Demand for gold rose 4% to 831.7 metric tons in the first quarter of 2007, compared with the year-ago period, according to the World Gold Council's latest Gold Demand Trends report. Global use of gold for jewelry was particularly strong (up by 17%) and was influenced by robust economic conditions in key gold-buying markets and less volatile gold prices this year. The report adds that demand for gold jewelry “was particularly vibrant” in India, mainland China, the Middle East and Turkey. So, “with consumers now accustomed to gold bullion prices in the high $600s, jewelry demand should remain strong in the second quarter, provided there is no excessive price volatility,” the report forecasts. Gold has averaged $660/troy ounce this year through April.