Un-refined

November 01, 2007

This 14-karat "Harmony Metals and Gems" matched bridal set is part of Hoover and Strong's recycled precious-metals collection.

By Susan Thea Posnock

The metal-refining markets in 2007 could be described as anything but refined. For jewelers and refiners, the year has been like one long, frantic game of hot potato.

And thanks to record-setting highs for gold, the playing field has stretched from Wall Street to commodity traders to Main Street jewelers to the people working on refinery floors. As prices tick higher, everyone wants or needs the goods, but nobody wants to hold onto them for very long.

To read how refiners such as Hoover and Strong are reacting to the market, download Un-refined.