA

Welcome to the top diamond jewellery insurance specialists

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Because of the way we have designed the cover, we are able to offer very competitive premiums and guarantee no shortcuts in the quality of your replacement in the event of a loss or damage.

We offer 30 days complimentary cover

We offer 30 days complimentary cover to ensure you are covered from the day you pick up your precious diamond piece from one of our network jewellers. Fill in your details online, register your diamond and receive instant cover. Alternatively, give us a call and we can provide your cover over the phone Your policy is underwritten by Lloyd’s of London, the oldest and one of the most prestigious name in insurance.

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Worldwide Cover ensures you are covered anywhere in the world for trips up to 60 days.

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As a preventative measure we offer a complimentary health check for your item with a network jeweler. If you have to make a claim under your policy we do not deduct any excess for specified items. We can add your other diamond Jewellery items to your policy by specifying them.

More information: Certin 

The Four Ex Diamond

 

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Proportions affect how light travels within the diamond.

Diamonds that are cut too shallow and wide, or too deep and narrow lose light out the sides or bottom, causing the diamond to lose brilliance.

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The alignment of a diamond’s facets in relation to each other or opposing facets affects the diamond’s light performance.

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Transparency, also called pellucidity, is the material property of allowing light to pass through. In mineralogy, another term for this property is diaphaneity.

Developed by the DCLA , the Transparency Grade is the degree to which a diamond transmits light, directly relevant to its ‘cloudiness’ or ‘haziness.

In other words, it is a comprehensive assessment of light performance based on the quality of the diamond crystal itself.

The Four Ex Diamond

 

Sourcing a diamond is easy with the help and guidance of the DCLA diamond exchange.

Proportion is graded alongside Symmetry, polish and importantly the Transparency.

This is why the Diamond Exchange are the most sought after for those who want the finest diamonds available.

To ensure the highest quality, the Diamond Exchange works with the finest rough diamond producers based in South Africa, Antwerp, Israel and India.

Each diamond is then meticulously analysed by our Laboratory diamond gemologists.

Using sophisticated laboratory equipment every aspect of the individual stone is checked, including the all-important proportions that will produce the most brilliance.

Proportions

Proportions affect how light travels within the diamond.

Diamonds that are cut too shallow and wide, or too deep and narrow lose light out the sides or bottom, causing the diamond to lose brilliance.

A select Diamond exchange Diamond are cut to ideal diamond proportions, creating a superior diamond to reflecting the maximum amount of light back to the eye.

Symmetry

The alignment of a diamond’s facets in relation to each other or opposing facets affects the diamond’s light performance.

Facets which are symmetrical and aligned, reflect light directly back to your eye.

Symmetry grading to Hearts and Arrows standards ensure its brilliance and fire is emitted evenly.

Certification

All Diamond Exchange diamonds are certified by recognised international accredited laboratories.

This provides you an authoritative analysis of your diamond.

Diamond Exchange also verifies that your diamond meets all the specific quality requirements and checks the diamond is cold laser inscribed.

Transparency

Transparency, also called pellucidity, is the material property of allowing light to pass through. In mineralogy, another term for this property is diaphaneity.

Developed by the DCLA , the Transparency Grade is the degree to which a diamond transmits light, directly relevant to its ‘cloudiness’ or ‘haziness.

In other words, it is a comprehensive assessment of light performance based on the quality of the diamond crystal itself.

Diamond halo earrings by DCLA Diamond Exchange.

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Proportion is graded alongside Symmetry, polish and importantly the Transparency.

This is why the Diamond Exchange are the most sought after for those who want the finest diamonds available.

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Each diamond is then meticulously analysed by our Laboratory diamond gemologists.

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Diamond halo earrings by DCLA Diamond Exchange.

 Diamond halo earrings for everyday or special occasions.

Proportion is graded alongside Symmetry, polish and importantly the Transparency.

This is why the Diamond Exchange are the most sought after for those who want the finest diamonds available.

To ensure the highest quality, the Diamond Exchange works with the finest rough diamond producers based in South Africa, Antwerp, Israel and India.

Each diamond is then meticulously analysed by our Laboratory diamond gemologists.

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WIN ! A PERTH MINT GOLD COIN WORTH OVER $300!

Prize:

The Perth Mint Gold Coin is one of Australia's iconic coins, worth over $300. With Gold prices at an ALL TIME HIGH, hold onto this piece and watch your Kangaroo jump up in value over the years.

