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South China Morning Post
40 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
For jewellers and investors, all that glitters is gold: Hermès, Pomellato and Chow Tai Fook are betting that gold jewellery holds financial and aesthetic appeal as prices surge
At the recent unveiling of high jewellery collections in Paris, yellow gold glowed brightly. And well it might, since the value of gold has soared 40 per cent in the past year. Luxury brands such as Messika , Louis Vuitton, Pomellato, Hermès, Repossi and Dries Criel have taken a shine to the precious yellow metal, making bold modern design statements as if to celebrate its increased value. People like gold. We have been engaged with it for over 6,000 years and it has long been considered a safe haven for wealth – even more so now if you were to add up the value of the gold jewellery you are wearing. A year ago, the spot price for gold bullion was just under US$2,400 per ounce. In April, it hit a record-breaking US$3,500 milestone and has since eased back a little. The spot price in mid-July, according to the World Gold Council, was US$3,355 – a near 40 per cent rise since July last year. Some banks, like J.P. Morgan, predict it may rise further, nudging towards US$4,000 by mid 2026. Politics has a big influence on the value of gold. Right now, uncertainty over American tariffs and financial market turmoil are driving investors towards this historic safe haven, and that situation doesn't look like it'll change any time soon. Therefore, gold jewellery is a truly sound investment, whether you bought pieces a year ago or are considering acquiring something new like Hermès' new rose gold Chaine d'Ancre, a Bee de Chaumet rose gold and diamond honeycomb collar, or something from Repossi's tactile Blast collection, where glossy swirls of gold are tipped with diamonds. Advertisement Gold takes centre stage in these pieces by Hermès. Photo: Handout Until now, big jewellery brands have been swallowing the rising cost of gold within their margins, but that is slowly changing. Jewellery sales at Richemont are buoyant, up 11 per cent, and according to Vogue Business, a senior equity analyst says that Richemont management has indicated it raised prices on Cartier jewellery and watches by 3 to 4.5 per cent, respectively, in the second quarter of this year and on Van Cleef & Arpels by 4 to 5 per cent in April, and that there may be further pricing decisions in the autumn based on currency and gold prices. However, these price increases are modest when compared to soft luxury brands. In China, the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group is finding that customers are gradually adapting to elevated gold prices, 'demonstrating a consistent confidence in gold's enduring value', says a spokesperson. Their fixed-price gold products, finely crafted jewellery in both 18k and 24k gold, have been particularly popular, with sales rising significantly from 7.1 per cent in April 2024, to 19.2 per cent in 2025. Among the brand's most popular collections are the Palace Museum range, based on traditional goldsmithing motifs like dragons and clouds, and Rouge , designed by creative director Nicholas Lieou with the auspicious symbol of good fortune and launched in spring 2024. These have garnered around US$510 million in sales during that period, far outstripping expectations. Of course, as the spokesman points out, 'the preference for gold is not only because of its perceived investment potential but also for its aesthetic and emotional value'. A gold necklace from Chow Tai Fook's Rouge collection. Photo: Handout Traditional Chinese jewellery shops price gold by weight and link daily pricing to international gold markets. However, like Chow Tai Fook, Laopu Gold is another luxury brand that uses a fixed price policy which factors in design, symbolism and craftsmanship. It is also tapping into the emotional value of gold, with a deep focus on heritage and traditional Chinese goldsmithing. Needless to say, even they had to up their prices in February, according to Reuters. They factor in two annual price increases, but if gold prices fall, there will be no reductions. For American jewellery designers, the situation is more complicated. Price increases have been inevitable, not just due to the rising cost of gold, but also because the precious gems they import are subject to tariffs.
The Standard
an hour ago
- The Standard
Why the Russian rouble is outperforming and what it means
Russian rouble banknote is placed on Euro banknotes in this illustration taken April 7, 2022. REUTERS
The Standard
2 hours ago
- The Standard
SenseTime to raise $2.5 billion through share sale at 6 percent discount
The logo of SenseTime is seen at SenseTime office, in Shanghai, China December 13, 2021. REUTERS
