METAL PRICES 'ENCOURAGES INNOVATIVE NEW JEWELLERY STYLE TO DEVELOP'

Jewellery is made from different materials

The rising cost of metal has resulted in some companies looking for other ways of creating jewellery, a step which is having interesting and unique results

When thinking of new pieces of jewellery, most people would normally consider picking out pieces made from metals like gold, silver or platinum.

While these materials are still providing the backbone to the jewellery industry, there has been a shift to find other products to use in the creation of new designs as the price of metal increases.

The issue of rising prices was recently addressed by Birmingham Assay Office, which highlighted that although there had been an increase in prices, there had been little impact on the industry.

Michael Allchin, chief executive and assay master of the office, explained that in the UK precious metals market, although there had been little increase in the industry over the last year, there had not been any declines either.

The cost of 18ct and 22ct gold and platinum were both cited as being causes for the stability seen in the sector.

While prices have been pushed up, there has been one saving grace for the industry, as so many people have chosen to recycle their older items of gold jewellery, offering a chance for companies to be able to reuse this material in new pieces.

However, while traditional manufacturers are considering the impact that high prices could have on their company, for others it is offering the perfect chance to try out something innovative.

For designer Sonia Subash, turning unwanted items into something new and beautiful has long been her plan and she has begun to use discarded CDs to create exciting new items like bracelets and necklaces.

"Used CDs are a common item in many households.  Shiny in nature, they can be turned into something useful if you have the know-how," Ms Subash explained to the New Straits Times.

A rise in the popularity of watches made from two materials, such as gold and steel, has recently been recorded by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

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