TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
SurveysApr 20, 2015
PGI says platinum sales up for second year in a row
Lower retail price points, more marketing and commodity prices nearing parity were all factors in the metal’s success in the U.S. market.
New York--Platinum jewelry sales in the United States rose for the second consecutive year and the trend is expected to continue in 2015, according to the results of a recent survey by the Platinum Guild International.
Sales of platinum jewelry increased about 8 percent in volume terms in 2014, following an 11 percent year-over-year increase in 2013.
Still, the PGI said the increase is “set in the context of a somewhat disappointing performance of the fine jewelry market in general,” noting that while platinum units did grow 5 percent, value increased by about 2 percent, “below initial expectations of mid-single digit growth.”
Unit sales increased as a result of “heavy discounting by retailers,” the organization said.
The PGI also outlined the following factors as contributing to the 2014 platinum sales results.
--New platinum jewelry introduced at lower retail price points. This complements a broad trend that has characterized jewelry demand for the past three years, the PGI said: Shoppers want to buy jewelry, but they’re shopping for goods at lower price points. With platinum prices roughly on par with gold, consumers are opting for this metal for jewelry, rather than traditional karat gold or plated gold jewelry.
--Increased platinum marketing efforts. The PGI and specialty jewelers have implemented marketing campaigns aimed at increasing platinum jewelry sales.
--Millennial consumers are seeking unique jewelry. Unlike baby boomers, who wanted the same things their neighbors owned, millennials want something different and unique. The PGI said since the metal isn’t mainstream in the U.S. yet, it’s viewed by this generation as different from what their friends or parents own.
--Diamond engagement ring demand strengthening. More couples are returning to the tradition of purchasing a diamond engagement ring, and are more likely to opt for a center diamond surrounded by other precious gemstones and set in platinum.
--Platinum and gold commodity prices continue to be near parity. In 2014, the average price for platinum was $1,386 per ounce, compared to gold’s $1,266 per ounce. With commodity prices near parity, platinum jewelry can be purchased for nearly the same price as similar white gold jewelry.
Based on the results of the survey, the PGI said it expects the platinum jewelry market to see sales gains climb 6 percent in units/volume in 2015.
“Demand for platinum jewelry is expected to remain robust, growing more rapidly than the projected growth rate of total jewelry
demand,” the organization said, aided by the same factors that boosted demand last year.
PGI’s Retail Barometer Study was conducted globally by independent platinum market experts and industry analysts, covering more than 400 jewelry retail companies with nearly 40,000 retail outlets in China, India, Japan and the United States. Research was conducted between January and February 2015.
More on Surveys
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum 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).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
