International News

Gold declines and investors opt for dollar, prioritize liquidity

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2025

Gold, often considered the quintessential safe-haven asset, witnessed a notable retreat on Monday, slipping over 2% from last week’s record highs. This downturn came as investors, rattled by escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, shifted their focus towards the U.S. dollar and other safe-haven currencies like the Swiss Franc and Japanese Yen. The move reflects a broader market recalibration in the face of renewed economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Spot gold prices fell by 2.4%, settling at $2,963.19 an ounce by early afternoon ET. During the session, the precious metal touched a near four-week low of $2,955.89. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures also closed 2% lower at $2,973.60. This decline follows an all-time high of $3,167.57 reached just last Thursday, underscoring the volatility gripping the commodities market.

Investor sentiment shifted in favor of the U.S. dollar, which rebounded from a six-month low. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, putting downward pressure on its price. This change in preference indicates that, during times of acute uncertainty, investors may prioritize liquidity and ease of access — qualities traditionally associated with the dollar — over long-term value storage like gold.

The gold market is currently experiencing significant stress, largely driven by liquidity concerns and speculative activity. According to Bart Melek, head of commodity strategies at TD Securities, margin covering by traders — the need to cover losses on leveraged positions — has added to gold’s downward pressure. This phenomenon typically accelerates declines as investors sell assets to raise cash.

The primary catalyst for the market turmoil is the intensification of the U.S.-China trade conflict. President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of imposing a 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing fails to roll back its own retaliatory tariffs. Meanwhile, speculation that the U.S. administration might pause tariffs for 90 days on all nations except China was dismissed by the White House as “fake news,” adding to the confusion and uncertainty.

Despite the short-term dip in gold, the broader macroeconomic backdrop continues to support a bullish outlook for the precious metal. Futures markets are now pricing in approximately 120 basis points of rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve by the end of the year. The probability of a rate cut as early as May has also risen to 37%. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, thereby boosting their attractiveness.

Analysts remain optimistic about gold’s long-term potential. The metal continues to benefit from robust central bank demand and remains a favored hedge during periods of financial instability and geopolitical strain. The recent correction may be seen more as a pause or consolidation phase rather than a reversal of trend, particularly given the fragile state of the global economy.

Related Topics:2025 Gold Market nationalnews

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DiamondBuzz

Exceptional Platinum Jewelry Designs Win AGTA Spectrum Awards Competition

More than 60 platinum jewellery entries competed for top honours, recognising exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs and the versatility of platinum across coloured gemstones and pearl jewellery.

Published

17 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Platinum Guild International (PGI), in partnership with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), is pleased to announce the Platinum Honors winners of the 2026 AGTA Spectrum Awards.

More than 60 platinum jewelry entries were submitted to the Platinum Honors category, which recognizes outstanding uses of platinum in colored gemstone and natural or cultured pearl jewelry across multiple categories, from Evening Wear to Engagement Rings. PGI also traditionally presents an award for Best Use of Platinum and Color.

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The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition was held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star in Dallas, where Jenny Luker, President, PGI USA, judged the Platinum Honors category.

“The AGTA Spectrum Awards bring together an extraordinary range of platinum jewelry, and the level of design innovation, technical execution, and artistry is exceptional,” said Luker. “It’s exciting to see so many talented designers exploring the material in different ways, creating intricate, distinctive pieces that showcase the versatility of platinum.”

AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. thanked PGI for its sponsorship of the Spectrum Awards and extended his congratulations to the Platinum Honors winners. “Receiving a Platinum Honors distinction from PGI is one of the industry’s highest achievements,” he said. “We were happy to see Platinum so well represented among the AGTA Spectrum entries, which increased by 21% this year.”

Platinum’s potential for design innovation and technical accomplishment was exemplified by several of this year’s AGTA Spectrum Award winners.

The Best of Show award and 1st Place in Classical Wear was awarded to “Can’t Look Away,” a necklace by Lezlie Slavens of Luxe Fine Jewelry and collaborators. The design features a carved Paraiba tourmaline backed in platinum, suspended from a diamond-accented platinum chain and illuminated by a magnet-activated LED light source.

