In Italy's storied gold-making hubs, jewellers are reworking their designs to trim gold content as they race to blunt the impact of record prices and appeal to shoppers watching their budgets. Gold prices hit a record high on Thursday, surging near $5,600 an ounce, more than double a year ​ago as geopolitical concerns and jitters over trade pushed investors towards the safe-haven asset. The rally is putting undue pressure on small artisans as they face mounting demands from clients including international brands to produce cheaper items, from ⁠signature pieces to wedding rings, according to interviews with four ... (full story)