The number of active US jewelry companies continued to shrink in the third quarter, but at a slower pace than a year ago, according to the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT).The US jewelry industry continued its structural consolidation through Q3, though the pace of business closures showed signs of stabilizing compared to the previous year. Data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) reflects ongoing consolidation across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, coupled with heightened credit volatility.

Key Data & Metrics

Nationwide, the active business footprint stands at 21,831 companies, reflecting a 1.4% year-over-year decline. During Q3, business closures dropped to 116 compared to 126 in the prior year’s third quarter, driven by 88 general operational cessations, 28 acquisitions or mergers, and zero bankruptcies. Meanwhile, new market entrants also slowed, with 67 new business openings recorded in Q3 down from 89 during the same period last year.

Sector-by-Sector Breakdown

Credit & Financial Health Trends

The JBT report highlights dynamic shifts in creditworthiness across US and Canadian businesses, signaling bifurcated financial health:

• Credit Downgrades: Jumped sharply to 1,655 (up from 620 in Q3 of the prior year).
• Credit Upgrades: Rose significantly to 1,480 (up from 551 in Q3 of the prior year).

While net business closures are tapering off, high numbers of simultaneous upgrades and downgrades point to a split market where resilient operators are strengthening their positions while vulnerable businesses face tighter financial pressures.