Luxury watchmaking and motorsports have been a perfect match for decades, but TAG Heuer is shifting things into high gear. As the official timekeeper of Formula 1 once again, the Swiss brand is embracing speed, precision, and adrenaline. Their 10-year, $1 billion partnership is already making waves—store traffic is up, and they’ve leapfrogged Rolex and Omega in social engagement.
Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, sported a TAG Heuer at the kickoff of F1’s 75th anniversary season, cementing the brand’s deep-rooted love affair with racing. TAG Heuer is proving that a well-timed partnership and compelling storytelling can still drive success in an industry facing economic turbulence.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in jewelry—it’s an expectation. The new CIBJO ESG Measurement Guidelines highlight 14 key themes that matter, from climate action to responsible sourcing. Today’s consumers want beauty in their jewelry, but they also want ethics and accountability.
CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, is leading the industry in shaping its sustainability efforts. Its guidelines provide a clear roadmap for brands, suppliers, and retailers to track their impact. Companies are encouraged to measure carbon footprints, ethical labor practices, and energy efficiency because a commitment to sustainability isn’t just good PR; it’s good business.
Responsible sourcing is another primary focus. Customers increasingly want to know where their gold and gemstones come from and that they were mined and crafted under ethical conditions.
With more brands embracing recycled metals, traceable gems, and fair-trade materials, the jewelry industry is redefining what “precious” really means.
From fair wages to better representation in leadership roles, the jewelry industry is beginning to understand that sustainability is more than the planet; it’s also about people.
The rewards for brands that do this right are clear. Consumers are looking for jewelry that tells a story—not just of craftsmanship and beauty but also of responsibility and progress.
The 14 key elements from the CIBJO ESG Measurement Guidelines are structured around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) themes. They are:
- Take Climate Action
- Energy Efficiency
- Biodiversity Impact
- Resource Use
- Climate Resilience
- Social Responsibility
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Customer Transparency
- Welfare & Human Rights
- Ethics & Transparency
- Responsible Sourcing
- Climate Leadership
- Innovation & Collaboration
- Measurement & Reporting
These themes provide a structured framework for measuring ESG performance in the jewelry industry and supply chain.
China’s luxury market is evolving rapidly, and younger consumers are leading the charge. Enter Guzi (谷子| gǔzi), a cultural phenomenon blending nostalgia, craftsmanship, and personal expression. What started as a craze for anime-inspired trinkets has grown into a $23 billion market, with projections soaring to $42 billion by 2029. And now, Guzi is making its mark in gold jewelry.
Gold is no longer just a symbol of wealth in China—it’s a statement. Younger buyers are embracing zodiac-inspired charms, intricate figurines, and wearable pieces that merge tradition with a more modern design. The ancient practice of zhuazhou (抓周), where a baby’s first birthday items predict their future, is experiencing a revival, with parents gifting symbolic gold tokens that hold both sentimental and cultural significance.
At the heart of this movement is craftsmanship.
And thanks to advances in goldsmithing, designers are creating intricate, hollowed-out patterns and avant-garde shapes that were once impossible. Established Chinese brands like Chow Tai Fook and heritage institutions like the Palace Museum are capitalizing on this trend, crafting collectible jewelry that blends heritage with a more contemporary style.
For young collectors, Guzi isn’t only about acquiring jewelry.
They want to tell their story and showcase their identity while connecting with a like-minded community. As this trend grows, we expect more luxury brands to tap into collectible gold pieces’ emotional and cultural power.
The U.S. luxury market has been a stronghold for European brands, but new tariffs proposed by President Trump could shake things up. LVMH, Kering, and other luxury giants are weighing their options. Can they pass on higher costs to consumers, or is there a limit to what shoppers will pay?
Some brands, like Hermès and Gucci, say they’ll adjust prices if necessary. But after years of aggressive price hikes, analysts warn that another jump could alienate aspirational buyers. Chanel’s classic flap bag has more than tripled in price since 2010, and while ultra-high-net-worth customers may not blink, mid-tier luxury shoppers could push back.
The stakes are high for luxury jewelry brands. Many rely on European craftsmanship and materials, and tariffs could squeeze margins. What is the challenge? Balancing exclusivity and pricing while keeping customers engaged in a shifting economic landscape.
As China’s demand cools, brands are banking on American shoppers. But with inflation concerns and shifting consumer sentiment, the road ahead for luxury isn’t as smooth as it once was.
Dutch jewelry designer Bibi van der Velden is marking two decades of creative brilliance with a new alligator-themed collection. She is known for her whimsical (and, oh, how I love the whimsical designs!) nature-inspired designs, and her latest pieces capture the spirit of resilience, adaptability, and untamed beauty.
The collection, which launches on February 27, showcases intricate gold and gemstone alligators, each a testament to high craftsmanship and artistic storytelling. In a market where luxury is increasingly about meaning and identity, Bibi’s work stands out as jewelry and wearable art.
As the jewelry industry navigates shifting values, economic changes, and digital revolutions, the brands that thrive will embrace heritage, sustainability, and creativity in equal measure.
From the racetrack to the jewelry box, from collectible treasures to responsible sourcing, the future of luxury is being shaped by those who dare to innovate while honoring tradition.
Sources Consulted:
- Business of Fashion – TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 Partnership (Robin Swithinbank)
- CIBJO Report – ESG Measurement Guidelines for the Jewelry Industry (January 2025)
- Jing Daily – China’s Youth Trends & Guzi Collectibles Market Analysis
- Reuters – Trump’s Tariff Plans & Their Impact on Luxury Pricing
- Bibi van der Velden – Official Press Release & Collection Announcement
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