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
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
