SurveysDec 30, 2021
Jewelry Sales Climb 32% Over the HolidaysSurveysFeb 01, 2022
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Sales to Hit Record High, Says NRF
Jewelry spending for the holiday is estimated to reach a record $6.2 billion.
A pair of Picchiotti heart earrings set with diamonds, pink sapphires, and rubies ($14,150). Shoppers are expected to spend a record amount on jewelry this Valentine’s Day, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Washington—The jewelry industry is expected to feel the love even more than usual this Valentine’s Day.
Jewelry spending for the holiday is estimated to reach a record $6.2 billion this year, up 50 percent from $4.1 billion in 2021, according to the annual survey released Monday by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
The prediction marks the highest so far in the survey’s history.
Nearly a quarter (22 percent) of respondents will gift jewelry to their special someone this year.
The NRF includes all jewelry sales, from fine to fashion jewelry, in its calculations, as per a spokesperson.
Overall Valentine’s Day spending is expected to reach $23.9 billion this year, up about 10 percent from $21.8 billion in 2021. That would be the second-highest year on record.
“Following the historic level of consumer spending over the winter holidays, it appears that the trend will continue into 2022,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a press release about the survey.
“Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for many Americans, even more so as we navigate out of the pandemic, and retailers are prepared to help them mark the holiday in a memorable and meaningful way.”
More than half (53 percent) of U.S. consumers will celebrate this year, up slightly from 52 percent last year.
Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $175.41 per person on gifts, up 6 percent from $164.76 in 2021.
Though friend-focused celebrations like Galentine’s Day have grown in popularity over the years, the increase in spending this year stems from gift-givers spending more on significant others or spouses, according to the survey.
The most popular gift for the holiday is candy (56 percent), followed by greeting cards (40 percent) and flowers (37 percent).
Nearly one-third (31 percent) of respondents will be celebrating with an evening out this year, up from 24 percent last year and just below pre-pandemic levels.
Those celebrating with a night out will spend an estimated $4.3 billion.
“While traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like candy and flowers seem to never go out of style, gift givers and recipients alike are more comfortable heading out for a special meal or participating in a new experience than they were a year ago,” said Prosper Insights Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist. “This is especially true among younger age groups.”
The demand for experience-based gifts, like tickets to a concert or sporting events, has returned to pre-pandemic levels, said the survey, with 41 percent of respondents saying they would like to receive an experience gift, up from 36 percent in 2021.
The most popular place to shop for a Valentine’s Day gift is online (41 percent) followed by department stores (32 percent), discount stores (28 percent), local small businesses (18 percent), and florists (17 percent).
The annual survey was conducted Jan. 3-11 and included 7,728 U.S. adult consumers.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
