The Chinese market for platinum jewellery remains strong despite higher prices, according to a new survey by Reuters.

The survey of 14 analysts, conducted in January, focused on future prospects for the industry and claims that demand for the precious metal is continuing to grow in China.

John Reade of UBS Investment Bank, told Reuters: "Platinum has been much more resilient than we expected.

"We have indications that Chinese demand for platinum is recovering despite prices being stable."

Platinum is used for a number of purposes including jewellery and in cars to help clean auto exhaust fumes.

However, some have argued that the more the price of platinum stays up the more countries will be encouraged to make jewellery from other metals.

Johnson Matthey is set to release its annual industry report today, which analysts hope will help to shed some light on the platinum sector and its prospects.

The majority of analysts polled by Reuters said they expect platinum production to become more balanced in the future or even return to a slight surplus situation.