Chinese jewellery maker Fuqi International revealed that its sales increased by 145 per cent during the fourth fiscal quarter to January 2009.

The company, which manufactures pieces made from platinum, gold, karat gold, diamonds and various other precious metals, attributed the rise to its wholesale business.

"We believe the long-term outlook for our wholesale and retail jewellery market in China remains positive," Chief Executive Yu Kwai Chong said in a statement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSBNG47340020090331

Tiffany has confirmed that its global net sales declined by 20 per cent in the same fourth fiscal quarter, with a decrease of 30 per cent recorded in the Americas.

However, the company also revealed that sales of charm jewellery were strong, leading to the introduction of its new Tiffany Keys collection, a group of platinum and diamond, gold and silver pendants.

http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=32189

Writing on Luxist.com, Annie Scott describes the new collection - which comes with Celtic-themed designs and matching chains - as "more magical than practical".

"The elegant, beautiful designs could capture any heart and a simple engraving could add timeless meaning and individuality to one of these key pendants," she states.

http://www.luxist.com/2009/04/09/tiffany-keys/

Independent jewellers saw sales increase by nearly ten per cent during the first quarter of 2009 despite the ongoing effects of the recession, according to a new poll.

Meanwhile, another survey conducted by Rubinstein Keightley found that consumers are split down the middle over whether to buy bespoke jewellery or head to a high-street chain.

Peter Rubinstein, founder of the company - which manufactures handmade rings and one-off designs featuring 18-carat gold and platinum - welcomed the news.

"The high street multiples have had it easy for many years, but as consumers tighten their belts it seems they are exploring more avenues in the quest to get their ideal piece of jewellery," he said.

http://www.pitchengine.com/rubinsteinkeightley/-independent-jewellers-see-10-increase-in-sales/9120/

New research has suggested that men tend to favour platinum bridal jewellery for its naturally white colour, ability to hold a diamond securely, strength and durability.

The study was conducted by Platinum Guild International USA (PGI USA), which interviewed pre-engaged, engaged and married men between the ages of 24 and 53.

"It came as no surprise that our research revealed men were more likely to purchase platinum bridal jewellery after learning about its rarity," said PGI USA President Huw Daniel.

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3i415aa88a9b3254d982ee1551adc5564a

A jewellery company from Santander in Colombia will design and manufacture the official ring for the next football World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

The ring, which will come in platinum, gold and silver-gold versions, is set to retail for between $1,000 and $24,000.

http://www.semana.com/noticias-headlines/colombian-jewelers-to-make-2010-world-cup-official-ring/123167.aspx

Bold, chunky pieces of jewellery are set to be in vogue this season for females in corporate jobs, according to a new report on Forbes.com.

The news provider cites the example of Lisa Ellis, a former Executive Vice-President at Sony Music Label Group, who counts a large platinum and diamond ring as part of her business attire.

"It's the jewellery that actually makes the look," said fashion stylist Jesse Garza.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/24/fashion-accessories-designer-forbes-woman-style-jewelry.html

A premier Bond Street jeweller is claiming to have the world's most valuable diamond on a per-carat basis, Reuters reports.

Alisa Moussaieff explained that the 5.11-carat 'Moussaieff Red' - set with white diamonds in a platinum ring and worth $20 million - is the largest red diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.

"There has been no other red diamond of this size on the market. It is definitely the largest red," she told the news provider.

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLR75510920090427?sp=true

In Japan, platinum jewellery imports declined by 31 per cent to $35.9 million in March and by 26 per cent to $89.7 million for the year to date.

The figures, based on data from the Customs Bureau of the Finance Ministry, were published by The JClub.

http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=26206

French jewellery designer Philippe Tournaire will launch a number of architectural-themed ring collections at the Couture show in the US between 28th May and 2nd June.

The collections, including 'Villa de Reve', 'Metropolis' and 'Marelie Baroque', are handmade from 18-carat gold, platinum and other precious metals.

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3i5b8b0ca04d790c48ae373b2e5cbe0f24

Jennifer Hudson has bought her fiance David Otunga a handmade 'architectural and geometric' platinum and diamond ring - five months after he originally proposed to her.

The ring was personally designed by Neil Lane, who noted that it is "masculine, yet has a lot of sparkle", People.com reports.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20277668,00.html

Meanwhile, a host of other celebrities have been wearing platinum jewellery at various events in recent weeks.

Keke Palmer, Portia de Rossi, Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, Kate Flannery, Jessica Alba, Fergie, Kelly Osbourne, Maria Sharapova and Demi Moore were among those showing off platinum earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces.

http://www.prlabonline.com/

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