The US consumer price index (CPI) for jewelry in April 2013 fell 1.2% on a year-on-year basis and amounted to 174.96 points in response to a significant decline in precious metal prices, Rapaport reports. The value of the index was kept only 1 point lower than the corresponding March indicator.
Nevertheless, at present the value of the index remains at a record level, and taking into account the data for April, CPI exceeded the average mark of 170 points for the 28th consecutive month.
In January 2012, the price index for jewelry reached a record high of 183 points, but then, throughout the year 2012, prices for diamonds, gold and platinum declined.
According to Rapaport Research, diamond prices stabilized and gradually recovered, but gold prices dropped to $ 1,350 an ounce in mid-April, recovering to $ 1,470 per ounce by the end of the month.
The general consumer price index for all product categories in April increased by 1.1% on a year-on-year basis and reached the mark of 231.49 points, which slightly did not reach the record high of 232.77 points recorded in February.