Gold prices have been climbing fast, and people are starting to shop differently because of it. Jason Belchamber, owner of Belchamber Jewelers, says many customers are now “recycling or upcycling” their old gold jewelry. This means turning sentimental pieces, like wedding rings or family heirlooms, into new custom designs rather than just buying new gold. He notes that “more than a third of my clients will actually bring gold they want to reuse.”
Even with the price increases, Belchamber says demand for jewelry hasn’t dropped. Instead, people are adjusting their budgets and preferences, often choosing medium-sized pieces or opting for repairs. “When people want something, they will pay what they can,” he says, showing that jewelry continues to hold a special value beyond just its material cost.
The jewelry business also follows seasonal trends, with wedding seasons and the holidays driving higher demand for custom pieces, while repair work remains steady throughout the year. While gold prices remain unpredictable, the way people buy and cherish jewelry is evolving proving that even soaring costs won’t stop people from celebrating life’s special moments.
