Core Viewpoint - The rising price of gold jewelry, exceeding 1,000 yuan per gram, is driven by the asset's value retention and appreciation attributes, market supply-demand imbalance, and changing consumer perceptions [1][3]. Group 1: Value Retention and Appreciation - Increased global economic uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts, such as tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, have heightened the recognition of gold as a safe-haven asset [3]. - The expectation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the decline in dollar asset yields have further enhanced gold's appeal as an investment option [3]. Group 2: Supply-Demand Imbalance - Central banks worldwide are increasing their gold reserves, with a projected total of 4,974 tons in 2024, and China has been adding to its reserves for 20 consecutive months [3]. - Retail investor enthusiasm for gold has surged, with bank gold accumulation applications increasing by 80% and gold ETFs experiencing their highest net inflow in three years [3]. - Upstream refining companies are facing pressure from rising raw material costs, contributing to a persistent supply-demand imbalance in the market [3]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Perceptions - Young consumers are becoming the main force in the gold market, viewing gold as both a fashionable consumer product and an investment [3]. - Innovative designs and collaborations in gold jewelry cater to the aesthetic and personalized needs of younger buyers, encouraging them to pay higher prices [3]. - Many young consumers perceive purchasing gold as a more reliable form of savings compared to traditional bank deposits, leading to continued buying even as prices rise [3]. Group 4: Psychological Factors - The news of record-high gold prices has generated widespread attention, prompting some consumers to follow market trends out of fear of missing out on potential gains [3]. - This herd mentality and concern over missing investment opportunities have contributed to increased sales of gold jewelry during price hikes [3].