International News
Jewellery stands resilient amid U.S. retail slowdown
Despite tariffs, soaring gold prices, and shifting diamond dynamics, the U.S. fine jewelry sector enters 2026 with steady demand, strong holiday momentum and a leaner, more resilient base of retailers driving sustainable growth.
Fine jewelry stands resilient amid wavering consumer sentiment, projecting gains through 2025 despite recession fears. U.S. sales surpassed $100 billion in 2024 and rose 5% in the first ten months of 2025.​
Post-pandemic surges persist, with independents driving 13% year-over-year growth in October 2025. National chains like Signet dominate, but smaller players posted monthly gains except February.​
A 50% tariff on Indian imports pressures margins, already thin in diamond processing, though retailers hold near 50% levels. Gold at $4,100/oz has not deterred luxury buyers viewing it as a value store.​
Store counts fell 13% since 2020 to 16,873 in Q2 2025, consolidating a resilient core. Holiday momentum signals sustained elevated sales into 2026, despite tariffs and lab-grown shifts.​
The industry may be generating healthy revenue, but fewer firms are carrying the load. For many insiders, this thinning of the competitive field is not necessarily negative; it leaves a more resilient core of operators capable of investing in security, staffing, and modern retail practices.
As jewelers head into the holiday season, the sector is closing 2025 on firmer footing than expected. Tariffs, gold prices and the ongoing reshaping of the diamond landscape—particularly the role of lab-grown stones—will dominate the conversation early in 2026. Yet overall sentiment remains cautiously optimistic: sales appear sustainable at the elevated levels established over the past five years, even if fewer jewelers stand ready to benefit from them.
International News
Precious Metals at the Crossroads – Geopolitics, Inflation, and Key Technical Levels AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
Crisis Disrupting Energy Supplies, Pushing Inflation Risks Higher, Increasing The Probability Of Central Bank Interest Rate Hikes
Safe-Haven Dynamics – Gold and Silver prices are consolidating as investors assess the possibility of U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks and the uncertain future of the current ceasefire. Both nations are scheduled for peace negotiations in Islamabad this week. However, the ceasefire came under threat on Monday following the seizure of a cargo vessel, raising doubts about whether talks will proceed as planned.
- Geopolitical Developments– The ongoing Middle East conflict has caused a significant disruption to energy supplies, pushing inflation risks higher and increasing the probability of central bank interest rate hikes — both of which create headwinds for gold prices. Adding to the uncertainty, President Donald Trump indicated he will not extend the truce if no agreement is reached before its deadline, and has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until a deal is finalized.
- Macro-economic Signals – Markets are closely watching for clarity on whether the Islamabad talks will proceed, and if so, whether they result in a ceasefire extension or a broader peace agreement. Gold’s price direction will continue to be driven by Middle East outcomes and their downstream effects on energy costs and inflation expectations.
Technical Triggers
- Gold is trading in the range of $4750 (~ Rs 152,500) and $4850 (~Rs 155,000) from past few days. Either side breakout or breakdown will give 3-4% directional move.
- Silver is trading in the range of $78 (~ Rs 248,000) and $81 (~Rs 257,000) from past few days. Either side breakout or breakdown from this band will give 3-4% price swing.
Support and Resistance
| International Gold Support Level International Gold Resistance Level Domestic Gold Support Level Domestic Gold Resistance Level | : $4600/oz : $5000/oz : Rs 153,000/10 gm : Rs 160,000/10 gm |
| International Silver Support Level International Silver Resistance Level Domestic Silver Support Level Domestic Silver Resistance Level | : $75/oz : $82/oz : Rs 235,000/kg : Rs 260,000/kg  |
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