International News
Kering Invests in China’s Gold Jewelry Surge as Laopu’s Explosive Growth Reshapes Market
Heritage-gold brands Borland and Lamchiu secure major funding amid soaring demand, fueled by Laopu’s meteoric rise and China’s booming 24-karat segment.
A wave of investor interest is sweeping through China’s gold jewelry sector as the rapid rise of Laopu Gold Co. galvanizes confidence in the country’s high-end heritage gold market. The latest beneficiary is Borland, a Hangzhou-based jeweler known for its traditional filigree craftsmanship, which this week announced more than 100 million yuan ($14 million) in new funding.
The investment round includes contributions from Kering Ventures, the startup arm of luxury group Kering SA, and Shunwei Capital, co-founded by Xiaomi chairman Lei Jun. Kering noted that its minority stake enables participation in the “rapid development of a particularly buoyant 24-karat gold jewelry segment,” reflecting growing appetite for culturally rooted premium gold pieces.
Meanwhile, Dayone Capital has made a separate investment exceeding 100 million yuan in Lamchiu, a Lanzhou-based maker of handcrafted bespoke gold jewelry. The firm will support Lamchiu in expanding distribution and reinforcing the brand’s supply-chain capabilities.
The surge of capital follows the remarkable ascent of Laopu, which has become one of China’s breakout jewelry success stories. The company reported 12.4 billion yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025 — a year-on-year increase of over 250%, building on 168% growth from the previous year. Laopu’s momentum has outpaced Western luxury houses struggling with softer China demand.
Heritage gold jewelry — deeply rooted in Chinese aesthetics and traditional techniques like filigree — is attracting a new generation of luxury consumers. Brands like Laopu, which operate in top-tier malls, increasingly compete with global maisons such as Hermès and Cartier for clientele.
Despite strong digital followings, newer brands still face distribution gaps. Borland operates only three mall stores, while Lamchiu, despite amassing more than 1 million followers on Douyin, runs just one physical outlet in Lanzhou. Both companies plan to use their fresh funding to accelerate expansion and strengthen operational infrastructure.
The latest investments signal rising confidence that China’s heritage-gold renaissance is evolving from a trend into a long-term luxury category shaping the future of the jewellery market.
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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