Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
Platinum sales growth to remain steady in 2014
U.S. retail sales of platinum jewelry were up 11 percent in 2013 and are expected to grow another 11 percent this year, the Platinum Guild International said.
New York--U.S. retail sales of platinum jewelry were up 11 percent in 2013 and are expected to grow another 11 percent this year, the Platinum Guild International said.
PGI released the results of its first "Retail Barometer" of platinum jewelry markets recently, which “captures sales from retailers to consumers” to provide a specific viewpoint on the platinum jewelry market.
The barometer is based on two proprietary surveys and third-party feedback from more than 300 retailers representing all distribution channels, PGI said.
Factors that contributed to growth in platinum sales in 2013 included greater availability of lower-priced “entry” platinum jewelry, such as semi-mount engagement rings between $1,345 and $2,500. This put the metal within reach of a broader market, PGI said.
In addition, the average price difference between platinum and gold narrowed to just 5 percent in 2013. A survey by global research agency Millward Brown reported that 77 percent of respondents say that platinum is "worth its cost, or more.”
Millward Brown also reported that a survey of bridal consumers revealed that platinum indexes at 169 for “feels different from others or sets trends for the category,” ahead of other precious metals--white gold indexed at 98 and yellow gold at 82.
The PGI said the outlook for platinum jewelry in the U.S. market remains optimistic, with the metal's sales expected to grow another 11 percent this year.
According to the Retail Barometer, retail demand for platinum jewelry is forecast to grow in four of the world's biggest jewelry markets in 2014: China, India, Japan and the U.S. These markets accounted for 92 percent of global demand in 2013.
China’s platinum market is expected to grow by 5 percent in 2014 (saw 3 percent growth in 2013); India, 35 percent (41 percent growth in 2013); and Japan, 1 percent (3.5 percent growth in 2013).
"Clearly the outlook for the platinum jewelry market is very positive with all four key markets expected to grow further in 2014," said PGI CEO James Courage. "Platinum jewelry sales represent a more significant proportion of platinum demand than is commonly understood."
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.























