For the second consecutive year, Platinum Guild International is sponsoring the 12th annual Women’s Jewelry Association‘s DIVA Awards design competition.

This year’s theme, “The Platinum Wedding,” will feature five categories:

1) Everyday Bridal Ring Trio Suite;
2) DIVA Bridal Suite (over $5,000 retail);
3)  Jewels for the Bride or Bridal Party;
4) DIVA Bridal Jewelry (over $5,000); and
5) Natural Colored Diamonds Set in Platinum, sponsored by the Natural Color Diamond Association (NCDIA).

The deadline for entries is April 18 and to make the submission process easier, this year, either renderings or photography of actual product will be accepted. Digital images must be submitted via the online application system at www.womensjewelry.org.

The Platinum DIVA Awards culminates with a cocktail party for WJA members and non-members toasting the winners on June 2 at Tao at the Venetian from 6-8pm, during JCK Las Vegas. Industry tastemakers will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle.

“PGI is thrilled to be the top sponsor once again since this contest celebrates talented women in the industry. This year’s competition is even more exciting as we have expanded the contest categories, allowing for a greater amount of creativity,” says Michael O’Connor, senior vice president of PGI.

“Entering this year is even more accessible with the new structure of on-line applications, as well as the ability to submit either renderings and/or images of completed pieces by April 18,” said Yancy Weinrich, president of WJA and Industry vice president, LUXURY by JCK.  “Allowing contestants to have a choice will expand the DIVA Awards across many levels of talent within our industry.” 

For the winners in each category, PGI is providing a prize package of Platinum benefits valued at $15,000. This includes a $1,000 cash prize along with a private two-hour consultation with Jurgen Maerz, PGI’s director of Technical Education; copies of all Platinum Technical materials produced by PGI; and inclusion of winning three-Platinum-ring image in the Design Gallery on PreciousPlatinum.com and EngagementGuide.com.

In addition, Lieberfarb Inc. and Mercury Ring Corp. have volunteered to manufacture several of the rings, which will be on display at a press conference in the Platinum Pavilion (Booth #300) at JCK on Friday, May 30. 

For assistance in entering competition, contact Cindy Edelstein, competition chair, at 914-738-8485. For tickets to the June 2 DIVA event at Tao, visit www.womensjewelry.com.

JCK