Why This Holiday Season Could Be the Best Time to Buy Gold Jewelry — and How to Shop Smart
The Gem Lab — Creators of Fine Jewelry
(Rochester, NY)
As we step into the holiday season, one thing is clear: gold is not just a pretty metal. It’s a market signal. With the price of gold climbing to new highs, now’s a unique moment for jewelry buyers—and especially for those looking for meaningful pieces, heirlooms, or gifts that will last a lifetime. At The Gem Lab, we’re proud to offer an advantage that many jewelers cannot: inventory purchased and created when gold was significantly lower. That means you can still access exquisite jewelry at “yesterday’s prices,” making this year’s gifting smarter, more meaningful, and more valuable. Paul Cassarino explained “The price of gold has been skyrocketing in recent months…so, please, when you’re shopping for jewelry, take a look at what’s in the case already for some terrific deals. Ordering something at today’s gold pries will cost thousands of dollars more.”
A Brief History of Gold Prices
Gold has long held a special place in civilizations — from currency to luxury adornment. Over time, its value has shifted dramatically:
- For decades under the gold standard, the U.S. government fixed gold at about US $20.67 per ounce in 1834, where it remained until the 1930s.
- By the late 1970s and 1980s, once the dollar was decoupled from gold, the price surged.
- In recent years, the price of gold has soared above US $4,000 per troy ounce for the first time in history.
- Many analysts see that gold is likely to remain under strong upward pressure because of inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and currency pressures.
This has very real implications for fine jewelry. As the raw cost of gold rises, the cost to produce new pieces increases—and that cost gets passed to you, the buyer.
Why Gold Jewelry Prices Are Rising — and What It Means for You
There are several contributing factors to rising gold and jewelry prices:
- Raw gold cost – As the base metal rises, so does the cost of manufacturing gold jewelry.
- Jewelry market trends – The global jewelry market is booming. For example: the global jewelry industry was estimated at roughly USD $366.79 billion in 2024, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.3% through 2033.
- Holiday demand + gifting culture – The holiday season always ramps up demand for fine jewelry. Pieces that combine craftsmanship, gold, and gemstones become even more desirable.
Because of these dynamics, new jewelry—especially gold pieces—are being priced with future cost in mind. That’s one reason why inventory that was made when gold was lower is now a genuinely special opportunity.
The Opportunity at The Gem Lab: Why Shopping Our Cases Right Now Is the Smart Move
Here’s where we can deliver value for you:
- We have inventory that was bought or manufactured when gold prices were significantly lower. That means we did not raise those prices even though raw materials have since climbed.
- Now that gold has crossed four-thousand dollars per ounce, any new jewelry we’d order or create will reflect that higher cost. So, the pieces already in the case represent exceptional value.
- This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about gifting something meaningful: a piece that can be worn now, cherished for decades, and passed down.
In short: this moment is a window of opportunity. Once those pre-spike cases empty, any newly ordered gold jewelry will carry the higher cost. So if you’ve been waiting for the right time—this could be it.
What to Look For and Gift Ideas
Here are some of the types of pieces you’ll find in our showroom right now—and what makes them stand out:
- Solid gold bracelets or bangles made when gold was ~$1,800-$2,000 per ounce. That means their cost base is lower than newly made pieces.
- Diamond accent rings in high-karat gold (14K/18K) that combine precious metal with timeless design—great for milestone gifts.
- Gemstone-rich necklaces or earrings (sapphires, opals, garnets) set in gold created when the metal cost was lower.
- Estate jewelry—inherited, curated pieces that already contain one owner’s story, meaning you’re gaining not just gold, but legacy.
We encourage you to stop by our showroom, browse the case , and ask for pieces that reflect this value-opportunity. If something sparks your interest, now is the time, because the next wave of gold pricing is built into what we’d have to do if we ordered new.
Holiday Shopping Tips & Things to Ask
- Ask your jeweler when the piece was acquired or made,
and whether pricing reflects older gold costs or current metal costs.
- Choose pieces with high gold content (18K or 14K) and quality stones—value here lasts decades.
- Think of the piece not just as a gift—but as an heirloom. These are the items people keep, pass down, remember.
- Check inventory now. Once cases are emptied and replaced with new stock, pricing will likely reflect higher metal cost.
- Follow us on social @TheGemLabNY for updates, short reels showing new case pieces, and exclusive insights.
Final Thoughts: Why This Year’s Gift Could Be Your Best Yet
In a season where many gifts will be tech gadgets, short-term trinkets, or trend-heavy accessories, fine gold jewelry stands apart. It combines beauty, meaning, value, and durability. Given that raw gold cost is higher than ever, and given we’re offering pieces made before the spike, the timing is special.
But time matters. Once the current inventory moves, any new orders will include higher material cost—and those savings may vanish. So if you’ve had jewelry on your wish list, now’s the time to act.
We invite you to stop by The Gem Lab, explore our “Shop the Case” selections, ask honest questions about pricing, and claim something that’s not only beautiful—but smart.
From our family to yours: happy holiday shopping, happy gifting, and here’s to giving something truly timeless.
Visit us in-store at The Gem Lab, Rochester, NY, or call/text to schedule a private browsing session. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook at @TheGemLabNY for behind-the-scenes, new arrivals, and case specials.
