GE- Jewellery

Gold Jewellery Introduction

From the first discoveries of gold along the rivers of Africa, Asia and South America, the sheer ease with which the metal could be worked inspired craftsmen to shape it for adornment. The history of gold jewellery goes back at least 5,000-6,000 years. Bracelets, chains and earrings of great sophistication and elegance were worn by both men and women of the Sumer civilization around 3,000 BC.

• Today, gold jewellery is the foremost end use for gold, with over 3,000 tonnes (96.6 million oz) required for fabrication each year.
• India is the leading country for jewellery manufacture at around 650 tonnes (21 m oz) annually, followed by Italy at 480 tonnes (15.4 m oz) and the United States and China, both approximately 160 tonnes (5.2 m oz).
• India is also the leading consumer of gold jewellery at around 615 tonnes (19.8 m oz), followed by the United States at just over 380 tonnes (12.2 m oz), China at around 180 tonnes (5.9m oz) and Saudi Arabia at just over 150 tonnes (4.9 m oz).