SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
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
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
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.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
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.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
