Twenty-five percent of respondents to a Jewelry Consumer
Opinion Council survey purchased a fine jewelry or watch gift this holiday
season, up 3 percent from 2009, according to a Jan. 4 announcement from the
JCOC, a division of MVI Marketing.

Some 18 percent of respondents believe now is a good time to purchase
jewelry, and 23 percent the next 12 months is a prime jewelry
purchasing time, the survey found. Both numbers are up from 2009.

The 2010 report also shows a shift in retail channel
preference. Last year, department store and mass-market retailers held a firm
lead, while 2010 saw a slight decline in department store shoppers and an 8
percent increase in purchases from local independent retailers.

According to the study, there was also an increase in
self-purchases of fine jewelry. Half of those who made a fine jewelry or watch
purchase during the holiday season bought for themselves, up from 42 percent in
2009. While in 2009, only 4 percent of self-purchasers spent more than $1,000,
in 2010 report 15 percent of self-purchasers spent more than $1,000.

To view the complete report, click here.

JCK