Platinum Guild International USA (PGI USA) is set to host its third annual COUTURE Platinum Spotlight Program where designers who traditionally work with yellow gold will venture into designing with platinum.
This year, four new designers are participating along with seven alumni from previous years, all tasked with crafting pieces using platinum.
New and Returning Designers
The 2024 program welcomes new designers Mike Joseph, Renato Cipullo, Selim Mouzannar, and Single Stone. They join returning participants Beck, Harwell Godfrey, Jade Ruzzo, Retrouvaí, Sorellina, Ten Thousand Things, and Walters Faith, collectively known as the COUTURE Platinum Spotlight Alumni. Their platinum designs will be showcased from May 29th at their respective venues within the COUTURE event.
Design Focus and Creativity
Participants have the option to rework their most iconic designs or create entirely new pieces. The resulting collection includes statement earrings, cocktail rings, and complete suites designed for red carpet events.
Gannon Brousseau, director of COUTURE and EVP at Emerald, commented on the designers’ engagement with the new medium: “One of the most distinctive characteristics shared by COUTURE’s designers and brands is a fearlessness when it comes to expanding outside their comfort zones in expressing creativity. The designers who have opted to partner with Platinum Guild International for our COUTURE Platinum Spotlight program have been so enthusiastic in taking on the challenge of working with a new metal, and their nuanced understanding of the art form has allowed them to leverage platinum’s unique properties to beautifully enhance singular designs.”
Industry Insights and Platinum’s Appeal
Randi Molofsky, founder of For Future Reference, emphasized the benefits of working with platinum, particularly in the current economic climate. “Quite frankly, there is no better time to be working with platinum, and that’s why I love encouraging the brands I work with to think about ways to incorporate the naturally white metal into its repertoire. With gold prices at an all-time high, and customers once again appreciating the look of cooler tones, platinum is an easy choice: it doesn’t dull, is incredibly durable, and allows designers to create heirloom-quality jewelry while remaining price-conscious,” Molofsky stated.
Jenny Luker, president of PGI USA, shared insights on the growing popularity of platinum: “Platinum’s popularity with more jewelry designers creating fashion-forward pieces in this highly desired metal has continued an upward trajectory over the past few years. The availability of more non-bridal designs is important in creating an opportunity to ensure platinum is on consumers’ radar much earlier in their jewelry journey and is a key piece to platinum’s continued growth.”
Support for Emerging Talent
Additionally, the program supports emerging designers through the “Luminaries by COUTURE” initiative, inviting them to create with platinum. Participants this year include Ama McKinley of Ilium Wing, Bliss Lau, and Hiba Husayni of ZAHN-Z Fine Jewelry.For further details on the program and its participants, visit Platinum Jewelry.
