Japanese Shoppers Fuel Record Luxury Jewelry Sales Amid Inflation Concerns

Japanese consumers are driving up luxury jewelry sales to a record as they seek a safe haven from inflation and the weakening yen.

Sales of gems, precious metals, and artwork at Japan's department stores climbed 19% in the first half of 2026 from a year earlier to ¥330 billion ($2 billion), according to data from the Japan Department Stores Association.

This marks the highest sales for the period since records began in 2008.