CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
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,
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
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
