Majors

U.S. Gold Jewelry Demand Down 6% in Q3

MajorsNov 09, 2022

U.S. Gold Jewelry Demand Down 6% in Q3

But it was still higher than the five-year average prior to the COVID pandemic, the World Gold Council said in a recent report.

20221109_Gold-Sydney-Evan.jpg
Though gold jewelry demand was down in the U.S. in Q3, it was still up compared to the Q3 average over the five years prior to the pandemic, the World Gold Council said. Pictured here is Sydney Evan’s 14-karat gold and diamond Small Fluted Tennis Bracelet ($7,740) from the designer’s new “Fluted” collection.
London—Gold jewelry purchases in the U.S. were down in Q3, according to the World Gold Council’s latest Gold Demand Trends report.

Demand continued to retreat from last year’s “very healthy COVID-rebound levels,” WGC said—at 30 tons, it was 6 percent lower year-over-year and 20 percent down from the previous quarter.

Spending on things like travel and entertainment has gone back to normal, and as such spending on luxury goods like gold jewelry has declined.

Still, the council noted that Q3 demand “compares relatively well” on a longer-term basis—the average Q3 demand for the five years prior to the pandemic was 27 tons.

Looking ahead, an increasingly challenging economic environment indicates Q4 demand won’t match last year’s very strong final quarter in the U.S., WGC predicted.

Gold jewelry demand on a global scale, meanwhile, recovered to pre-COVID levels, with Q3 demand benefitting from a decrease in gold price.

According to the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the per-ounce gold price was down 8 percent during the third quarter in response to the strength of the U.S. dollar as the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to combat inflation. 

On its website, LBMA noted gold started Q3 at $1,795.65 but by Sept. 30 had fallen nearly 7 percent to $1,671.75, falling to a low of $1,618.20 along the way on Sept. 28, a level it hadn’t been at since the COVID shutdowns in early 2020. 

Global gold jewelry consumption of 523 tons during Q3 was a 10 percent increase year-over-year and a 14 percent increase compared with the prior quarter. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Demand was also healthy when looking at a long-term comparison, with WGC noting global gold jewelry demand in Q3 exceeded its five-year quarterly average of 501 tons. 

Year-to-date demand on a global basis reached 1,454 tons, rising 2 percent over the same period in 2021, which the World Gold Council said in its report signals a “continued normalization of the market” to pre-COVID levels of activity, aided again by the lower gold price in many markets during the quarter. 

India led the recovery, with a 17 percent year-over-year growth in demand to 146 tons—its strongest Q3 since 2018, WGC said. 

Growth in China was more muted by comparison, increasing 5 percent year-over-year as its sporadic restrictions and lockdowns during the pandemic hampered consumer sentiment. 

European gold jewelry demand increased 4 percent year-over-year to reach its highest Q3 total since 2010, with demand supported by low unemployment and continued recovery of tourism, while double-digit gains in demand were “widespread” across the Middle East in Q3. 

Consumption was also up across Southeast Asia, in Japan, and in Australia, the last of which increased 71 percent year-over-year to 2 tons, though WGC noted that was being compared with a low base in Q3 2021, when there were still fairly severe COVID-19 restrictions in place. 

Meanwhile, the total global Q3 gold supply increased by 1 percent year-over-year as lower recycling offset production growth. 

Mine production during the quarter was up to almost 950 tons, just 1 percent below the strongest third quarter seen in 2018. 

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
LVAJWS24_carousel_images_1872x1052_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Kelly Yoch
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly Yoch

The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Interior of TAG Heuer Boutique on Carnival Cruise Ship
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at Sea

The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.

 Stock image of a gavel
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond Advertising

NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”

John Carter, 2024 Shipley Award winner
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is …

John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.

Visual from Tiffany & Co.’s With Love Since 1837 campaign
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%

LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.

Model Wearing Eat Cake Collection
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ Collection

It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.

Emily Highet Morgan, Emily Bennett
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 Directors

Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.

Stuller catalogs
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Catalog

Its updated book for mountings is also now available.

Headshot of Karen Rentmeesters
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDC

She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.

Joyce’s Jewelry
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move Forward

Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.

Alfred W. DeScenza
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95

He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.

Madeleine K. Albright
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to Auction

Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.

Audemars Piguet circa 1985 emerald car watch
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an Hour

The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.

AGS Conclave 2024 logo Austin
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024

From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.

My Next Question webinar
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About Insurance

From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.

Evil Eye Charm with Turquoise Disc
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone Charm

The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.

The Jewelry Symposium scholarship winners 2024
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship Winners

Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

AGTA logo
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFair

Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.

Steven Rosdal
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77

He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy