7 April 2009: Road ahead looks bleak for the jewellery trade Shoppers are planning to spend much less on jewellery over the coming months according to the findings of the Thompson Jewellery survey conducted throughout February - and they are planning to spend money on themselves rather than others. More than three quarters of those who completed the survey in February stated that they were less likely to buy jewellery than in the same period last year with more than half much less likely to buy. What's more potential buyers are planning to spend less on individual items of jewellery over the next 6 months than last year. Gemstone earrings stood out as the most likely purchase of those surveyed with 44% of respondents saying that this is what they were most likely to buy. Christmas remains a strong seasonal factor for purchases but the survey suggest that birthdays are more important than is generally recognised. Sixty per cent of those who completed the survey said that they bought jewellery 'most of the time (20%)' or 'quite regularly (40%)' at Christmas. Sixty per cent of those who completed the survey said that they bought jewellery 'most of the time (10%)' or 'quite regularly (50%)' for Birthdays. Thirty per cent of those who completed the survey said that they would buy jewellery quite regularly when there was no special occasion. Twenty per cent of those who completed the survey said that they bought jewellery quite regularly at Valentine's day. Twenty per cent of those who completed the survey said that they bought jewellery quite regularly at Mother's day Weddings, Wedding anniversary and Father's day didn't feature prominently. So Christmas continues to stand out as the main jewellery purchasing time of the year but the survey suggests that birthdays might well be more important than many people generally realise. What comes through strongly is the number purchasing jewellery for themselves. While sixty per cent indicated that they would buy jewellery for themselves only 20% indicated that they might be buying jewellery for their husband or wife, respectively. The survey does seem to suggests that jewellery purchasers aren't waiting around to be bought jewellery by someone else! Almost half of all respondents were much less likely to buy jewellery than during the same period last year showing just how much the pinch is going to be felt by those in the industry. Two-thirds of potential jewellery purchasers are planning to spend less. Thompson Jewellery Partner Saengduean Thompson said: "Our customers tell us that they are worried about their futures and their finances. It is clearly going to be tough for the smaller specialist jewellery retailers over the coming months." Notes to editors Contacts: Saengduean Thompson, Partner. email: info@thompsonjewellery.co.uk The Thompson Jewellery online trends survey was conducted throughout February 2009 and closed 2 March 2009. The survey was open to visitors to the Thompson Jewellery website www.ThompsonJewellery.co.uk and past purchasers. Detail of responses: 1. Compared with the same time last year are you more or less likely to buy jewellery during the course of the next 6 months? Much more likely 0.00%; More likely 11.10%; No change 11.10%; Less likely 22.20%; Much less likely 55.60%. 2. Compared with your spending the same time last year do you plan to spend more or less on individual pieces of jewellery over the next 6 months? Much more 0.00%; More 0.00%: About the same 33.30%: Less 22.20%; Much less 44.40%. 3 December 2006: Thompson Jewellery website relaunch The Thompson Jewellery website relaunch went live 3 December 2006. The partnership sells hand-made cut stone necklaces, earrings and bracelets as well as 22 carat gold and silver. Also available are Khon masks from Thailand. Saengduean Thompson said "Many people think that personally designed jewellery is completely out of their price range. However, that need not be the case. I'm looking forward to being able to make individual pieces for clients at realistic prices." Andrew Thompson commented " A real surprise has been the interest in the Khon masks from Thailand which we are able to deliver. The larger ones are commission only but our customers say that it is worth the wait!"