August Jewelry Sales Rise 5%, Driven by Higher Ticket Values

By JCK News Desk | September 03, 2026

Independent jewelry retailers recorded a 5% year-over-year increase in gross sales in August, even as unit sales declined 8%, according to monthly retail data released by Edge Retail Academy. The company said higher average transaction values were the primary driver of growth during the month.

According to Edge, the average retail sale increased 14% compared with August 2025, helping retailers maintain positive sales growth despite softer item movement. The firm said the results point to a more value-driven sales environment rather than growth fueled by increased unit volume.

Diamond jewelry was the strongest-performing category tracked in the report. Edge said diamond sales rose 8% year over year, while units sold fell 9%. The category’s average retail sale increased 18%, which the firm said helped keep diamond sales in positive territory despite fewer transactions.

Colored stones and pearl jewelry also posted gains, with gross sales increasing 4%. Unit sales declined 14%, but the average retail sale climbed 21%, indicating that higher-value purchases drove the category’s growth, according to the report.

Sterling silver and alternative metals proved more challenging. Edge reported a 5% decline in gross sales and a 19% drop in unit sales for the category. While average retail sale increased 17%, the gains were not sufficient to offset weaker unit movement.

Overall, the report characterized August as a positive but softer sales environment than a year earlier. Edge said retailers should continue to focus on efforts such as follow-up communications, service reminders, events, and appointment-setting as they seek to balance stronger transaction values with healthy sales volume.

“Sustained growth will depend on keeping customers engaged and creating enough activity across the business,” the report said.

Edge’s findings are based on aggregated data from thousands of independent jewelry retailers in the United States.

The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.

(Photo: Getty Images)