SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsAug 06, 2019
US Gold Jewelry Demand Hits 10-Year High in H1
The second quarter also was the market’s 10th consecutive quarter of growth, the World Gold Council said.
In Q2, the U.S. market recorded its 10th consecutive quarter of growth in gold jewelry demand. Pictured here are a pair of gold and diamond earrings from Lalaounis.
London—Gold jewelry demand was up slightly in the second quarter, aided by the United States and Middle East while the June price increase curtailed demand elsewhere, the World Gold Council said.
According to its latest Gold Demand Trends report, the global appetite for gold jewelry reached 531.7 tons in Q2, a 2 percent year-over-year increase.
In the first half of the year, it totaled 1,061.9 tons, a four-year high and a 1 percent increase on last year’s 1,048.2 tons.
The U.S. recorded its 10th consecutive quarter of growth in gold jewelry demand in Q2, lifting first-half demand to a 10-year high of 53.4 tons.
The market recovered from the effect of the late 2018/early 2019 government shutdown, the World Gold Council said, and consumer confidence rose again in the first two months of the quarter before slipping in June as concerns grew over the country’s trade war with China.
In India, meanwhile, gold jewelry demand had its best quarter of year-over-year growth since Q2 2017. Demand was up 12 percent to 168.6 tons, compared with 149.9 tons in the same period in 2018.
WGC attributed the growth to two factors: a higher number of auspicious wedding days when compared with Q2 2018 (37 versus 21) and local gold prices decreasing from the levels seen in February and March.
China’s gold jewelry market, meanwhile, saw its third consecutive quarter of year-over-year decline.
Demand in the second quarter dropped 4 percent to 137.8 tons, which, when combined with Q1’s relatively soft number, resulted in a 3 percent decline in H1 demand to 321.4 tons.
In other Asian markets, Q2 brought a mixed bag.
Relatively weak economic growth, political instability and stricter controls on high-value transactions contributed to jewelry demand in Thailand declining 12 percent to just 2.2 tons, its lowest for almost six years.
Meanwhile, despite a sharp rise in gold price, consumers in Indonesia bought 11.8 tons of jewelry in the second quarter, its highest quarterly rate since Q1 2015.
Europe saw “marginal” losses in Q2, with demand declining to 14.3 tons.
Modest improvements in France and Germany failed to match losses in the U.K. and Italy as Brexit concerns in the former and a slumping consumer confidence in the latter dragged the markets down.
Middle Eastern demand grew “fractionally,” with several markets across the region improving. Egypt led the region with an 8 percent uptick, its sixth consecutive quarter of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
year-over-year growth amid continued improvement in its economy.
Overall demand for gold, for jewelry as well as other uses, totaled 1,123 tons in the second quarter, an 8 percent increase year-over-year.
Demand in the first half jumped to a three-year high of 2,181.7 tons, according to the World Gold Council, due largely to record-breaking central bank purchases.
Global mine production grew 2 percent year-over-year in Q2, reaching 882.6 tons. This is a record level of global output for a second quarter, WGC said, and follows a Q1 record of 847.5 tons.
Total H1 mine production now stands at 1,730.2 tons, 1 percent higher than the prior-year period.
Recycled gold supply totaled 314.6 tons in Q2, a 9 percent year-over-year increase; higher gold prices encouraged a “wave of selling,” according to the WGC.
In H1, recycled gold totaled 602 tons, 7 percent higher than the same period in 2018 and the highest first half since 2016.
Overall demand for gold, for jewelry as well as other uses, totaled 1,123 tons in the second quarter, an 8 percent increase year-over-year.
Demand in the first half jumped to a three-year high of 2,181.7 tons, according to the World Gold Council, due largely to record-breaking central bank purchases.
Global mine production grew 2 percent year-over-year in Q2, reaching 882.6 tons. This is a record level of global output for a second quarter, WGC said, and follows a Q1 record of 847.5 tons.
Total H1 mine production now stands at 1,730.2 tons, 1 percent higher than the prior-year period.
Recycled gold supply totaled 314.6 tons in Q2, a 9 percent year-over-year increase; higher gold prices encouraged a “wave of selling,” according to the WGC.
In H1, recycled gold totaled 602 tons, 7 percent higher than the same period in 2018 and the highest first half since 2016.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
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.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
