International News
Gold volatility spikes on geopolitics, trade wars
Gold prices rose today on safe-haven buying after US President Donald Trump reignited the trade war by raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 100% and imposing export controls on “any and all critical software”. Gold saw a dip on Friday on the heels of Israel Hamas ceasefire. The unprecedented gold price rally came to a halt on Friday, offering some relief to investors and retail jewellery buyers alike. On the occasion of Karwa Chauth, gold prices in India witnessed a sharp correction on October 10.
US-China Trade Tensions (Escalating Uncertainty)
Renewed fears of a full-blown trade war between the United States and China are a major factor driving recent spikes in gold prices.
- Trade War Impact: Threats of new, high-rate tariffs (e.g., a potential 100% tariff on Chinese goods) and export restrictions create economic uncertainty, which investors traditionally hedge against by buying gold.
- Inflationary Pressure: Tariffs can raise the cost of imported goods, leading to inflationary pressures. Gold serves as a classic hedge against inflation, directly boosting its demand and price.
- Currency Weakness: An escalating trade dispute can cause the US Dollar (USD) to weaken relative to other currencies, which makes dollar-denominated gold cheaper for international buyers, further stimulating demand.
Hamas-Israel Conflict & Ceasefire Volatility (Risk Premium)
The conflict in the Middle East contributes a significant “geopolitical risk premium” to the price of gold.
- Safe-Haven Demand: The outbreak and escalation of the conflict (from October 2023 onward) immediately triggered a surge in gold buying as investors sought to protect capital from the sudden, high-stakes political and military instability.
- Ceasefire Impact: Reports of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement or de-escalation tend to have the opposite, negative effect, temporarily easing the geopolitical risk premium. This can cause short-term price corrections or dips in gold as market fears subside.
- Regional Spillover: The threat of the conflict spreading and disrupting global energy supplies (e.g., oil) creates potential inflationary risk, which reinforces gold’s appeal regardless of temporary ceasefires.
International News
Van Cleef & Arpels Gives Its Iconic Alhambra a Pink Enamel Makeover
The Maison Introduces Five New Alhambra Creations Featuring Translucent Pink Enamel and Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a vibrant new chapter for its iconic Alhambra collection, introducing translucent pink enamel to the signature four-leaf clover motif for the first time. The new creations combine the Maison’s emblem of luck with yellow gold, bringing a fresh, contemporary expression to the enduring design.
The new five-piece selection comprises a Vintage Alhambra pendant, five-motif bracelet, 10-motif necklace, 20-motif long necklace and Magic Alhambra two-motif earrings. The earrings additionally feature guilloché yellow gold, adding texture and contrast to the pink enamel.
The distinctive pink is the result of several years of research at Van Cleef & Arpels’ enamel workshops. Inspired by the historic 17th-century “gold-ruby” technique, the colour is created using fine particles of gold rather than traditional pigments. Carefully controlled particle size, shape and concentration produce the desired translucent hue.
Adding to its visual depth, the enamel contains tiny bubbles, giving each Alhambra motif a distinctive character while creating subtle variations as the surface catches and reflects light. The motifs are framed by the Maison’s signature gold beaded contours, further enhancing the interplay between the pink enamel and yellow gold.
Since its debut in 1968, Alhambra has continually evolved through different stones, materials and colours while retaining its instantly recognisable four-leaf clover silhouette. The introduction of enamel marks another significant step in that evolution, bringing together heritage craftsmanship, technical innovation and contemporary colour.
With its new pink interpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to reinvent one of jewellery’s most recognisable motifs, demonstrating how traditional savoir-faire can give a familiar icon an entirely new expression.
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