The popularity of platinum jewelry could well be increasing in Japan, it has been revealed.

According to recent figures, the proportion of platinum jewelry imported into the south-east Asian country over the past year has risen by a third, reports Diamonds.net.

Overall, platinum jewelry to the value of $38.13 million was brought in the 12 months leading up to August 2007 - some 33.6 per cent above figures recorded in the previous year.

This compares to the decrease noted in imports for jewelry made from other precious metals.

Meanwhile, imports of sapphires, rubies and emeralds were also revealed to have fallen over the course of August.

In other platinum news related to south-east Asia, a Gundam Fix action figurine crafted from 1,400 grams of pure platinum and estimated to be worth $250,000 went on display in Japan last month.

The news comes as a series of stunning platinum watches are to go on auction in Hong Kong later this month.