The Art Deco-inspired “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet by Joseph Dardashti, in Platinum with Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, and Onyx, won 1st Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Evening Wear category and also received a Platinum Honors distinction in the same category.

Jeffrey Bilgore’s Mahenge Spinel and Diamond “Neuvelle Moi et Toi Forever” Platinum ring received the Stuller Color of the Year Award, a new category honoring exceptional interpretations of Stuller’s “Signature Red”, and won 2nd Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Classical category.

The honour of 1st Place in the Bridal category went to Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems, Inc. for his Platinum ring featuring a 5.32 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline, accented by Tourmaline (1.05 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.69 ctw.).

New entrant Shelby Lichtenstein was awarded 1st Place in Engagement Rings with her Platinum “Something New, Something Blue” ring, featuring a 4.50 ct. blue emerald-cut Zircon accented by Diamonds (0.26 ctw.).

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“Because of platinum’s durability, strength, and tensile properties, designers can achieve things that might not be possible with other metals,” said Luker. “Whether it’s intricate micro pavé work or delicate prongs, platinum allows for exceptional precision while ensuring that gemstones remain secure.”

Across all categories of the Spectrum Awards competition, noteworthy platinum jewelry trends included bezel settings in engagement rings, designs that paired platinum with moonstones for a dreamy, elegant white-on-white effect, and brooches for both men and women that incorporated multiple gemstone types in an array of cuts and sizes.

“The level of design this year was incredible,” said Luker. “I was particularly impressed by the innovation and execution. Platinum plays such a wonderful supporting role to gemstones, and that relationship has endured—and will endure—forever.”

AGTA Spectrum – Platinum Guild International (PGI) Platinum Honors

Best Use of Platinum & Color

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Roland Krainz, Krainz Creations – Platinum “Ambrosia” necklace featuring Opals accented by Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, and tsavorite Garnets (140.80 ctw.).

Best Use of Platinum Crown

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Everest” ring featuring a 9.70 ct. cushion-cut Tanzanite accented by Diamonds (1.67 ctw.).

Bridal Wear

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “JuneStones for June Brides” necklace featuring a 27.02 ct. blue-sheen oval Moonstone accented by a 7.95 ct. natural conch Pearl, Alexandrites (3.23 ctw.), and Diamonds (10.36 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear

Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation – Platinum stretchable ring with titanium springs featuring a 5.42 ct. natural oval cabochon black Opal accented by Diamonds (5.15 ctw.) and Sapphires (3.28 ctw.).

Classical

Eve Streicker, Original Eve Designs, in collaboration with Rohan Agrawal – Platinum “Zellige” brooch featuring marquise-shaped Aquamarines (8.40 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (0.28 ctw.).

Engagement Rings

Underwood Design Team, Underwood’s Fine Jewelers – Platinum ring featuring a 3.66 ct. cushion-shaped Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.22 ctw.).

Stacked from 22 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

Evening Wear

Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum and 18K yellow gold “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet featuring Rubies (5.90 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.75 ctw.), and Emeralds (0.70 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (6.50 ctw.) and Onyx (0.75 ctw.).

Innovative Design

Cari Goldman, Pieces by Cari, LLC, in collaboration with Alexsey Yarnikh – Platinum “Love Spun” ring featuring marquise crystal Opals (2.24 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.0 ctw.).

Men’s Wear

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Siren’s Relic” ring featuring a 5.35 ct. emerald-cut Zoisite.

These highlights offer a glimpse of the exceptional work recognized in the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. We invite you to explore the complete collection of winning entries at AGTA.org and discover the artistry behind each award.

Many of the winning pieces will be on display during AGTA GemFair Tucson, January 31–February 4, 2027, at the Tucson Convention Center. For AGTA members and the wider trade, it is an opportunity to appreciate the gems and craftsmanship up close, connect with the community behind them and find inspiration for what comes next.