How to enter:

Guess the Gold price of this 18 karat, Men's gold bracelet that is 9 years old. Like our page https://lnkd.in/dHTTTEi and comment below your answer to enter!

Date & time:

Competition will close on the 4th of November at 11.59pm.
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, associated, endorsed or administered with Facebook/Instagram.
See full terms and conditions here: https://lnkd.in/deEnaBk 

Kate Moss launches her debut jewellery collection with Messika

 

Despite being the face of many a jewellery campaign over the years, you wouldn’t expect Kate Moss the ultimate poster child for 90s insouciance to care much about high jewellery.

Yet the British supermodel clearly does, as her new jewellery line shows us. It was made in collaboration with French haute joaillerie house Messika, whose casual, contemporary diamond designs have won over the likes of Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé and Rihanna. Moss was the face of Messika’s campaign last year, but this year she takes a much larger role as designer.

It was Moss, as well as Marilyn Monroe, whom founder Valérie Messika first pegged as her muses when she launched her jewellery label in 2005. Through her new collaboration with the fashion icon, things have come full circle.

The ‘Messika by Kate Moss’ line is inspired by pieces in Moss’ own jewellery box. The model’s taste for jewels is actually pretty eclectic, encompassing designs from different eras. In the mix are elaborate Victorian baubles, geometric Art Deco styles and even Indian jewellery, collected from Moss’ travels to India as a teenager.

These influences shine through in the new, 70 piece high jewellery collection, which include sets of earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, headpieces and nose jewellery. Some highlights include a tasseled sautoir, sunburst hoops, a three finger ring, and dangling earrings set with pear shaped malachite crystals, after all, are having a moment in jewellery.

These are all enhanced with Messika’s careful selection of diamonds, which are of the highest quality and certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Messika herself has an intimate understanding of the gems, being the daughter of French diamond dealer André Messika.

Yet none of that steers the Messika by Kate Moss collection away from the modern ethos at the heart of the jewellery brand. As luxuriously as they are crafted, the designs are meant to be effortlessly worn to everyday affairs, not tucked away preciously in a jewellery box. That design approach is shared with other diamond jewellery designers such as Hong Kong based Nicholas Lieou and British designer Monica Vinader, reflecting the tastes of women today.

The entire Messika by Kate Moss collection is slated to launch in November.

Source: DCLA

Kate Moss launches her debut jewellery collection with Messika

 

Despite being the face of many a jewellery campaign over the years, you wouldn’t expect Kate Moss the ultimate poster child for 90s insouciance to care much about high jewellery.

Yet the British supermodel clearly does, as her new jewellery line shows us. It was made in collaboration with French haute joaillerie house Messika, whose casual, contemporary diamond designs have won over the likes of Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé and Rihanna. Moss was the face of Messika’s campaign last year, but this year she takes a much larger role as designer.

It was Moss, as well as Marilyn Monroe, whom founder Valérie Messika first pegged as her muses when she launched her jewellery label in 2005. Through her new collaboration with the fashion icon, things have come full circle.

The ‘Messika by Kate Moss’ line is inspired by pieces in Moss’ own jewellery box. The model’s taste for jewels is actually pretty eclectic, encompassing designs from different eras. In the mix are elaborate Victorian baubles, geometric Art Deco styles and even Indian jewellery, collected from Moss’ travels to India as a teenager.

These influences shine through in the new, 70 piece high jewellery collection, which include sets of earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, headpieces and nose jewellery. Some highlights include a tasseled sautoir, sunburst hoops, a three finger ring, and dangling earrings set with pear shaped malachite crystals, after all, are having a moment in jewellery.

These are all enhanced with Messika’s careful selection of diamonds, which are of the highest quality and certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Messika herself has an intimate understanding of the gems, being the daughter of French diamond dealer André Messika.

Yet none of that steers the Messika by Kate Moss collection away from the modern ethos at the heart of the jewellery brand. As luxuriously as they are crafted, the designs are meant to be effortlessly worn to everyday affairs, not tucked away preciously in a jewellery box. That design approach is shared with other diamond jewellery designers such as Hong Kong based Nicholas Lieou and British designer Monica Vinader, reflecting the tastes of women today.

The entire Messika by Kate Moss collection is slated to launch in November.

Source: DCLA