CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
OtherFeb 16, 2016
Gold, Platinum and Silver Price Predictions for ‘16
Among the prognostications: the price of platinum will remain lower than gold for the entire year, which is “unprecedented.”
New York--Thomson Reuters GFMS has lowered its outlook on precious metal prices for 2016, with gold, platinum and silver all expected to take a dive due to a myriad of factors worldwide.
Here they are, broken down by metal.
Gold: Low First Half, Higher Second Half
Thomson Reuters GFMS lowered its 2016 forecast for gold from $1,250 an ounce to $1,164, which is basically flat year-over-year. The yellow metal finished 2015 with an average per-ounce price of $1,160.
Rannestad said they downgraded their forecast after gold prices failed to climb as high as expected in the fourth quarter 2015.
The gold price is expected to bottom out in the first six months of the year, dipping as low as $1,040 an ounce, but recover in the second half.
So far this year, the metal has averaged $1,095.65.
While gold prices are not predicted to soar in 2016, Rannestad said the metal is still considered a safe haven investment, and safe havens are expected to reemerge as a theme this year because of currency fluctuations, weakness in the equities market and the slowdown in the Chinese economy.
“Gold has reasserted itself as a safe haven investment so far this year,” she said.
Platinum: A “Big Downgrade” in Price
In mid-2015, analysts predicted that the price of platinum would remain below the price of gold into, and possibly through, 2016.
Rannestad said this remains the case, and that Thomson Reuters GFMS has dropped its forecast even farther for platinum to an average of $844 an ounce for the year, a “big downgrade.”
So far in 2016, the white metal has averaged $848.07.
“It’s actually unprecedented” for the price of platinum to remain below gold for such an extended period of time, she said, noting that the platinum-gold ratio hit a historic low in November and, as of last week, was still sliding.
Conspiring to depress platinum’s price are the fact that analysts underestimated the impact oversupply was having on the market and the Volkswagen scandal.
Platinum is used in cars that burn diesel fuels. When the news broke that the German carmaker had been equipping diesel vehicles sold in the U.S. with “defeat devices” that allowed them to
cheat on emissions tests, investors feared it would hurt overall demand for diesel vehicles and, consequently, platinum.
“The scandal definitely hurt the sentiment toward platinum in the market,” Rannestad said.
Palladium, a platinum group metal, is forecast to average $569 this year, with auto catalyst demand and a slight decline in supply driving its price. The metal finished last year with an average per-ounce price of $690.
Silver: Jewelry Demand is Down
Thomson Reuters lowered its price target for silver as well, from $17.75 to $15.95.
While physical investment demand is fairly strong, Rannestad said there’s weakness in both industrial and jewelry demand. Lower prices have made gold more attainable, and there’s also growing interest in yellow gold jewelry.
“Silver kind of has taken a backseat in the jewelry market,” she said.
The metal has averaged $14.04 so far this year.
More on Other
The Latest
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
