The slowdown in Japan's bridal jewellery market is causing jewellers to sell smaller platinum and diamond pieces that may not necessarily be classed as engagement rings.

Intense competition, a changing social demographic and tame economic sentiment are causing the bridal segment difficulties, according to jewellerynetasia.com.

A trader observed a decline in sales of bridal jewellery and a switch to lower quality diamonds for lower prices.

As a result of this trend, "Japanese diamond dealers find it difficult to make business in the bridal market so many are shifting to offering smaller diamonds that can serve as accents instead," said Yuki Kagawa, Director of Hope Hong Kong International.

He said the highest prices were coming from big name brands with the best sellers being diamonds set in VS to VVS clarities and G colour up with the main stone weighing from 20 to 30 points.

A piece of this quality would cost between $1,800 and $2,500, according to Mr Kagawa.

Despite the slowing market, bridal jewellery still accounts for 60 per cent of the diamond market in Japan.


Source:

Japan's bridal jewellery market shrinking, 24/01/08
http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&vortalid=1&newsidinvortal=7775&ct=&cn=NewsAll&m=01&y=2008&ch=0

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