24+ Jewellery Industry Statistics for 2026: Market Size, Lab-Grown Diamonds and Trends

The global jewellery industry is experiencing a remarkable period of growth and transformation. In 2026, the global jewellery market is estimated at approximately $397.72 billion, with jewellery projected to record annual unit growth of 4.1% — four times the rate of clothing. The UK jewellery and watch market is worth approximately £6.41 billion and growing steadily. Lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the industry, with the segment valued at $33.54 billion in 2026 and growing at 13.42% CAGR. From ethical sourcing concerns to online customisation tools, the jewellery sector is evolving rapidly.

Below, we’ve compiled 24+ essential jewellery industry statistics for 2026, covering global market size, UK-specific data, lab-grown diamonds, consumer preferences, and digital trends.

Key Jewellery Industry Statistics 2026 (Editor’s Choice)

• The global jewellery market is estimated at $397.72 billion in 2026. (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)
• The UK jewellery and watch market is projected at £6.41 billion in 2025. (Mintel, 2025)
• Jewellery unit growth is projected at 4.1% annually through 2028, 4x the rate of clothing. (Business of Fashion, 2026)
• The lab-grown diamond market is valued at $33.54 billion in 2026 (13.42% CAGR). (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)
• Lab-grown diamonds cost 83% less than natural diamonds. (JCK Online, 2026)
• Rings are the largest segment at 38.08% revenue share. (Grand View Research, 2026)
• Gold jewellery accounts for 55.04% of market revenue. (Grand View Research, 2026)
• 78% of Americans consider ethical sourcing when buying jewellery. (UCFS, 2026)

Global Jewellery Market Statistics

1. The global jewellery market is estimated at $397.72 billion in 2026

Growing from $381.54 billion in 2025, the global jewellery market is estimated to reach $397.72 billion in 2026. The market is expected to continue expanding at a 5.41% CAGR through 2034.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

2. Jewellery unit growth is projected at 4.1% annually — 4x the rate of clothing

Between 2025 and 2028, jewellery is expected to record annual unit growth of 4.1%, significantly outpacing the clothing sector. This underscores jewellery’s growing importance within the broader fashion and luxury landscape.

Source: Business of Fashion / McKinsey, State of Fashion 2026

3. Gold jewellery accounts for 55.04% of market revenue

Gold remains the dominant material in the global jewellery market, accounting for more than half of all revenue. Gold’s enduring appeal as a symbol of wealth, cultural heritage, and investment value ensures its continued market leadership.

Source: Grand View Research, 2026

4. Rings are the largest product segment at 38.08% revenue share

Rings — encompassing engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion rings — represent the largest product category in jewellery, capturing 38.08% of total revenue. Engagement and bridal jewellery remain particularly significant market drivers.

Source: Grand View Research, 2026

5. 75% of consumers prefer creative or unique jewellery designs

Three-quarters of consumers express a preference for jewellery that is creative or unique rather than conventional. This trend has driven growth in bespoke, artisanal, and personalised jewellery, challenging the dominance of mass-produced designs.

Source: UCFS, 2026

UK Jewellery Market Statistics

6. The UK jewellery and watch market is projected at £6.41 billion

The UK jewellery and watch market is projected to grow by 3.6% in 2025 to reach £6.41 billion. The market is expected to continue growing at a 5.7% CAGR through 2033, reflecting strong consumer demand for both fine and fashion jewellery.

Source: Mintel / Grand View Research, 2026

7. UK jewellery market size was valued at $5.02 billion in 2024

The UK jewellery market (excluding watches) was valued at $5.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $11.88 billion by 2031, growing at a remarkable 13.1% CAGR. This strong growth trajectory reflects increasing consumer appetite for both luxury and accessible jewellery.

Source: Precision Business Insights, 2026

8. Online jewellery retail is growing significantly in the UK

E-commerce is becoming an increasingly important channel for jewellery sales in the UK, particularly for brands like Pandora, Astrid & Miyu, and Monica Vinader. Online configurators and virtual try-on tools are helping consumers feel confident purchasing jewellery digitally.

Source: Statista / Grand View Research, 2026

Lab-Grown Diamond Statistics

9. The lab-grown diamond market is valued at $33.54 billion in 2026

Lab-grown diamonds continue their dramatic market expansion, with the global market valued at $33.54 billion in 2026 (up from $29.46 billion in 2025). The segment is projected to reach $91.85 billion by 2034 at a 13.42% CAGR.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

10. Lab-grown diamonds cost 83% less than natural diamonds

One of the primary drivers of lab-grown diamond adoption is price: lab-grown stones currently cost approximately 83% less than their natural counterparts of equivalent quality. This price advantage makes diamond jewellery accessible to a much broader consumer base.

Source: JCK Online / Liori Diamonds, 2026

11. More than half of centre stones sold in 2024 were lab-grown

A watershed moment was reached when lab-grown diamonds surpassed 50% of centre stone sales. This milestone demonstrates that lab-grown diamonds have moved firmly into the mainstream, particularly for engagement rings and solitaire pieces.

Source: JCK Online / Rapaport, 2026

12. Lab-grown diamonds are expected to account for half of all diamond jewellery sales by 2030

Looking ahead, lab-grown diamonds are projected to represent 50% of all diamond jewellery unit sales by 2030. Growth is expected at 15–16% annually, driven by increasing adoption in India, China, and the US.

Source: Business of Fashion / McKinsey, 2026

13. Asia-Pacific dominates the lab-grown diamond market at 34.54% share

The Asia-Pacific region leads global lab-grown diamond consumption with a 34.54% market share in 2025. India is both a major producer and consumer of lab-grown diamonds, while China represents a rapidly growing market.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

Consumer Behaviour & Trends

14. 78% of Americans consider ethical sourcing when buying jewellery

Ethical considerations are now central to jewellery purchasing decisions. Nearly eight in ten American consumers factor in ethical sourcing when buying jewellery, driving demand for lab-grown diamonds, recycled metals, and transparent supply chains.

Source: UCFS, 2026

15. 75% of consumers always seek promotional financing for jewellery purchases

Jewellery’s higher price points make financing an important consideration. Three-quarters of consumers actively seek promotional financing options when making jewellery purchases, and nearly half would go elsewhere or not purchase at all if financing were unavailable.

Source: UCFS / JCK Online, 2026

16. Personalisation and customisation are key growth drivers

Online configurators that allow buyers to customise cut, clarity, setting, and engraving in real time are driving higher engagement and conversion rates. AR previews in virtual showrooms further enhance purchase confidence for online jewellery buyers.

Source: UCFS / JCK Online, 2026

17. Jewellery beyond bridal occasions is a major growth area

Self-purchase jewellery and gifting for non-traditional occasions are expanding the market beyond the traditional bridal and anniversary categories. “Everyday luxury” jewellery from brands like Pandora and Mejuri is particularly popular among younger consumers.

Source: Business of Fashion / McKinsey, 2026

18. Digital engagement tools are transforming jewellery retail

E-commerce brands are combining digital engagement tools with in-store experiences, offering virtual design consultations, AR try-on features, and personalised recommendations. These technologies enhance purchase confidence and drive higher average order values.

Source: UCFS / JCK Online, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The global jewellery market reaches $397.72 billion in 2026, growing at 4.1% annually — four times the rate of clothing.
• Lab-grown diamonds are transforming the industry, with a $33.54 billion market growing at 13.42% CAGR and costing 83% less than natural stones.
• The UK jewellery market is worth £6.41+ billion and growing at 5.7% CAGR, with strong performance across both fine and fashion segments.
• Gold remains king, accounting for 55% of all jewellery revenue, while rings capture 38% of the market.
• Ethics matter: 78% of consumers consider ethical sourcing, driving demand for lab-grown, recycled, and transparently sourced materials.
• Digital tools are reshaping the buying experience, with online configurators, AR try-on, and virtual consultations enhancing purchase confidence.
• Self-purchase and everyday luxury are key growth areas, expanding the market well beyond traditional bridal occasions.

All statistics sourced from: Fortune Business Insights, Grand View Research, Mintel, Precision Business Insights, Business Research Insights, Business of Fashion, McKinsey, JCK Online, Liori Diamonds, UCFS, Rapaport, CaratX, Statista, and Wahe Jewellery. Figures represent the latest available data as of early 2026.