Policies & IssuesOct 27, 2021
ARM Challenges Jewelry Designers to Launch Fairmined Gold CollectionsSurveysOct 29, 2021
WGC: US Gold Jewelry Demand Rose 12% in Q3
Demand hit 32 tons, the market’s highest third quarter total since 2009, according to the World Gold Council.
U.S. gold jewelry demand reached its highest Q3 level since 2009, according to the World Gold Council. Pictured here is Ray Griffiths’ Crownwork Butterfly ring in 18-karat gold ($2,985).
London—Gold jewelry demand continues to recover from pandemic-driven weakness, the World Gold Council said, with demand in the United States among the bright spots.
According to the WGC’s Gold Demand Trends report for the third quarter, economic recovery and improving consumer sentiment drove demand in Q3, continuing the uptick seen in the first half of the year.
WGC said global Q3 demand for gold jewelry was 33 percent higher year-over-year at 443 tons but 12 percent below the five-year average.
In the U.S., gold jewelry demand was up 12 percent year-over-year to 32 tons, the highest third-quarter total for the region since 2009.
The period’s performance, fueled by continued economic recovery and the country’s vaccination campaign, was even more impressive given the market had already started its recovery in Q3 of last year, WGC said.
Quarter-over-quarter, though, demand was down 16 percent on the back of a “very strong” Q2 2021 and the withdrawal of federal income support.
In China, meanwhile, gold jewelry demand reached 157 tons in Q3, which is 7 percent higher quarter-over-quarter and up 32 percent year-over-year. WGC said lower and more stable gold prices and “relatively healthy” growth of disposable income supported demand there.
But, even with the growth, the quarter was still 7 percent below the 10-year average from 2010 to 2019.
In India, Q3 gold jewelry demand was up by about 60 percent both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year due to strong pent-up demand, an uptick in economic activity, and lower gold prices, WGC said.
After having been locked down for most of the second quarter to combat a severe second wave of COVID-19, jewelry demand bounced back in Q3, with the vaccine rollout and an end to the monsoon season further boosting consumer sentiment.
The gold price averaged $1,789.50 per ounce in the third quarter, slightly lower than the Q2 average.
Overall, global demand for gold—for use in bars/coins and technology as well as jewelry—fell 7 percent year-over-year to 831 tons in the third quarter.
Year-to-date, it’s 9 percent lower than the comparable period last year.
Gold supply, meanwhile, was flat in the first nine months of the year.
Mine production has steadily increased through 2021, leading the year-to-date total up 5 percent, but recycling has slowed down significantly, decreasing by more than 12 percent over the same period last year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
