Spectrum Awards: Platinum

Staff -- JCK Online, 2/1/1997 2:00:00 AM

13 DESIGNERS WIN SPECTRUM PLATINUM HONORS

Winners represent the best in platinumand colored stone jewelry designThirteen designers received 1997 AGTA Spectrum Platinum Honors.

The competition is sponsored by the Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry Inc. and the American Gem Trade Association and held as part of the AGTA Spectrum Award Competition. Designs are eligible if they meet AGTA Spectrum guidelines and if their metal content is at least 75% platinum.

The 43 entries were judged on beauty, originality and effective and innovative use of platinum. Judges were Lisa Labrado, marketing coordinator of the Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry Inc.; Mary Haltom of Mary Haltom Jeweler, Fort Worth, Tex.; and Hedda T. Schupak, fashion editor of JCK magazine.

“It is a privilege to honor the most innovative platinum jewelry designs using colored gemstone,” says Laurie Hudson, president of PGI-USA. “The Platinum Guild was most impressed with the expansive and creative use of platinum, as well as the level of workmanship the entries displayed this year.”

By creating a separate category for platinum and colored stones in the AGTA Spectrum Competition, says PGI, fine jewelry retailers have the examples they need to effectively merchandise and promote platinum jewelry. The 1997 winning pieces will be shown at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson this month and at the PGI-USA booth at the JCK International Jewelry Show in Las Vegas in May, the JA International Jewelry Show in July and the L.A. Jewelry Show in August.

PGI-USA is the U.S. jewelry marketing arm of the worldwide platinum industry. AGTA is a not-for-profit trade association.