The Gold Standard at Marchesa Jewelry
Gold is Good! It is the King of Glamour and has always been the standard in jewelry making. Now, more than ever, we see the power of gold as a symbol of richness in life. In jewelry, gold will always be a classic, warm and beautiful choice.
When the price of gold reached its all-time high in October 2025 at $4,358 per ounce, it shook up the jewelry world. However, in a family jewelry business, we have seen such jumps before. For some background, gold was at $35 per ounce in 1970—yes, I said $35. During that decade, the economy was undergoing upheavals over gas, war and politics. By the end of 1979, gold rose as high as $417 per ounce and then hit an all-time high of $668 during the Iran–Contra affair in early 1980. It settled back into the $300–$400 range for the next two decades. We didn’t see another surge until the 2000s, and it has never looked back.
I remember hearing my parents and my sister talk across the counter to clients in the store: “As gold goes up in price, so does the love of wearing it.” When Marchesa Jewelry opened in Pebble Beach in the 1980s, every wedding band and engagement ring was in yellow gold. Since the price of gold jumped so much in the 80s, it makes sense that clients would want to wear it.
In the 1990s, as fashion trends favored estate jewelry from the turn of the century, the scene shifted. The look became all about white gold and platinum, especially here in the United States
Other countries have always believed that yellow gold is king. Currently, one of my favorite designers we carry is Damaso Martiniz from Spain. For them, yellow gold has always been favored in Europe; and in America, it has become incredibly popular over the past five years. Rose gold is now more popular in Europe as yellow gold surges in the US. Fashion jewelry has definitely shifted toward yellow gold. Whether it’s delicate diamonds dangling from a thin yellow gold chain or a chunky gold bangle on the wrist, there’s been an ongoing love affair with gold. And now it has once again become the standard in wedding jewelry. We’re now seeing requests to return engagement rings and wedding bands to yellow gold. Preferably, the warmer 18kt.
Heavy, intricate Italian gold, like our Marchisio 1859 line, is also in high demand. These pieces are handcrafted, setting a standard from another era. Marchisio is known for handmaking the wire used to create the gold ropes woven into the patterns, rather than producing a molded look, typically from Asia. Upon examination, tiny strands of solid 18kt gold are woven together to resemble rope. The many hours of craftsmanship involved in creating such beauty add to its allure.
Additionally, the ancient Etruscan designs, recreated by designers like Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, and Mazza, have never gone out of style. I don’t believe fashion dictates the price of gold, but I do think the price of gold reflects our perception of its value. We will continue to share our love of gold jewelry and its varied history with our clients. There will be more to this story as it unfolds over time. But gold jewelry will remain a classic.
Please stop by Marchesa Jewelry in Pebble Beach to view our wide array of unique gold jewelry, as well as a selection of other luxury pieces.
