France is one of Europe's mid-ranking
producers of gold jewellery, processing just under 27 tonnes (0.86 million oz)
of fine
gold in 2001 to create around 9 million items.
Jewellery is produced in
the area of St Amand-Montrond and in the Rhône-Alpes, Franche-Comté, Alsace
and Paris regions.
There are just under 4,000
production units but the vast majority are workshops. Less than 10% of the
units employ more than ten people and a bare 5% process more than 30 kg fine
gold per month.
About one quarter of gold
jewellery production is exported, main markets being US
and the Far East.
The French home market
is the fourth largest in Europe accounting for 52 tonnes (1.67 m oz) fine
gold.
All items weighing more
than 3 grams sold on the French market must be assayed
by the Bureau
de la Garantie and carry the official hallmark.
Eighteen carat
is the traditional home market title and accounts for 99% of items sold. Nine
carat and 14 carat have been admitted since 1994 but have made extremely little
impact.
Jewellery is sold through
9,000 outlets and the value of retail sales is in the region of €2.5
bn.
Domestic market growth
over the last decade is largely attributable to the growing distribution of
gold jewellery through hypermarkets at lower mark-ups
than those practised in traditional retail outlets. However, independent retailers
are still prized for their exclusive models and unique service.
Jewellery
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