Amazon.com, Inc. said Monday that fourth quarter 2006 jewelry and watch sales more than doubled year-over-year.

“We are very pleased with the ever-increasing growth and customer interest in our jewelry and watch selection,” said Steven Goldsmith, vice president, Amazon.com Jewelry & Watches store. “Whether it be diamond earrings, a 14kt gold bracelet, or a sterling silver necklace, bought as a gift or for themselves, our store enables customers to find whatever they’re looking for.”

The Seattle-based Internet retailer said it shipped a 130 percent more pairs of diamond stud earrings and 100 percent more color gemstone jewelry. Watch sales on Amazon.com in the fourth quarter increased 171 percent year-over-year. The store offers more than 200 watch brands and about 8,000 styles (800, of which, were added in the fourth quarter). From a $15 Lego watch to a $500,000 53-ct. Audemars Piguet watch.

Jewelry sold by Amazon.com is inspected by jewelry professionals to verify quality attributes. Customers can find detailed product specifications about each of the piece’s components, including gemstones, settings and metal stamps. A learning center provides buying guides for pearls, diamonds, precious metals, and watches. Loose stones are independently certified to be a specific cut, clarity, color, shape and weight.

Amazon.com and its affiliates operate several Web sites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.

JCK