Despite a poor economic outlook for 2008, there will be some bright spots for luxury goods retailers, it has emerged.

According to market research firm Market Unity, 'luxury customers', those with an annual household income of more than $150,000, will be seeking to opportunistically snap up higher-priced jewellery and other goods rather than risk paying more for them in the future.

With the cost of precious metals rising even faster than the value of the US dollar is falling, luxury consumers will be encouraged to make jewellery purchases sooner rather than later to try to dodge inflation, Unity Marketing president Pam Danziger told the national Jewellery Network.

Ms Danziger added that jewellery is unique among luxury goods because of its perceived inherent value.

This follows news from Australian jeweller Lisa Argenton that people are still opting to indulge in high-end baubles for special, pieces such as engagement rings.