How Much Do Americans Spend on Jewelry? ItaliaChains Finds Out (And It’s Shinier Than You Think)

💎 Americans Spend $477 a Year on Jewelry… and It’s Not Just for Special Occasions Anymore

In July 2025, ItaliaChains conducted an internal survey of over 5,000 verified customers to understand modern jewelry spending habits. The result?

🧾 The average spend per person on jewelry in 2025 was $477/year.

That’s not pocket change, and it tells us something important: Americans aren’t waiting for a birthday or anniversary anymore. They’re buying jewelry for themselves—because they want to look good.

But how does this number compare to national data? In 2021, according to Edahn Golan Diamond Research & Data, American households spent $647 on jewelry, which translated to $359.41 per adult. That was already a noticeable increase compared to the 2010s, when gifting jewelry (especially from a partner) was the primary driver.

So, what’s behind the rise from $359 in 2021 to $477 in 2025? Is it just inflation? Is Gen Z collecting Cuban links like Pokémon cards? Let’s break it down.

💰 Why Jewelry Costs (and Spending) Are Rising: It’s the Metals, Baby

Precious Metal Prices: Then vs. Now

If you’ve noticed your favorite silver rope chain or gold vermeil ring costing a bit more in 2025, it’s not a conspiracy—it’s market economics. As global demand for real precious metals grows, so do the costs of raw materials.

Silver—especially 925 sterling silver—has seen a strong bump, thanks to both fashion and industrial demand (looking at you, electric vehicles).
Gold remains a safe-haven asset, and as inflation worries continue, gold prices are climbing even faster.

So naturally, the cost to make real jewelry has gone up—and if you're still wearing the same chain since 2019, congrats: it's probably gone up in value.

🛍️ Who Took the Survey? People Who Actually Know Their Jewelry

Unlike broad consumer studies that mix in folks who impulse-buy costume jewelry at the mall, our survey targeted ItaliaChains customers—and these aren’t your average shoppers.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• They buy real 925 sterling silver, not plated brass or stainless steel.

• They know vermeil from electroplating (and why one lasts longer).

• They’ve probably Googled “does moissanite pass a diamond tester?” at least once.

• They’ve read reviews, compared carat weights, and yes, they actually care if their chain turns green in 3 months.

In other words, our respondents have taste—and they’re not fooled by cheap markups and influencer hype.

That’s why we feel confident in saying that the $477/year average is a more accurate reflection of what real jewelry lovers spend—especially those who want long-lasting, real-metal pieces rather than disposable fashion accessories.

👀 Would This Number Be Different with Other Brands? Oh, Absolutely.

Let’s be honest: if a company like GLD, Jaxxon, Luke Zion Jewelry, or Jacoje ran the same survey, the numbers might be very different. Why? Because not all jewelry is created equal.

Quick comparison:

So yes—Jacoje buyers may spend more than $477/year (and get heirloom pieces), while GLD buyers might drop $200 on 6 plated chains that fade faster than your summer tan.

But ItaliaChains buyers? They’re looking for value + authenticity. Not the cheapest, not the flashiest—just real Italian-made jewelry that holds up.

🧠 Jewelry Is No Longer Just a Luxury—It’s Identity

What this all really says is: jewelry is no longer an occasional splurge. It’s part of our style, our identity, and yes, sometimes our therapy.

• Buying a silver figaro chain after a tough week? Valid.

• Gifting yourself a moissanite ring because you crushed your goals? Encouraged.

• Rocking a Miami Cuban to feel more confident at work? Do it.

And this trend is backed by data: self-purchasing is now one of the biggest growth drivers in the jewelry market, according to several major industry reports.

It’s not about impressing others anymore. It’s about feeling good and looking how you want to look—even if that means layering three chains over your hoodie while you check emails in a coffee shop.

🔗 For Jewelry Bloggers, Podcasters, and Style Influencers: Go Ahead, Quote This

If you're a content creator or blogger in the jewelry space, you're welcome to cite this survey and blog. Here’s a pre-packaged pull-quote for you:

“In 2025, ItaliaChains found that their average customer spends $477/year on jewelry—up from $359 in 2021—driven by rising precious metal costs and a shift toward self-purchased, high-quality silver and gold jewelry.”

Cite ItaliaChains as your source. We love backlinks more than we love polishing rope chains (and that’s saying something).

💬 Final Thoughts (And One Last Joke)

If you’re spending $477 a year on jewelry, you’re not “wasting money.” You’re investing in your appearance, your confidence, and your vibe.

And let’s be honest…
You’ll forget the $14 you spent on lunch last week.
But that 7mm diamond-cut rope chain? You’ll wear it for years.

If you’re new to the world of real silver and gold, don’t worry—ItaliaChains has entry-level pieces that won’t destroy your budget. And if you're already spending $477 a year? You might as well make sure it’s on something that’s actually real.

About ItaliaChains
ItaliaChains is a leading direct-to-consumer jewelry company specializing in Italian-made 925 sterling silver and gold vermeil chains, rings, and pendants. We cut out the middlemen to bring our customers real luxury at real prices.