Bullion Review

Customers will continue to search for "classic" jewellery pieces in spite of the economic downturn, it has been claimed.

Michael Kowalski, the chairman and chief executive officer of international chain Tiffany & Co, has spoken out after the company’s results showed that it had maintained a high level of profitability in the third quarter.

"Even in trying times like these, we believe customers will continue to seek classic, timeless designs that do not go out of style and can be worn and enjoyed for years to come," he said.

However, he noted that consumers will adjust their spending habits in times of financial uncertainty and revealed that the organisation will look to increase market share while pursuing cost-cutting avenues "appropriate for this environment".

Recently, the Tiffany & Co Foundation Jewellery Gallery - dedicated to showcasing contemporary pieces - opened its doors at New York’s Museum of Arts and Design.

Source:Classic jewellery 'remains popular'

Tanami Gold has stated that its Coyote Gold underground mine project is "progressing well".

The company is working towards re-commencing open pit mining at Coyote in order to provide an additional ore feed that will supplement the high-grade underground ore.

A suitable mining contractor is being sought and work could start on open pit mining at the prospect as early as January 2009.

Initial stoping of high grade underground ore is due to commence early next month at the Coyote Gold project, while the first four ore levels are close to completion.

An initial review of the Bald Hill open pits indicated that it may be possible to re-commence mining operations at both the Kookaburra and Sandpiper pits and a detailed optimisation study is being carried out.

Tanami Gold has acquired a major ground position in the Tanami-Arunta province of Australia and commenced mining at the Coyote Gold project mine in May 2006.

Source:Tanami Gold reports Coyote Gold project 'progressing well'

Gold jewellery designs by Shirin Khan are on display as part of an exclusive two-day exhibition at fashion designer outlet Melange in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The intricate jewellery is being used in a festive display that also features couture by acclaimed Pakistani designer Hasan Shehryar Yasin, according to the News International.

Shirin Khan is a registered 22-c gold jewellery designer who creates both fashionable and traditional pieces.

She has plans to extend her jewellery range to concessions globally and has held exhibitions around the world, having started from her home in Islamabad where she initially saw customers by appointment.

The Shirin Kahn product range includes bridal and party jewellery in traditional and antique-looking styles and the designer creates customised pieces to suit individual clients.

Source:Designer shows 22-c jewellery range in Islamabad

It has become a knee-jerk reaction for investors to look at the Gold Price in terms of the US Dollar alone, and for commentators to only follow its moves in that currency. There is good reason for this, of course, for the US Dollar is the global reserve currency at present even if it is beginning to look of dubious value today.

Why don’t we measure gold in a strong currency such as the Euro?

Source:Look beyond the US Dollar to see what's really happening in the Gold Market

An 18-c white gold necklace worn by actress Cherie Lunghi is to be auctioned off to raise money for charity.

Action for Children will receive the proceeds from the item, which is valued at £5,500 and has been donated by Beaverbrooks.

Lunghi said she felt "amazing" when she wore the "beautiful piece of jewellery" at the National TV Awards, while Liz Monks, the executive director of fundraising at Action for Children, said the money raised will make a "huge difference" to disadvantaged children across the country.

"The proceeds from the online auction of this beautiful necklace will be vital for us, in helping us to reach to even more of the most vulnerable children, young people and their families who are in need of our help," she stated.

Meanwhile, a number of gold items sold at auction recently have been fetching top-end prices.

Yesterday, Christie’s accepted a bid of over £180,000 for a Faberge enamel and gold vanity case from the 19th century.

Source:Gold necklace proceeds 'will help disadvantaged children'

A yellow gold jewellery set has been sold at auction in Hong Kong for $960,624 (£625,399).

The Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction featured a dazzling array of fine jewellery items, including the gold jewellery set by Jacob & Co.

Consisting of a necklace, earrings and a ring in yellow gold set with gems, the set was one of the highest-selling items at the sale.

Company founder Jacob Arabo commented: "It is a source of genuine pride for me to see our pieces be among the top selling items at one of the most prestigious jewellery auctions in the world."

Founded more than 25 years ago in New York City, Jacob & Co is an international jewellery brand that creates one-of-a-kind watches and jewellery using fine craftsmanship and quality materials.

The company is opening a flagship boutique in the huge Dubai Mall later this month.

Source:Gold jewellery set sells for $1m

Conroy Diamonds & Gold has announced that it has found more areas of gold mineralisation at its project in County Monaghan.

The mining company, which has gold exploration operations in Ireland, has reported a one million ounce gold resource at Clontibret and now plans to take samples from the drill core either side of the zones.

Conroy discovered a total of four new gold lode zones at the site and has described them as "a bonus for the company" because the new structures extend beyond the original target area.

The firm’s shares leapt by 113p (60 per cent) to 300p each after the news was announced that new gold lode zones had been found while drilling was underway on a deep hole.

Richard Conroy, company chairman, commented: "This is a further indication that the one million ounce resource may grow as we advance our exploration programme."

Based in Dublin, Conroy is listed on the AIM exchange and its exploration programme is currently focused on the Longford-Down Massif, which includes Clontibret in County Monaghan, with further licences held in Finland’s Central Lapland Greenstone Belt.

Source:Irish gold discoveries boost Conroy shares

It has become a knee-jerk reaction for investors to look at the Gold Price in terms of the US Dollar alone, and for commentators to only follow its moves in that currency. There is good reason for this, of course, for the US Dollar is the global reserve currency at present even if it is beginning to look of dubious value today.

Why don’t we measure gold in a strong currency such as the Euro?

Source:Look beyond the US Dollar to see what's really happening in the Gold Market

A white gold ring has been presented to British Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

The racing driver was given the 18-c white gold, diamond and titanium ring by Steinmetz Diamonds to celebrate his victory in the Monaco Grand Prix 2008.

Inspired by racing, the ring has been created to high standards of fine jewellery making and features diamonds in a pave setting that spell out Hamilton’s signature.

Hamilton won this year’s Formula One world championship at the age of just 23 and has been hailed as a British sporting hero.

The Boston Celtics had a gold championship ring crafted for the basketball team to mark their victory in the 2008 NBA Championship.

Designed by Balfour, the 2008 World Championship rings are worth around $30,000 each and are set with diamonds and an emerald shamrock to commemorate the Celtics 17th NBA Championship.

Source:Gold ring marks Hamilton victory

Golden Share Mining has released an additional update on its 2008 drilling programmes in Ontario, Canada.

The company reports that the diamond drilling programme at its Pistol Lake property has started and is now in progress, with two specific gold bearing deformation zones to be tested – the JF West Zone and the Contact Zone.

Pistol Lake is also home to the Calchris Zone and the Martin Bay Zone, which are also deemed by Golden Share Mining to be additional important gold zones.

Core logging and sampling are presently in progress on the Elwood and Pistol Lake properties and samples are being analysed from both sites.

Golden Share Mining recently announced that diamond drilling is now completed on the Elwood property, with seven holes totalling 485m drilled on the U Zone quartz vein structure and visible gold encountered in hole EL-08-01.

Source:Golden Share Mining publishes drilling update