Platinum jewellers are planning to target China's bridal market this year, according to trade association the Platinum Guild International (PGI).

More and more people are opting for platinum rings and other jewellery rather than traditional precious metals like gold and silver.

China's bridal market is seen as an area with significant potential for growth as the country's population becomes increasingly affluent.

"The bridal market will be the highlight for PGI in 2005," director of PGI in Greater China, Catherine Ling, told Jewellery Net Asia. "Platinum jewellery, always associated with eternity and true love, is becoming a must-have item for Chinese consumers at their weddings.

She added: "The bridal market has huge potential and we will focus on this market."

Between six and eight million couples get married in China every year.

Record economic growth in China has led to the creation of an increasingly wealthy middle class, meaning the market for jewellery is growing.