jewelry

Spending on jewelry accounts for a sales spike at the end of the holiday shopping season.

New figures show healthy sales growth last month, with shoppers starting to buy clothes, jewelry and even cars.

Holiday shoppers bought a little more jewelry, electronics and boots but passed by the women's clothing racks, according to figures released Wednesday.

How is the increase in gold prices — which has accelerated in recent weeks — likely to affect jewelry shoppers?

What about people who invest in gold, or the economy as a whole?

Consumers are spending less on jewelry, and the industry is feeling the pinch.