IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
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
essentially flat, increasing just 1 percent year-over-year.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
