Jewellery sector forecast to reach £5.9bn in sales in 2019

The jewellery and watch industry is anticipated to rise to £5.9bn in 2019, according to new research from Mintel.

According to Mintel’s upcoming Jewellery and Watches Retailing UK 2019 report, demand for jewellery and watches in the UK has remained “robust”, with sales reaching £5.7bn in 2018, up 2.9% from 2017. The market is expected to show even stronger growth in 2019, rising an estimated 3.5% to £5.9bn.

Mintel’s report also demonstrates that sustainability and ethics are “top of mind” for 55% of UK jewellery buyers who say it’s important for them that the jewellery and watches they purchase are made ethically.

Chana Baram, retail analyst at Mintel, said: “While many UK high-street fashion retailers are facing very public struggles, demand for jewellery and watches in the UK has remained robust and is expected to show even stronger growth in 2019.

“Demand for high jewellery has been a driver of this growth, as customers have moved away from cheaper branded jewellery and are looking for keepsakes and investment pieces.”

Simon Forrester, chief executive at the National Association of Jewellers, said: “We are pleased to see that Mintel’s data shows growth, but also important we understand exactly where that growth is given continuing tough trading conditions, particularly on the high street.

“As the industry association for the UK jewellery trade, we’re determined to increase opportunities for more people to buy more jewellery, more often, whether a small treat or a long-term investment piece. As a collective, the more informed we are about who is buying and why, means we can all work together to inspire and educate returning customers as well as attract new ones.”