Gold prices may have gone down in the U.S. but they have soared internationally, according to a newly issued report by the World Gold Council.
Globally an increase in jewelry demand, particularly in China and India, drove the price of gold up in 2010, with it rising to 29.2 percent, to $1,405.50 an ounce, by Dec. 30, according to the report. And jewelry demand in general totaled $55.5 billion through the first three quarters of 2010, which actually equaled the $55.5 billion spent during all of 2009, despite the measured increase in the price of gold.
And with a price increase and demand trend such as this, fashion trends are soon to follow. While platinum and white gold have been the choice metal for celebrity bridal jewelry, which tends to heavily influence fashion, there has been a wave of antique style engagement rings on the rise as well.
Connecting the dots from vintage styles and a rise in classic yellow gold prices may not be in a direct line, it isn’t hard to see a correlation.
It also isn’t hard to see the appeal; with styles like Venetian 5024 from Verragio looking like it was designed to be cast in yellow gold. Featuring a Round cut diamond center, set into a cushion halo, the shank is adorned with smaller pave’ set round diamonds as well. By covering the outside of the band with diamonds the yellow gold almost looks like it is playing a game of peek-a-boo under the white sparkle, and the lace detail work inside the shank appeals to the antique hunter inside of certain brides.
However, for those that appreciate the look of yellow gold there is the Classsico 0282 from Verragio. Featuring a classic three stone design, which appeals to people due to its reference to the past, present, and the future, the top of the shank is left unadorned to allow the yellow luster of gold shine. However, the sides of the shank are adorned on both sides with pave’ set diamonds, giving the design an almost liquid fluidity in the way it parts around the side diamonds.
Demand for gold for the use of jewelry rose 18 percent from 2009 to 2010, which could manifest itself like a wave coming at you in the ocean in 2011; it can either explode at you, or continue past, just a little blip on the radar. Although considering the traditional look of yellow gold and the recent nod to vintage inspired looks lately, our guess is it will be the former.