AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
MajorsFeb 05, 2021
US Gold Jewelry Demand ‘Relatively Resilient’ in Q4
Pent-up demand and money diverted from travel and dining out helped boost demand for gold jewelry at the end of 2020.
The “Shadow of the Dome” ring by jewelry designer Valerie Jo Coulson is made in 18-karat gold with a 14-karat yellow gold band. Demand for gold jewelry was relatively resilient in the U.S. last year, especially in the fourth quarter.
London—Demand for gold jewelry proved to be relatively resilient in the United States last year, particularly toward the end of the year.
According to the World Gold Council’s recently released Gold Demand Trends report for the fourth quarter and full-year 2020, demand for gold jewelry in volume terms was down just 1 percent year-over-year in Q4.
In value terms, demand hit a quarterly record of $2.9 billion due to high gold prices.
The gold price topped $2,000 an ounce in August and finished the year with a cumulative average of $1,769.64. Early into 2021, the gold price remains high, hovering around $1,800 per ounce as of press time.
WGC described Q4 U.S. demand as “relatively robust,” noting that the fourth quarter benefited from pent-up demand from previous quarters.
In addition, money that’s usually spent on travel and dining out, which are severely limited by the ongoing pandemic, was diverted to gold jewelry, which remains on-trend for fashion pieces as well as in bridal.
RELATED CONTENT: Watch Our Webinar on Fine Jewelry Trends in 2021
For the full year, the council said its data shows gold jewelry demand in the U.S. was down 10 percent, driven by the impact COVID-19 had on consumer income and sentiment.
(WGC noted that U.S. demand figures could be subject to “greater-than-normal revisions” going forward, due to varying levels of uncertainty in the data due to COVID-19 disruptions.)
Data from The Edge Retail Academy shows that the number of units of gold jewelry sold dropped 7 percent year-over-year in 2020, though gross sales were up 2 percent and the average amount of each sale rose 10 percent.
According to the World Gold Council’s recently released Gold Demand Trends report for the fourth quarter and full-year 2020, demand for gold jewelry in volume terms was down just 1 percent year-over-year in Q4.
In value terms, demand hit a quarterly record of $2.9 billion due to high gold prices.
The gold price topped $2,000 an ounce in August and finished the year with a cumulative average of $1,769.64. Early into 2021, the gold price remains high, hovering around $1,800 per ounce as of press time.
WGC described Q4 U.S. demand as “relatively robust,” noting that the fourth quarter benefited from pent-up demand from previous quarters.
In addition, money that’s usually spent on travel and dining out, which are severely limited by the ongoing pandemic, was diverted to gold jewelry, which remains on-trend for fashion pieces as well as in bridal.
RELATED CONTENT: Watch Our Webinar on Fine Jewelry Trends in 2021
For the full year, the council said its data shows gold jewelry demand in the U.S. was down 10 percent, driven by the impact COVID-19 had on consumer income and sentiment.
(WGC noted that U.S. demand figures could be subject to “greater-than-normal revisions” going forward, due to varying levels of uncertainty in the data due to COVID-19 disruptions.)
Data from The Edge Retail Academy shows that the number of units of gold jewelry sold dropped 7 percent year-over-year in 2020, though gross sales were up 2 percent and the average amount of each sale rose 10 percent.
Globally, gold jewelry demand was down 13 percent in the fourth quarter and 34 percent on the year.
All markets posted steeper declines than the U.S.
Precipitous drops in demand in India and China, the two largest consumers of gold in the world, were the main drivers behind the decline.
The World Gold Council said demand in India fell 42 percent year-over-year in 2020, and was down
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
34 percent in Mainland China.
In Europe, gold jewelry demand fell 21 percent and it was down about 30 percent in the Middle East and Turkey.
Overall global gold demand, including use of the metal for technology and as an investment vehicle, dropped 28 percent in the fourth quarter, the weakest quarter since 2008, when the world was the midst of the global financial crisis.
For the full year, demand was down 14 percent to 3,759.6 tons, marking an 11-year low.
Total annual gold supply fell 4 percent year-over-year to 4,633 tons, the biggest drop since 2013.
The World Gold Council said the coronavirus-related disruption to mine production—which was seen in the diamond industry as well—is largely to blame, though it was offset somewhat by a marginal increase in recycling to 1,297.4 tons.
In Europe, gold jewelry demand fell 21 percent and it was down about 30 percent in the Middle East and Turkey.
Overall global gold demand, including use of the metal for technology and as an investment vehicle, dropped 28 percent in the fourth quarter, the weakest quarter since 2008, when the world was the midst of the global financial crisis.
For the full year, demand was down 14 percent to 3,759.6 tons, marking an 11-year low.
Total annual gold supply fell 4 percent year-over-year to 4,633 tons, the biggest drop since 2013.
The World Gold Council said the coronavirus-related disruption to mine production—which was seen in the diamond industry as well—is largely to blame, though it was offset somewhat by a marginal increase in recycling to 1,297.4 tons.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
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.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
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.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
