Leading US jewellery retailers have announced mixed results for the crucial Christmas period.

While the Signet Group and Mayor's Jewelers recorded an increase in sales, Whitehall Jewellers experienced a decline over the festive season, JCK reports.

Mayor's Jewelers based in Florida recorded the best results, with sales for November and December up 14 per cent on the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the Signet Group said like for like sales over the holiday season increased by 3.7 per cent compared to last year.

Terry Burman, chief executive of Signet, the world's largest speciality retailer, which operates under the H. Samuel, Ernest Jones, and Leslie Davis brands in the UK, explained the group achieved this without resorting to discounting tactics.

"The group did not participate in the higher level of discounting that was generally evident on both sides of the Atlantic and gross margin was broadly maintained during the period," he stated.

However, sales at fine jewellers Whitehall declined by nine per cent for the November and December holiday period to $110.8 million.

The holiday period is seen as a crucial time for the jewellery industry, with precious metal pieces typically snapped up as expensive gifts.