Core Viewpoint - The rise of "Pain Gold," which integrates anime and other IP cultural elements into gold jewelry, reflects a new growth curve for gold as a traditional asset, appealing particularly to younger consumers who seek emotional value in their purchases [1][8]. Group 1: Consumer Trends - The ownership rate of gold jewelry among the 18 to 24 age group has reached 62%, doubling from 37% in 2019, indicating that younger consumers are becoming a significant market for "Pain Gold" [3][12]. - The core consumer group for "Pain Gold" is concentrated between the ages of 18 and 35, characterized by a strong interest in subculture and higher disposable income [12][21]. - The emotional economy is driving consumer preferences towards products that provide emotional resonance and psychological comfort, leading to a shift from traditional functional value to emotional value [12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The price of gold has increased significantly, with international gold prices rising over 40% since 2025, while domestic prices have increased by about 35% [7][19]. - Despite the rising gold prices benefiting upstream mining companies, downstream traditional gold jewelry brands are struggling, with some reporting revenue declines of up to 43.92% [19][20]. - "Pain Gold" has emerged as a bridge between young consumers' emotional needs and their financial capabilities, showcasing a shift in gold jewelry branding towards more innovative and culturally relevant products [7][20]. Group 3: Product Characteristics - "Pain Gold" products often adopt a fixed price model, which can significantly exceed the price per gram of traditional gold jewelry, with some items priced as high as 2,600 yuan per gram [15]. - The demand for "Pain Gold" is driven by its unique cultural and emotional appeal, with many consumers willing to pay a premium for limited edition items [21]. - Brands are exploring new product forms and cultural values in gold jewelry, moving away from traditional designs to attract younger consumers [22]. Group 4: Consumer Behavior and Risks - Consumers often participate in "Pain Gold groups," which are typically organized by fans and may lack proper authorization, leading to potential risks such as quality issues and consumer rights challenges [15][17]. - The process of purchasing from "Pain Gold groups" involves prepayment and limited return options, increasing the risk for consumers [16][17]. - Despite the risks, many consumers express satisfaction with their purchases, indicating a strong market interest in "Pain Gold" [16].

Core Insights - The rise of "pain gold" (痛金), a type of gold jewelry infused with anime and IP culture, reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards emotional and personalized products, particularly among younger demographics [3][9][17] - The demand for "pain gold" is driven by the growing popularity of the two-dimensional (二次元) culture in China, with the market for related products projected to reach 597.7 billion yuan by 2024 [3][9] - Despite the soaring gold prices, traditional gold jewelry brands are struggling, while "pain gold" has emerged as a successful niche, bridging the gap between emotional value and investment [4][15][17] Demand Side - The consumer base for "pain gold" is primarily aged 18 to 35, characterized by a strong interest in two-dimensional culture and higher disposable income [9][17] - Emotional consumption is on the rise, with consumers increasingly seeking products that provide psychological comfort and self-identity, rather than just practical utility [9][15] - The popularity of "pain gold" has led to a surge in social media sharing among consumers, creating a community around these products [6][8] Supply Side - The gold jewelry market has seen a significant price increase, with domestic gold prices rising from approximately 850 yuan per gram at the beginning of the year to nearly 1100 yuan per gram [3][4] - While upstream gold mining companies have benefited from rising prices, downstream traditional gold brands are facing severe challenges, with some reporting revenue declines of over 40% [4][13] - Brands are increasingly focusing on innovative designs and cultural themes to attract younger consumers, as traditional gold products struggle to resonate with this demographic [15][17] Market Trends - The "pain gold" market is not a fleeting trend; it is expected to grow as brands explore higher cultural value and innovative business models [17] - Collaborations between gold brands and popular IPs have proven successful, with products selling out quickly and generating significant revenue [16][17] - The market for smaller, more affordable gold products is emerging as a response to changing consumer preferences, with brands introducing items that blend cultural significance with investment potential [16][17]