Amidst the distressing human tragedy, the impact of recent Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami is having far reaching consequences on the global market.
Just two months after the natural disaster, the devastated Japanese economy, the world’s third largest, has now slid back into recession, with many companies reportedly unable to export goods to sustain overseas production and demand.
This economic slump has had an effect on Japanese gemstone and jewelry production; an industry which is deeply rooted in the countries culture and history.
Michelle Richards, Managing Director of www.houseofgaea.com, said, “Japanese people treasure their heirloom and their love for jewelry is shown through gatherings and special occasions. Jewelry produce from Japan is globally accepted for its exquisite quality and use of precious gemstones and metals”.
Roddis continued, “Japan is by far the largest single user of platinum used in their Jewelry and Automotive industries. In 2010, Platinum demand in Japan accounted for nearly one fifth of global platinum auto catalyst demand and 15 percent of world palladium demand”.
In addition to the global slump in Jewelry exports following the March Earthquake, Platinum group metals is under pressure from the mounting political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa; an unrest which is also adding to global economic uncertainty.
As global gemstone jewelry supply dries from both natural and man-made disasters, demand for unique gemstone jewelry such as Ruby, Aquamarine, Orange and Pink Sapphire will only increase.
“We can see this demand reflected in the recent rise in the price of Gold and Silver. Not many people would have predicted that the price of Silver would have almost double in the last six months”, says Richards.
The limited availability of precious minerals and natural gemstones will be the next “aftershock” to hit the markets. History shows that in times of global unrest and uncertainty, products which have finite availability develop into value-adding investment opportunities.
With thousands of hand faceted, rare and precious gemstones in stock, House of Gaea are well placed to supply global gemstone demand as the next economic shock-wave hits the world market. Over the next 12 months the price of rare and unusual gemstones will increase as it is fuelled by the increase in gemstone demand, predicts Richards of www.houseofgaea.com