The trend for platinum jewellery remains strong in the UK, with consumers typically opting for the precious metal when looking for new pieces.

Jewellers Boodle & Dunthorne say platinum remains a firm favourite with consumers, particularly in the youth market.

The firm's expert, Roland Wood, says platinum jewellery has become a major fashion accessory, as well as providing an ideal gift.

'Platinum is, and has been, popular for a good five years. They say on the continent that yellow gold is making a comeback, but we've yet to see that in England. We're still into platinum, without a doubt,' he told The Galloway News.

Boodle & Dunthorne's Raindance collection is its top selling line at the moment, and boasts the usual array of celebrity endorsements, including Nell McAndrew, Penny Lancaster and Martine McCutcheon.

The trend for platinum jewellery has also been in evidence at a number of glitzy awards ceremonies in recent weeks, with the Oscar's preview and the Golden Globes both heralding a bejewelled procession of stars.