(PRESS RELEASE)NEW YORK — In advance of the upcoming Las Vegas Jewelry Week, Platinum Guild International USA has revealed its 2022 initiative in partnership with COUTURE. The organization behind the world’s most precious metal worked with eight renowned COUTURE designers, who predominantly work in yellow and rose gold, to create a series of pieces in platinum. While some designers chose to recreate their most well-known pieces, others took the opportunity to create brand new designs. The platinum pieces range from bangles and pendants to statement rings and necklaces. All will be available for viewing at the upcoming COUTURE in the participating designers’ salons and villas.
The designers selected for the program are Brent Neale, Hartwell Godfrey, Retrouvai, Spinelli Kilcollin, Stephen Webster, Suzanne Kalan, Walters Faith, and Zöe Chico.
“Each year, we try to find a unique way to showcase platinum at COUTURE,” explained Kevin Reilly, PGI USA’s Senior Vice President. “We felt this was an excellent opportunity to highlight these incredible designs in a naturally white metal that will allow these pieces to stand the test of time.” He continued, “It has been a wonderful journey to work with these talented designers and we are excited to see attendees’ reactions, both retailers and press, to the finished designs.”
“We are always so amazed by the creativity and design acumen of the artists who make up our community,” shared Gannon Brousseau, COUTURE director and EVP. “Whether it’s working in a new medium or establishing an innovative design concept, COUTURE designers and brands are not afraid to take risks and continually build upon their prolific collections.”
Zoe Chicco, a participating designer who had never worked in platinum prior to this project, noted, “I love how the finished pieces came out! There is a really nice weight to the platinum that just feels luxurious, and it really complements the diamonds so well and makes them the stars of the show.” When asked if she’ll be working in platinum moving forward, she enthused, “Definitely! We are doing more bridal pieces recently, and often people are interested in platinum. In the past, I’ve been hesitant to work in platinum because I hadn’t worked with it before, but now that we’ve had this experience, I am comfortable and confident designing and creating pieces for clients in platinum moving forward.”
“There is certainly consumer demand for both yellow and white metals in jewelry design,” shared Jenny Luker, PGI USA’s president. “However, when consumers are looking for a piece in white metal, our job is to educate them on the benefits of choosing platinum, including the low maintenance, gemstone security and its hypoallergenic nature. With more designers choosing to work in platinum, there is more availability for consumers to make an informed decision.”