During February, leading jewellery retailer Joyalukkas launched a special new platinum pendant in the Middle East ahead of Valentine's Day.

The piece, which formed part of the romantic BeMine collection and retailed at around £217, was described by company Chairman Joy Alukkas as "something truly precious and memorable".

http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTI4ODc0ODY2OQ==

Indian consumers, famed for their love of gold jewellery, are now increasingly recognising the attraction of purchasing pieces made from platinum, Commodity Online reports.

Demand has been growing to such an extent that the price of the white metal jumped to its highest for almost a month in New York on 10th February.

http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Now-Indian-demand-may-push-platinum-prices-15032-3-1.html

Aurora Pens may have launched the world's most expensive pen, costing a whopping £917,000, Luxist.com reports.

The Aurora Diamante contains over 30 carats of De Beers diamonds on a solid platinum barrel which has a two-tone, rhodium-treated, 18-carat gold nib.

The pen, which can be customised with a coat of arms, signature or portrait, is believed to be more expensive than the Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery pen.

http://www.luxist.com/2009/02/12/a-new-worlds-most-expensive-pen/

Meanwhile, Tiffany & Co marked the recent Mercedes Fashion Week in New York by unveiling a new engagement ring, known as the Bezet Ring.

The ring - which is set to hit stores in May - features a bezel setting and a platinum band, with consumers able to add a heart, pear, princess or round diamond.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1799-NY-Shoes-and-Accessories-Examiner~y2009m2d19-This-just-in--Tiffany--Co-debuts-a-new-engagement-ring

The Oscars - arguably the glitziest red-carpet event in the world - took place for the 81st time in February, with a host of celebrities marking the occasion by turning out in platinum jewellery.

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens, for instance, wore a black Marchesa gown with a flowered bodice and dangling platinum, diamond and vintage coral earrings, the Associated Press reports.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iH7Cd34BPTmKKgdPH7HREAWweYNgD96H0E8G1

The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke sported a platinum watch chain with his eye-catching, tieless white tuxedo, complemented by a high-gloss black shoes and sunglasses, according to Times News.

http://timesnews.typepad.com/news/2009/02/mickey-rourke-the-tux.html

Kate Winslet, who scooped the Best Actress gong, selected pear-shaped diamond cluster earrings in platinum, National Jeweller reports.

Penelope Cruz, who also scooped an Oscar for her performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, wore a Chopard platinum necklace with 69 carats of cushion-cut diamonds.

Evan Rachel Wood picked darkened platinum chandelier earrings, a bracelet and a ring, while Diane Lane opted for a platinum fringe necklace, earrings and a ring.

In addition, Frozen River star Melissa Leo provided a burst of colour at the event, appearing in platinum and green drop earrings from Fred Leighton.

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3iea53c56650e704b1e27e991b776f72f6

Natalie Portman, picked by many to be a style icon in 2009, went for platinum and diamond hair combs, stud earrings, cuff bracelet and stackable rings by Kwiat.

Meanwhile, Eva Longoria-Parker sported a platinum and diamond lapel brooch, plus platinum rings and stud earrings, while Salma Hayek wore darkened platinum and diamond chandelier earrings at the pre-Oscars Vanity Fair party.

Among the other top stars to select platinum jewellery for the evening were Heidi Klum (blackened earrings and bracelets), Miley Cyrus (earrings), Victoria Beckham (brooches, stud earrings and bracelets) and Madonna (complete look at Vanity Fair party).

http://www.prlabonline.com

Elsewhere, pop sensation Beyonce Knowles appeared at a number of events during February wearing platinum jewellery.

She selected a pair of platinum cluster earrings on 10th February in Los Angeles for the 'Unforgettable Evening Benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation'.

Two days later, she appeared in platinum bangles at the NAACP Image Awards, before sparkling in cuff bracelets at a Valentine's Day party in Phoenix, where Jennifer Lopez wore platinum earrings, cuff bracelets and a ring.

http://www.prlabonline.com

Finally, the other celebrities to turn out in platinum pieces at red-carpet events in February were Demi Moore, Kate Walsh, Tichina Arnold, Keke Palmer, Mary J Blige, JLO, the Jonas Brothers, Debra Messing, Liane Balaban, Vanessa Williams, Wendy Davis, Leighton Meester and Lori Loughlin.

http://www.prlabonline.com