A new online resource has been set up for platinum bench jewellers.

Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA, a group set up to promote platinum to the consumer and the jewellery trade, has now provided useful technical information at its website.

The guild is providing the service to jewellers free of charge.

The technical information on its Platinumguild.com site includes a question and answer section. Step-by-step instructions are given.

There is also a reference section containing articles from numerous publications and a video library gives visual details of several platinum bench procedures.

"Part of our objective in adding technical support information to our website is to help the manufacturer and retailer increase their profits through platinum," said Huw Daniel, president of PGI-USA.

"Helping the bench jeweller with manufacturing efficiency is one way to ensure that time and resources are best used."

Earlier this year, the PGI urged platinum jewellers to attract consumers to platinum wedding bands.

During an event in Las Vegas, it suggested that jewellers should take on the so-called "three ring challenge", encouraging couples to choose platinum for their wedding bands as well as the engagement ring.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd