Gold producers encouraged to increase craftsmanship in jewelry

Gold producers encouraged to increase craftsmanship in jewelry
designs

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian jewelry makers should stop whining
about the pittance they get for their products and make a better
product.

"Most producers and designers in Indonesia often believe
profits from the gold business can only be gained by adding
weight with precious stones," the manager of the Indonesian
chapter of the World Gold Council, Leo Hadi, said on Saturday.

Speaking at the opening of a one-day seminar on gold-crafting,
Leo warned that the lack of quality and creativity of local
designers may cause an increase in the imports of jewelry.

"The gold business is actually very profitable if an
entrepreneur can optimally manage it," he said.

According to Leo, who is also chairman of the Association of
Indonesian Gold Jewelry Manufacturers (APEPI), four factors
determine the price of gold jewelry -- carat, weight, design and
craftsmanship.

"Producers now can only survive by manipulating design and
craftsmanship," Leo said.

He said most of the world's gold supply comes from South
Africa which produces 600 tons of gold per year, about one-third
of total world production, while Asia is currently the biggest
market for gold, mainly because it has a long history and
tradition of gold-crafting. Potential gold consumers in the
region include Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and
Singapore.

Leo said that Indonesia produces about 90 tons of gold per
year from its mines in West Java, Sumatra, Irian Jaya and
Kalimantan.

An expert in gold-crafting, Daniela Invernizzi, told the
seminar that entrepreneurs need to realize that designs are
determined by consumers' desires.

Heart-shaped jewelry is now the best seller in the world. (10)