A prestigious competition to recognise outstanding new platinum jewellery designs has yielded eight winners, it has been confirmed.

The Lonmin Design Innovation Awards, which is now in its seventh year, was divided into two categories - 'Emerging Designers' and 'Established Designers'.

After much deliberation, the 11-strong panel of officials from all areas of the platinum jewellery industry settled on four winners in each division from over 100 entries in total.

In the former group, the prizes went to Takafumi Inuzuka's 'EngineeRing', Nina Koutibashvili's 'Roses & Thorns' necklace, Katie Rowland's 'Siren' ear-pieces and Zelda Wong's 'Little Drop of Poison' pendant.

For the latter category, Angie Boothroyd's 'Flourish' earrings, Jodie Hook's 'Rollercoaster' earrings, Fei Liu's 'Allure' ring and 'Aeon' earrings, and Tom Rucker's 'Geo.Galactica' ring were all selected.

"This competition is all about promoting the use and understanding the application of platinum in jewellery," said Albert Jamieson, Commercial Executive Vice-President at Lonmin.

"[It involves] capturing the spirit of the metal and pushing the boundaries of design in the most precious metal of all - platinum. We are overwhelmed by the continued growth in entries and delighted that our winners achieved the objectives we set."

Particular attention was given to the creations of Mr Liu, a Chinese-born, Birmingham-based designer who aims to create bold, dramatic platinum jewellery with a refined edge.

The Aeon drop earrings featured a lattice of platinum set with the traditional antique blue and white porcelain that characterised the Qing dynasty in China between 1662 and 1722.

However, all the pieces involved were worn by models at a spectacular party and awards ceremony at the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London on 6th September.

They were also showcased at the International Jewellery London (IJL) exhibition this week at Earls Court and a marketing and PR campaign has now been launched for further promotion.

The awards are organised by Lonmin - which is the world's third-largest platinum producer - in association with leading platinum refiner Johnson Matthey and IJL.

Source:

New jewellers shine at International Jewellery London (10/09/09)

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