By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)
October 20, 2015 04:04:02 AM
(Kitco News) - Metals Focus says it remains optimistic about global silver-jewelry demand in 2015. Further, the consultancy does not expect this to be undermined by an upturn in prices.
The U.S. remains the world’s largest consumer, although it ranks fourth in fabrication, Metals Focus says.
“As a result, the prospects for global jewelry demand will be heavily contingent on the health of the U.S. economy and, just as important, retail trends in its jewelry sector.”
So far, an uneven U.S. economic recovery does not appear to have materially affected jewelry demand, the consultancy continues. In fact, growth has been solid so far this year.
“A key reason for this has been the shift in favor of branded and private-label silver jewelry in recent years, at the expense of plated silver pieces,” Metals Focus says.
“The growth in items with a high perceived value has also been instrumental in helping silver jewelry to largely retain its market share despite the recovery -- albeit modestly -- in carat gold products.”
Courtesy: Kitco News