AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
SurveysApr 11, 2016
Platinum, Silver Both See Strong Growth in 2015
According to two recent surveys, platinum jewelry sales rose 10 percent and silver sales were up 15 percent last year, with both expected to continue their climb in 2016.
Both platinum and silver sales were up last year, with analysts and retailers predicting their strong performances would continue in 2016. Pictured here is a floral sterling silver bracelet with diamond accents from Ariva ($800).
New York--Last year proved to be a positive one for platinum and silver jewelry, with surveys on both reporting strong retail sales growth and increased demand.
According to the Platinum Guild International’s annual Retail Barometer study, which is conducted by independent platinum market experts and industry analysts, platinum jewelry sales rose 10 percent (in ounces) in the United States when compared with 2014.
It marked the third consecutive year platinum sales have increased in the U.S., following an 8 percent increase in 2014 and an 11 percent increase in 2013, PGI said.
There were a number of factors contributing to the growth of platinum last year.
The lower price of platinum and its relationship to the price of gold stimulated growth. The average price of platinum, at $1,053 per ounce, was 10 percent lower than the average price of gold, which was $1,160, closing the gap between gold and platinum finished jewelry pieces at retail.
The metal prices situation also encouraged both manufacturers and retailers to increase their platinum offerings both online and in store, including an increased visibility of platinum pieces at major chains, where just a few years ago platinum was “practically non-existent,” PGI said. Now, there are more than 300 major jewelry chain stores that offer platinum in their bridal jewelry selection.
Finished platinum jewelry imports also were up by approximately 50 percent in 2015, indicating a consistent increase in demand for platinum at retail across multiple distribution channels.
PGI said that sales of platinum jewelry in the U.S. market are expected to grow between 5 and 7 percent in unit/volume terms in 2016. Demand for platinum jewelry is expected to remain “robust,” growing more than projected growth rate of overall jewelry demand.
RELATED CONTENT: Gold, Platinum and Silver Price Predictions for 2016
Meanwhile, silver sales in the United States also were strong in 2015, with average silver jewelry sales growth of 15 percent, according to a survey conducted by Jewelers of America and National Jeweler on behalf of the Silver Institute’s Silver Promotion Service.
The survey also showed that 60 percent of jewelry retailers reported increased silver sales last year. As a percentage of their overall jewelry sales, silver pieces made up, on average, 35 percent of their unit volume and 27 percent of their dollar volume.
Forty-five percent of retailers surveyed also said that silver saw the best turnover rate in 2015,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
with another 22 percent saying diamond jewelry had the best turnover, 17 percent said bridal and 4 percent said gold and platinum.
Silver’s strong performance last year can be attributed to a number of factors, including the fact that more than half of retailers said they had increased their silver inventory an average of 21 percent.
Most retailers surveyed, 87 percent, indicated that they feel the silver surge will continue.
Silver’s strong performance last year can be attributed to a number of factors, including the fact that more than half of retailers said they had increased their silver inventory an average of 21 percent.
Most retailers surveyed, 87 percent, indicated that they feel the silver surge will continue.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6MThe 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionThe company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote SpeakerBeau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101KA pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade SummitThe event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ CharmThe charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
