U.S. e-commerce spending on jewelry and watches increased 21 percent in the third quarter of 2007, making it one of the top gainers online, according to the figures released by comScore.

Overall retail e-commerce for the quarter (not including travel) increased 23 percent versus year ago to $28.4 billion. When adding travel to the mix, total e-commerce spending increased 18 percent to $48.6 billion.

“Online retail spending continues to grow at rates in excess of 20 percent year-over-year, which suggests that the market is still far from maturity,” said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni. “Even online travel commerce, which is a more developed market, continues to experience double-digit gains.”

During the first nine months of 2007, e-commerce spending (not including travel) increased 21 percent to $83.6 billion, the Reston, Virg.-based company said. Meanwhile, total e-commerce spending, including travel, surpassed $143 billion, putting it on pace to reach $200 billion by the end of the year. Retail e-commerce accounted for 58 percent of the total.

ComScore predicts that total e-commerce spending will reach $200 billion for the year.

Jewelry and watches, with its 21 percent increase, finished ninth top gainers online for the quarter. Video games, consoles, and accessories grew 199% for the period. The other top gainers included:

* Consumer electronics, 58 percent;
* Toys and hobbies, 57 percent;
* Event tickets, 54 percent;
* Books and magazines, 48 percent;
* Furniture, Appliances & Equipment, 47 percent;
* Home & Garden, 31 percent;
* Music, Movies & Videos, 31 percent

Jewelry and watches finished ahead of sport and fitness (20 percent) and apparel and accessories (11 percent).

JCK