The UFBJOP (Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie et Orfèvrerie, des Pierres & des Perles – French Union of Jewelry, Goldsmithing, Gemstones & Pearls) is hosting the CIBJO Centenary Congress, organized in Paris from October 27 to 29, 2025. This international recognition offers the French Union a unique opportunity to reaffirm France’s central role in the global jewelry industry, while highlighting a booming sector.
At the request of the UFBJOP, OpinionWay conducted a survey on how the French perceive the jewelry sector.
France has been shaping and passing down the art of jewelry for several centuries. From the monarchs of the Renaissance to the rise of the great Maisons on Place Vendôme in the 19th century, French creation and craftsmanship have distinguished themselves through their mastery of savoir-faire and the impact of a style admired around the world. Jewely is thriving within the major luxury groups, posting positive growth, unlike other divisions, which are currently facing more difficult times. Jewelry and goldsmithing production increased by 11% in the first half of 2025 compared with 2024, while French manufacturing has tripled over the last decade, reaching €5.727 billion. With 90% of sales coming from exports, France has confirmed its strong presence in the global market.
French jewelry is also a genuine employment driver, with 20,000 professionals and an exceptional 90% employability rate.
France, a key player in a transforming jewelry industry
The UFBJOP/OpinionWay survey results are in: France is recognized for the creativity and savoir-faire of its jewelry Maisons and workshops.
- 58% of French people believe that France is the cradle of world jewelry.
- 63% associate French jewelry creation with outstanding artisanal know-how.
- 75% primarily cite the major luxury Maisons (Place Vendôme).
- 25% mention young designers and new brands.
These results mirror the market reality. The French jewelry industry today has major strengths to support sustained growth, boosted by global demand rising by 20% per year over the next three years. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, according to recent reports (McKinsey & Company, Grand View Research, Market Research Intellect and Fortune Business Insights).
The future of jewelry also depends on trust
A piece of jewelry has become a symbol of trust, more than simply an object of beauty. Customers expect jewelry creations to combine emotion, integrity, aesthetics and transparency, a sentiment confirmed by respondents:
- 85% implicitly trust the sector to guarantee the traceability and ethical standards of its creations.
- 47% believe the top priority should be transparency regarding the origin of materials.
- 25% rank working conditions as the second most important concern.
- 1 in 4 young people want to reduce the environmental impact of production.
These findings validate the UFBJOP’s strategic direction as a pioneer in implementing certification systems (‘Joaillerie de France’ label, Responsible Jewellery Council, Watch &
Jewellery Initiative 2030), and launching a CSR Impact program to help workshops transition toward more sustainable social and environmental practices.
Training suffers from low visibility
Despite being available throughout France, training opportunities in the sector remain relatively under the radar.
- Only 10% of respondents said there are many training opportunities.
- 29% believe training programs are rare or poorly known.
- 28% think there are a few, geographically limited options.
It is worth noting that more than one-third were unable to answer, highlighting a communication gap around training in the field. Yet this is a high-demand sector with significant needs from decision-makers, and an employability rate of 90%, as previously touched on.
A balance between tradition and innovation
French jewelry combines the emotional intelligence of ancient craftsmanship with the boldness of contemporary innovation.
- 50% think the industry will remain primarily artisanal and traditional.
- 36% foresee a future balancing savoir-faire and digital technologies.
- 44% believe AI will not have a significant impact on the sector.
Computer-aided design, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, the use of recycled metals, and lab-grown stones are all gradually reshaping the face of the jewelry industry. While professions are evolving, they are still largely perceived as traditional. It is true that brands rarely communicate about their use of new technologies in a sector still heavily valued for its handmade, artisanal nature.
About the UFBJOP
Heir to the historic Guild of Goldsmiths, the Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres & des Perles (French Union of Jewelry, Goldsmithing, Gemstones & Pearls – UFBJOP) is the only professional organization uniting all players in the industry. It operates across all aspects of the profession through a well-balanced and successful combination of a professional union, training center – with a school established in 1864 to train future jewelry artisans – gem expertise center and a platform promoting French excellence.
The UFBJOP works to guide the industry toward the future. International competition, new technologies, maintaining a competitive edge, organizational changes, and structural economic shifts are all challenges to be met through new collective projects. In this spirit, the UFBJOP – a unique platform where all the sector’s challenges intersect – is fully committed to promoting and advancing the profession. More info at: Union BJOP
*Survey methodology
Survey conducted by OpinionWay for the UFBJOP with a sample of 1,013 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was interviewed via a self-administered online questionnaire from September 12 to 16, 2025.
Image : CARTIER-Collection-Nature-Sauvage-©Cartier
See the full survey HERE