Damian Hirst's famous platinum skull has found a new residence, it has been revealed. The skull, which is encrusted with diamonds and was the centrepiece of the artist's Beyond Belief exhibition at White Cube in London last year, is to go on display at the State Hermitage Museum in Russia. Entitled For the Love of God, the platinum skull is to appear at the museum until May 18th. Hirst announced last year that he intends to take the £50 million sculpture on a tour of the world's best museums. The artist is part of an investment group that bought the sculpture and eventually plans to resell the skull.

Chinese jewellery is expected to be a big seller over the coming 12 months as the country celebrates the Year of the Golden Mouse. According to the Shanghai Daily, jewellers are confident that the coming year will prove highly successful for them, with platinum set to be a popular choice once again. Jewellers are particularly expecting to see sales of bridal jewellery grow over the coming year, because 2008 is considered to be an ideal year for marriages and babies. This is because the numeral eight in Chinese can be pronounced to mean "fortune" or "get rich".

Furthermore, the arrival of the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer are also anticipated to benefit the Chinese jewellery market, as more visitors arrive in the country from overseas. While the country has long been considered closed off to much of the western world, the arrival of the Olympics will ensure that more people than ever arrive in the country with money to spend.

Tiffany & Co, the jeweller, has posted an eight per cent increase in worldwide sales for the period of November 1st to December 31st 2007. Sales for the period reached $867,262,000. International retail sales rose by 18 per cent to $334,766,000 while retail sales in the US increased by four per cent o $449,080,000. Michael J Kowalski, chairman and chief executive officer, said the firm had aggressive plans for 2008 including increasing its store base by 12-15 per cent.

Men's accessories company Kale Miles is marketing a leather belt that retails for $18,000, according to New York Magazine. The buckle is made of platinum and weighing seven-to-eight ounces it makes up the bulk of the price. Taking about three weeks to make, each buckle is unique and designed by Kristina Pitaniello.

The cancellation of the Golden Globes ceremony has hurt the fashion and beauty world as much as the media and film-makers as they lose out on a great opportunity to raise awareness. Usually stars stop at "swag" suites to pick up free items such as jeans and cameras and some have become casualties. Paltinum Guild International loans jewellery to celebs and has been hit with cancellation fees. Michael O'Connor, hired by Platinum Guild International to set-up a suite at the Globes said celebs usually sign an item which is then donated to charity Clothes Off Our Backs.

A PC with a case made of pure platinum has been put on the market by Tokyo firm Zeus Computer. Called Jupiter and costing about £377,000, the top-spec PC comes with Windows Vista installed and is plastered with diamonds in a pattern resembling zodiac constellations and the Milky Way. Another made entirely of gold and named Mars is also available.

Luxury markets such as platinum jewellery may be in for a tough 2008 after the National Retail Federation (NRF) in the US expects 3.5 per cent growth in the retail industry. "Retailers will once again be forced to market to more practical consumers, many of whom will be looking to trade down. Even areas of past high growth like luxury goods and online shopping will feel the pressure. In 2008, the challenges will be formidable for everyone," NRF Chief Economist, Rosalind Wells told jewellerynetasia.com.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd