Platinum Pioneers

Say what you will about the mad metals market—there’s no denying that it’s forced manufacturers to experiment. Exhibit A:
the second annual Platinum Innovation Awards, which drew a whopping 143 percent increase in entries this year, for a total of 200, according to sponsor Platinum Guild International USA.

Retailers attending JCK Las Vegas are invited to help judge the winners in each of six categories: Vintage-Inspired Platinum Engagement Rings, Modern Platinum Engagement Rings, Entry Platinum Engagement Rings (semi-mounts retailing for less than $2,500), Platinum Wedding Bands, Platinum Earrings, and Platinum Fashion Rings.

Voting takes place via text—each SKU will be labeled with instructions—on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4. Winners will be announced June 5, and will receive a prize package valued at $50,000, including the opportunity to have their pieces professionally photographed and featured on PGI-USA’s consumer website and in its national advertising campaign.

Watermelon Wonder

Platinum necklace with 22.41 cts. t.w. watermelon tourmalines and 11.45 cts. t.w. colorless diamonds with 18k gold accents; $95,000; Richard Krementz Gemstones, Springfield, N.J.; 800-835-3436; richardkrementzgemstones.com

Accidents happen. Just ask the folks at Richard Krementz ­Gemstones. Behold these two watermelon tourmalines born from a single piece of California crystal. A mishap in the workshop split the specimen in two. But the company turned tragedy into treasure by enlisting award-winning cutter Phillip Youngman to reshape the gems for use in a striking ­vertical pendant set off by round and baguette-shaped diamonds. JCK learned of the lemons-to-lemonade tale in Tucson, where the necklace debuted; it’s still for sale, and will be on display at the company’s booth at JCK Las Vegas.