“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
Silver demand increases in first half of 2015
Demand for silver in jewelry and industrial applications is up, and GFMS Thompson Reuters predicts that globally silver jewelry will increase 5 percent this year.
Washington, D.C.--There was an increase in demand for silver in the jewelry and industrial applications fields in the first half of the year, the Silver Institute said in a report released last week.
Imports of silver jewelry into the United States, the world’s largest importer of silver jewelry, rose 11 percent through the end of May, with the Silver Institute noting that consumer desire for silver jewelry has “increased significantly” so far this year.
GFMS Thompson Reuters estimates that globally silver jewelry will grow 5 percent in 2015.
In addition, the gold/silver ratio, a measure of the metals’ relative prices calculated by dividing the price of an ounce of gold by the corresponding price of silver, has averaged 58 since 2000. The ratio averaged 73 in the first half of the year, “indicating that silver is underpriced relative to gold,” the Silver Institute said, which “gives way to increased potential buying in the silver market.”
On the supply side, the silver market is expected to be in a deficit of 57.7 million ounces in 2015, as supply contracts and physical demand grows. This would mark the third consecutive year that the market is in a physical deficit.
Investment-wise, demand for silver has been sturdy in the first half of the year in what has been a “challenging precious metals investment market,” as global silver exchange traded fund holdings increased by more than 4.7 million ounces, “indicating that these investors likely have a more positive long-term view of the silver price,” the Silver Institute said.
Declining in the first half of the year were global bullion coin sales, which dropped 6 percent year-over-year to $43.6 million ounces. The U.S. Mint, faced with a significant spike in investor interest, suspended sales of its silver bullion coins from July 7 to 27 (resuming on an allocated basis) after exhausting its inventory. Still, first half 2015 global bullion coin sales were the fifth highest on record.
In related news the Silver Promotion Service, created by the Silver Institute to enhance the image of and stimulate demand for silver jewelry, recently announced a new marketing initiative, “Silver Style Partners,” an addition to its Savor Silver program. The intent of the new category is to enable the SPS to include jewelry made with silver as well as gemstones and other materials to its Savor Silver program.
“The addition of a Silver Style
“A number of silver jewelry companies have approached the SPS in the past regarding participation in the (Savor Silver) program, but were excluded because of ‘visual criteria.’ The SPS plans to initiate outreach to this category of manufacturers in the coming weeks, with the goal of incorporating the new brands into Savor Silver in September.”
The Latest

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.


Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.