The latest report from Retail Edge Consultants revealed that sales in May decreased by 3.1 per cent on a year-on-year comparison; however, they remained 1.4 per cent higher than 2024. The data is sourced from more than 400 independent jewellery stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Unit sales declined by 13 per cent on a year-on-year comparison and were 15 per cent lower on a two-year comparison. The average retail sale (inventory only) increased to $320, a rise of 13 per cent compared with May 2025 and 21 per cent higher than in 2024.
“May shows a modest step back in revenue performance, with softer category results offsetting the continued lift from stronger average sale values. The decline in unit volume accelerated during the month, reinforcing the established pattern of fewer purchases and more deliberate buying decisions,” explained general manager Leon van Megen.
“Higher basket values continued to support overall performance, although the uplift was insufficient to fully offset the impact of softer transaction volumes.”
In terms of specific categories, diamond jewellery sales declined by 7 per cent on a year-on-year comparison, with the report noting that these figures interrupted a period of recent stability in one of the market's most important value-driving categories.
Colour gemstone jewellery declined by 20 per cent on a year-on-year comparison; however, it remained higher (1.2 per cent) than in 2024. This category was described as broadly stable.
Precious metal jewellery without a diamond or colour gemstone increased by 1.6 per cent on a year-on-year comparison, while silver and alternative metals jewellery sales experienced a modest (0.3 per cent) decline.
“The category held its position during the month, demonstrating greater stability than many higher-value categories despite broader softness across the market,” van Megen added.
These figures follow a 5 per cent increase in sales in April, a 7 per cent rise in jewellery sales in March and February, and a 12 per cent improvement in January.
2026 Jewellery Retail Sales May 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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