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Investing in jewelry is a real bargain. Especially in times of economic turbulence, such as what we live for a few years. It supports the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which has carried out a study on the art market and that of precious metals. The survey analyzes the art market of the MPS market performance of painting, divided into three segments of reference, summarizing the results of the largest transactions of auction houses ( about 1,550 observations total) in three indices according to the period historical reference : MPS Art Old masters and 19th century Index, MPS and MPS Index Art Pre War Post War Art Index. The evidence of the 3 indices are then summarized in the Global MPS Painting Art Index.
But, as anticipated, the discussion does not end here. Experts have also introduced indexes that aim to analyze the trend of so-called minor arts : antiques, furniture and sculptures, jewelry, wine and photography. Within the minor arts, we analyzed the performance of the sector Jewels compared to other minor arts given the particular function as a safe haven covered in this segment.
The most important segment after painting, in fact, is represented by jewelry and watches, whose temples stand out for their high average turnovers and weighs a total of 14.2% of total revenues ( +3.1% compared to the portion of the first half 2010). This segment is expected to grow further by the experts of MPS, especially given the success that the rods of precious stones and are enjoying all the squares on the continent.
Conclusions : The weight between the various segments still seems to be intended to change, with a strengthening of the minor arts that show, in just the last calendar year and in all categories, the best performance in terms of percentage changes compared to the MPS Global Painting Art Index.
The MPS Jewels index summarizes the trend of the auctions of jewelery, watches and precious stones of the most important international centers : Geneva, London, New York and Hong Kong. The segment shows the growth rates of the most interesting segment of the minor arts, with an increase of 160.8 % over the last 5 years ( first half of 2011 over the first half of 2006).
In comparison with the MPS Minor Arts Index Without Jewels ( +71.0 % between 2006 and 2011 ), it is evident success of the jewelery, which at the moment are confirmed safe haven par excellence, with a performance estimate for 2011 +10, 0% (latest data considered in the study ).
The jewelry will also reveal a rather good ‘liquid’, at least for the high quality pieces : the rods considered to show that the branded jewelery or antiques are a safe investment. In addition to diamonds are always very popular natural stones ( untreated) and natural pearls (not cultivated ). The success of the segment can be attributed to two main reasons: 1 ) the jewelry is seen as a safe haven warranty, and 2) the value of the underlying ( gold, silver, diamond… ) has grown significantly in this period of recession.
Of course, it is not automatically sell a gem, but no more than a painted picture. The unsold rates recorded in the last five semesters, note analysts Sienese bank, settle in the region of the five-year average rates ( average rate per lot 21.4%, 17.6% by value ), and below the peaks achieved in 2008 : the market in the last two years seems to have found a sustainable balance for supply and demand.
Compared to the past, the demand for precious focuses more on top quality diamonds, colored stones with particular as to the Burmese rubies, Kashmir sapphires and for the Colombian (Muso ) for emeralds.
On the square in New York are appreciated especially great carat white diamonds, as well as large colored stones and colored diamonds. The jewels of the ’20s and ’50s are very welcome in both the old and the new continent. The UK market is more geared towards the cushion cut diamonds for their particular for their luster and charm. In Italy is more and more interest in the vintage jewelry, thanks to a consolidated goldsmith tradition that has produced manufacturing, design and proportions of high quality. The signatures, known internationally, they add value to the jewel with exquisite designs and a perfect bill.
There are, finally, advice for those who decide to embark on an investment in diamonds. It is necessary, experts explain, evaluate the so-called 4 C’s : color ( color), purity ( Clarity ), cut ( Cut) and carat ( Carat ). Not to be overlooked, moreover, proportions, fluorescence and polishing.
The market for fine jewelry is synthesized in a series of graphs. The performance of the MPS Jewels Market Value Index in the entire observation period (September 2008 – September 2011) is quite positive ( +63.5 %) and superior to other national stock indices considered, all in negative territory : SMI ( -4, 9%), CAC 40 ( -36.7 %) ** and FTSE MIB ( -54.5 %) with the exception of S & P 500 ( +2.7%).
The investment in the stock market jewel of luxury appears to be the only positive with respect to the major indices which are representative of 4 -contributing countries, with their society, the definition of MPS Jewels Market Value Index ( Damiani and Bvlgari for Italy, LVMH, Hermès and Dior for France to Switzerland Richemont and Tiffany & Co. for the United States ).
Be careful, though : the dangers out there. The segment of the jewel of luxury, the study continues, it is subjected to numerous threats : 1 ) increasingly strong interest in substitute goods to meet the psycho – physical (eg, travel, spas, gyms, etc. ), 2) increased demand for the productions of the fashion industry, especially by younger people, attracted by prices less prohibitive and innovative features, and 3) preference for fashion products than for products – value ; 4) strong seasonality of sales in some periods of the year ( for jewelry Christmas and Valentine’s Day ), 5 ) the risk of counterfeiting; 6) reputational risk ( for example, when the production is decentralized abroad ) ; 7) change in consumer tastes, often sudden and unreasoned.
The high rates of unemployment and the levels of tax rates in emerging markets are factors that can influence demand. Moreover, the products of the luxury market have good nature of secondary ones, which makes them susceptible to the macroeconomic environment and require a constant upgrading and re-launching the brand.
This is also why in recent months the performance of MPS Jewels Market Value Index was affected by the difficulties in the financial markets ( -20.5 %), but were also negative performance of all other indices ranging from -31.9 % of FTSE MIB to -10.7% for the S & P500.
On the overall performance of the MPS Jewels Market Value Index, however, have impacted primarily LVMH ( -19% approx. ) And Richemont (-23% approx. ) Which together account for about 70%. the entire index.
Little significant effect on the growth performance of the title Bulgari (+50% approx. ) Following the tender offer launched by LVMH, because of its limited weight on the aggregate (4.5% approx. ).