Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
MajorsNov 07, 2018
Platinum, Gold Record Positive Quarters
U.S. demand for platinum jewelry grew 9 percent in Q2 while demand for gold jewelry rose 4 percent in Q3.
These “Paper Clip” earring from Mastoloni are 18-karat yellow gold with 0.11 carats of diamonds and a 6-6.5 mm freshwater pearl in the curve ($900 retail). U.S. sales of gold jewelry increased 4 percent in third quarter due in part to increased consumer confidence, WGC said.
New York—Strong consumer confidence in the United States helped boost jewelry sales in the second and third quarters, respectively.
In its jewelry business review for Q2, PGI said its trade partners in the United States reported a 9 percent increase in platinum demand (in terms of ounces) year-over-year, adding to the 12 percent jump recorded in the first quarter.
The only market to record a stronger second quarter than the U.S. was India, where demand for platinum jewelry (in ounce terms) grew 26 percent. In China, demand slipped 4 percent while it was essentially flat in Japan.
On the year, U.S. sales of platinum jewelry are expected to grow between 8 and 11 percent.
“Consumers felt confident to spend,” PGI noted in its Q2 report, “supported by a low unemployment rate, increasing salaries and a tax cut.”
In addition to promoting platinum for bridal through “Platinum Crowns,” PGI introduced a collection of lower-priced platinum jewelry aimed at women who buy jewelry for themselves.
Launched during the Las Vegas jewelry trade shows, “Platinum Born” was “well received” and is expected to continue to expand, PGI said.
Also aiding demand for platinum fashion jewelry is “Paper Flowers,” the line Tiffany & Co. rolled out in May featuring platinum pieces set with diamonds and colored gemstones.
Meanwhile, U.S. gold jewelry demand grew 4 percent to 28.3 tons in the third quarter.
Economic confidence remained high throughout the quarter, and consumers spent more of their discretionary income on gold jewelry, particularly “plain yellow gold pieces,” the World Gold Council said.
The WGC also noted that the strong quarterly performances of Signet Jewelers and Tiffany are indicative of a more optimistic outlook for the U.S. jewelry market overall.
Worldwide in the third quarter, gold jewelry demand was up 6 percent to 535.7 tons.
Consumers in China and India bought more gold jewelry, incentivized in part by the metal’s falling price in Q3.
According to Kitco, the gold price hit its lowest point of 2018 in August, dipping to $1,178 an ounce. And at no point in the third quarter did the gold price reach the cumulative average for the year, $1,274.27.
Sales fell in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Demand in Europe was
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
essentially flat, increasing just 1 percent year-over-year.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
