Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
MajorsAug 04, 2017
US Gold Jewelry Demand Up 4% in Q2
Global demand also was up on the back of a 41 percent increase in India.
Demand for gold jewelry in the U.S. was up 4 percent in the second quarter. Pictured here is Gurhan’s “Pointelle” cuff with scattered diamonds set in 22-karat yellow gold ($14,500).
London--Gold jewelry demand was on the rise in the second quarter of 2017, posting increases in both the U.S. market and worldwide.
In its latest Gold Demand Trends Report, the World Gold Council said Q2 demand in the United States rose 4 percent to 26.9 tons in the second quarter, falling just under the five-year quarterly average of 28.9 tons.
Demand in the first half of the year also rose 4 percent to reach 49.9 tons, due to improving consumer sentiment, the WGC said. This marks the highest first-half total since 2009.
The average gold price was $1,256.60 per ounce in the second quarter, about flat when compared with the same period last year.
Global demand for gold jewelry was up as well in Q2, rising 8 percent year-over-year to 480.8 tons, though this is compared to a very weak Q2 2016, the WGC said. It also remained well below the five-year quarterly average of 586.2 tons.
India drove global Q2 jewelry demand growth almost singlehandedly, the WGC said, with demand there rising from 89.8 tons last year to 126.7 tons this year.
This strong recovery was expected after exceptional import figures were reported and hit an all-time high in May as the market stockpiled gold ahead of the June Goods and Services Tax rate announcement.
Second quarter demand in Europe was weak, falling 4 percent.
Demand was particularly weak in the U.K., where uncertainty over Brexit deterred consumers from spending money. Q2 jewelry demand there was down 3 percent, hitting a three-year low of 3.8 tons.
Italian demand stablished at 4 tons, and the market is expected to manage some growth in the second half of 2017.
In China, jewelry demand weakened again but the pace of the decrease slowed. Demand decreased 5 percent year-over-year to 137.7 tons, the lowest second quarter for the country in five years. In the market, younger consumers are pulling away from the 24-karat gold tradition and pieces with lower gold content are being produced to fill that void.
In the Middle East, regional jewelry demand was flat but, on a country-by-country basis, there were marked differences, the WGC said.
In Egypt, demand was down 20 percent to hit a new low at 4.7 tons, while demand in Iran was up 15 percent to 10.2 tons. A dip in the local price of the metal in Turkey, meanwhile, triggered a
20 percent year-over-year increase in demand.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
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.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
