Editor’s Note
This investment by Kering Ventures signals a strategic shift for the luxury group in China, moving beyond simply exporting Western brands to partnering with local players. It underscores how gold jewellery is being redefined for a new generation of Chinese consumers, blending cultural heritage with contemporary luxury.
Kering, via its investment arm Kering Ventures, has acquired a minority stake in Chinese jeweller Borland. The move is timed to capitalise on a wave of surging interest among younger Chinese consumers, who increasingly view gold jewellery not only as luxury but as a cultural signifier with long-term value. The investment reflects Kering’s broader China reset under CEO Luca de Meo — from exporting Western luxury to collaborating with local gold houses and heritage labels, signalling a shift in where premium value is being created.
The heritage jeweller famed for its filigree-inlay and imperial-era gold craftsmanship, has closed a Series A round exceeding RMB 100 million ($14 million). Led by investor Challenjers with participation from Kering and Shunwei Capital, the funding will be used for branding, omnichannel retail expansion, supply-chain upgrades, and talent hiring. Founded in 1988 and rooted in a family of master goldsmiths, Borland is now poised to capitalise on China’s growing appetite for deeply cultural, high-craft luxury jewellery as younger consumers embrace gold as both identity and investment.
PC Jeweller Ltd has teamed up with Uttar Pradesh’s CM Yuva Udyami Yojana to empower 1,000 PM Vishwakarma-certified goldsmiths in rural and semi-urban regions, helping them transition into jewellery entrepreneurs and organised retail partners. The initiative will offer training in branding, design and modern retail practices, while linking artisans to government schemes and credit programs. This first phase in Uttar Pradesh is part of a broader plan to support over 5,000 artisans nationwide, boosting income stability and fostering grassroots entrepreneurship.
Silver prices jumped about 10,000 rupees ($111) in a single session, hitting around 1.74 lakh ($0.019) per kilogram, driven by a global supply squeeze, a softer US dollar, and growing expectations of an interest-rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. The rally, which has seen silver’s price double over the past year, outpaced gold’s roughly 60 percent gain. Market analysts say tightening physical supply and attractive macro conditions could support further gains into 2026.
Prada has named Chinese actress Yang Mi as its latest global brand ambassador, underscoring the luxury house’s continued focus on deepening connections with China’s influential luxury consumers. Yang, known for her prolific screen career and massive social media reach, will front upcoming campaigns. The appointment aligns with broader industry trends of pairing Western luxury houses with regionally resonant cultural icons to bolster brand relevance and drive engagement across Greater China.