Hab was anderes gesehen, auch klasse!
(Hauptsache, das kritisch lesen ...)
http://www.silverinstitute.org/news/pr29mar07.html
Mus los. Bis denne! 
Grüsse,
gutso
Seite 29/30 aus dem Report mit insg. 56 Seiten
Zitat5.5 China
The Chinese economy has continued to surge ahead in recent years, experiencing double digit GDP growth, bringing with it higher disposable incomes for a large portion of the population. The increase in individual wealth has contributed to the rise of the jewelry sector, which has experienced rapid growth over the past ten years. However, much of this growth occurred during the 1990s and in fact the rise in jewelry consumption has been only modest in recent years, for reasons explained below. For instance, GFMS estimate that in 2005 (notably the highest level of consumption we have recorded) silver jewelry consumption was still very modest, at only 2.4 Moz (75 t). This equated to local demand absorbing only 14% of total fabrication, with the remainder destined for major export markets. However, the chief exception to the sluggishness in growth in recent years was in fact seen in 2005 when silver jewelry consumption recorded a 10% increase year-on-year. The increase was assisted by the sharp rise in gold and platinum prices, which encouraged retailers, selling predominately gold and platinum jewelry, to add silver (and palladium) jewelry items to their showcases in an effort to provide alternatives to consumers who were finding the other two precious metals unaffordable.
In spite of this recent development, silver jewelry in China has struggled to compete against other forms of jewelry and establish itself as a category in its own right. This was especially true during much of the 1990s, with demand for platinum and gold jewelry providing stiff competition to silver in the retail sector. Prior to gaining mainstream acceptance, silver jewelry often played at role in traditional celebrations for certain minority groups within the regions. The jewelry, mainly large and heavy in design, was often worn or given as a gift at ceremonial occasions, such as weddings and the birth of a child within the family, however, volumes were modest, and the demand isolated to certain Chinese provinces.
Chinese consumers have typically perceived silver to be a “last resort” option and do not rate the white metal highly due to its low value. Having said this, it is this low value that in recent years has started to attract consumers looking for an affordable alternative to other precious metals. At the beginning of the review period silver jewelry in China was typically plain and based on traditional styles, which did not appeal to the youth market. The introduction of more modern machinery and expertise, the majority introduced from Italy, has assisted in introducing a range of jewelry that now has broader appeal. The majority of silver jewelry in China is purchased for females. Until quite recently it was unusual to see a Chinese male choosing to wear silver. However, a specific advertizing campaign aimed at this market has proved particularly successful, with a significant increase in a male range of jewelry styles, which are typically heavier set chains and bracelets often seen in western markets.
Looking ahead, the youth market is believed to have the greatest potential for expansion and retailers have been targeting their advertizing and marketing campaigns at this sector. The lower priced range of jewelry offers this younger generation, who like their counterparts across the globe are heavily focused on global trends and what is being worn in the west, an outlet to experiment with fashion. This has encouraged fabricators to be innovative and produce a steady stream of modern designs. In order to meet the demand from this group of consumers several Chinese manufactures have looked to establish joint ventures with foreign companies or in some instances have employed leading European designers to provide originality to their work and to ensure local designs can mirror and compete with global trends.
