High-end jewellers in Italy are ignoring the rising precious metal prices and continuing to produce exquisite platinum and gold pieces.

"Those who make unique pieces, who have strong brand identity, they do not care about gold prices," Paola De Luca, co-founder and creative director at jewellery consultancy and research group TJF, told Reuters.

"You can always sell an important piece," he added.

These comments came as an upmarket jewellery fair, the 'About J' jewellery trade exhibition, began in Milan.

Other top-designers present at the fair told the news provider that they would not consider trimming the weight of the jewellery as it would compromise the quality of their pieces.

This follows news that there will be bright spots for luxury jewellers in 2008.

According to market research firm Market Unity, 'luxury customers', those with an annual household income of more than £75,000, will be seeking to opportunistically snap up higher-priced jewellery.