The latest report from Retail Edge Consultants revealed that sales in January increased by 12 per cent on a year-on-year comparison and 16 per cent when compared with 2024. The data is sourced from more than 400 independent jewellery stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Unit sales declined by 1.6 per cent on a year-on-year comparison, while the average retail sale (inventory only) increased to $271, rising by 11 per cent by the same comparison. Retail Edge Consultants general manager Leon van Megen said consumer activity continues to stabilise, with purchasing behaviour favouring deliberate and higher-value transactions.
“January delivered a solid start to the year, reflecting continued strength in transaction value rather than a recovery in overall purchase volume,” he explained.
“While volumes remained below prior years, the rate of decline continued to ease, indicating a stabilising pattern in purchasing behaviour following the Christmas period.
“Higher basket values remained the primary contributor to revenue growth, reinforcing the ongoing shift toward fewer but higher-value purchases.”
Diamond jewellery sales improve by 13 per cent on a year-on-year comparison and 11 per cent when compared with 2024.
“The category saw a strong rebound after a softer January last year, suggesting renewed confidence in higher-value diamond purchases early in the year,” van Megen added.
Sales of colour gemstone jewellery spiked by 81 per cent when compared with January 2024, with the analysis noting strong interest in expressive and design-led pieces.
Looking elsewhere, sales of silver and alternative metals jewellery improved by 15 per cent on a year-on-year comparison. Sales of jewellery without a diamond or colour gemstone improved by 31 per cent.
2026 Jewellery Retail Sales January Results
Charts published with permission courtesy of Retail Edge
The charts below are based on data collected via Retail Edge POS software
at more than 400 independent Australian jewellery stores.
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