Richemont Group has released its latest sales report for the five months ended August 31 2014, noting a 2% growth in jewellery sales compared to 2013 at constant exchange rates, or flat sales based on current rates.

While overall retail sales growth stood at 1%, the figure was stronger at 6% for the European regions only. Within the group, Van Cleef & Arpels was a strong performer along with Net-a-Porter, while Cartier jewellery stayed ahead of Cartier watches.

In Europe and the Middle East, tourism was a strong driver, with retail sales growth being stronger than wholesale sales overall.

Fluctuations in the rates of US dollar and the Yen affected the results, the statement said. For example, a 12% growth in the Americas translated into an actual increase of 7% due toa weakening dollar, while in the Asia-Pacific region, rate fluctuations resulted in a 2% dip in sales.