Silver Jewellery

After underperforming for 2 yrs, silver has risen in line with benchmark indices but one should limit exposure to it to 5-10 per cent of portfolio

Industrial recovery, higher demand from new age technologies could propel a turnaround

The price of gold vary for different regions based on certain parameters such as the excise duty, making charges and the state taxes

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Gold jewellery sales plunge on unaffordable high bullion price

Affordability is just part of the story. The metal is easy on the skin, comes with classy designs that can't be created in gold and is as just as good a style statement, if not better

This year is expected to be a better one, feels the silver trade on the global trend. The World Silver Survey 2017, issued by the US-based Silver Institute, said 2016 saw a nine per cent fall in demand for silver coin and medals fabrication, from a record high in 2015, to 123.2 million ounces (Moz). Total physical demand fell by 11 per cent to 1,027.8 Moz, with weaker offtake for jewellery, silverware and retail (by individuals) investment. Silver jewellery fabrication declined nine per cent to 207 Moz from the record of 228.3 Moz in 2015. The fall was led by China and India, where jewellery offtake was weaker due to higher prices and a build-up of stocks. Monal Thakkar, director, Amrapali Group, said: "2016 wasn't a good year for India. Silver import halved. However, 2017 has given a very good pull. Import this year might again be higher."Alexander Cameron, manager at GFMS Thomson Reuters for precious metals demand in Asia, told this newspaper: "Jewellery fabrication demand is ..