Platinum today: News/Jewellery

Low-batch platinum alloy casting machine launched

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new low-batch casting machine for platinum alloys has been launched by Schultheiss, it was confirmed today (4th March).

The machine, which has been given the name 'Vacuum & Pressure Casting Machine VPC 040', is capable of creating between two and 50 casts per week, Professional Jeweller reports.

It was designed with the express intention of providing jewellers with an opportunity to produce small amounts of product from a table-top device in a cost-effective manner.

According to Schultheiss, the machine - which is also able to process gold, silver and palladium alloys - is particularly attractive as its price-performance ratio is impressive.

The VPC 040, which is the first of its kind to be produced by the company, is set to be officially unveiled at this month's BaselWorld watch and jewellery industry trade show in Geneva, Switzerland.

Approximately 94,000 visitors flock to the event - which covers 160,000 sq m with a range of halls situated on different floors - every year.

Source:

First low-batch casting machine for Schultheiss (04/03/10)

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New technology for platinum jewellery retailers' websites

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Platinum jewellery retailers can now customise the content on their websites with the help of a new technological tool, it has been confirmed.

A study by Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA revealed that consumers looking to buy bridal jewellery are increasingly 'pre-shopping' online before making purchases.

As a result, the body decided to develop the new programme, which includes a range of advice for the best approach to selecting and maintaining platinum jewellery.

In addition, designers and retailers will be given the opportunity to implement a buyer's guide on their websites, which will provide information in areas such as ring styles.

"Our recent study revealed that 50 per cent of bridal jewellery shoppers visited online jewellery store sites to conduct engagement ring research, so there is clearly a great desire for jewellery education online," said Michelle Peranteau, Manager of Marketing Communications for PGI USA.

In order to install the technology, jewellers can visit PreciousPlatinum.com and find the content they require in the 'hints and tips' section of the website.

Platinum jewellery has featured prominently during the current Hollywood awards season, with stars such as Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman wearing pieces crafted from the precious metal to red-carpet events.

Source:

PGI-USA offering free platinum website content (01/03/10)

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Freeman to wear '46664' platinum bangle to Oscars

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Morgan Freeman will wear a tailor-made platinum bangle to the Oscars as he looks to secure the best actor gong, Times Live South Africa reported yesterday (3rd March).

The 72-year-old, who has been nominated for his performance as Nelson Mandela in the film 'Invictus', will arrive at the Academy Awards with a bespoke bracelet decorated with emeralds and black diamonds.

In addition, the piece will be engraved 'Invictus 46664', in reference to the former South African president's prison number during his 27 years behind bars for anti-apartheid activities.

Robert Coutts, who founded the 46664 jewellery initiative - which also features gold, silver and copper bangles - was delighted to confirm Freeman's choice for the red-carpet event.

"Freeman will be wearing his bangle at one of the world's most highly publicised and prestigious events," he told the news provider.

"His convincing portrayal of Nelson Mandela is what got him the nomination and I believe that this is a fitting way to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Mandela's release."

Freeman won his only previous Oscar in 2005 for his role in 'Million Dollar Baby' and was also nominated for his parts in 'Street Smart', 'Driving Miss Daisy' and 'The Shawshank Redemption'.

Source:

46664 bracelet might go up for an Oscar (03/03/10)

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Young women spur demand for platinum jewellery in China

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The outlook for platinum jewellery is positive thanks to the growing popularity of the precious metal with younger consumers, it has been claimed.

In a report compiled by Platinum Guild International (PGI), the organisation stated that research shows two-thirds of the total number of platinum jewellery buyers in China are women aged between 18 and 34.

This intimates that platinum jewellery demand in the world's most populous country is likely to increase over time as the market opens up.

In the shorter term, PGI China director Grace Man is hopeful that the improving economic climate will help boost demand for platinum in China.

"PGI is confident and optimistic that 2010 will be a good year judging by both platinum's strong performance and China's GDP growth forecast," he confirmed.

Preliminary data suggested China's economy grew by 8.7 per cent in 2009, meaning it is on course to overtake Japan as the world's second-largest economy.

Source:

Platinum Guild International

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Auspicious date set to increase demand for platinum jewellery in China

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Chinese couples intent on getting married on October 10th this year are expected to increase demand for platinum bridal jewellery.

According to a report which appears in Jewellery News Asia seen by Israeli Diamond, October 10th 2010 is viewed by many in China as the "perfect wedding date" due to its auspicious significance, and as such more couples than usual are planning to get married on the special day.

This is good news for the platinum jewellery market, as platinum is the most favoured precious metal for bridal jewellery in China.

Research conducted by Oracle Added Value shows that 68 per cent of grooms and 75 per cent of brides in the country have chosen platinum wedding rings.

Meanwhile, 13.18 million Chinese couples are estimated to have registered their marriage in 2009, while 14.5 million are expected to do so in 2010.

Platinum jewellery is also favoured by celebrities, with the likes of Mary J Blige, Jessica Alba and Mariah Carey all appearing in platinum at the recent People's Choice Awards.

Source:

Perfect wedding date boosting China's platinum bridal market (18/02/10)

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Jewellery Roundup February 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 'People's Choice?': Diamonds and platinum (07/01/10)

This year's Hollywood awards season has now officially kicked off, meaning celebrities have been appearing at various red-carpet events sporting precious platinum jewellery.

According to National Jeweler Network, classic designs proved most popular at the recent People's Choice Awards, with bracelet and earring pairings taking precedence over necklaces.

Mary J Blige selected platinum earrings with colourless and brown diamonds, punctuated by a platinum bracelet with multi-coloured diamonds - all from Lorraine Schwartz.

Queen Latifah, who had a number of outfit changes during the event, particularly sparkled in earrings and a ring sculpted from platinum and diamond.

Meanwhile, award winners Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey both collected their gongs in platinum and diamond bracelets and earrings.

Actress Jessica Alba also looked stunning in Neil Lane jewellery, with stacks of platinum bangles with black diamonds and a large platinum ring with diamond and onyx.

Hollywood A-Listers Go Platinum at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards (18/01/10)

A huge number of celebrities also turned out in platinum jewellery for the 67th instalment of the annual Golden Globe Awards.

Nicole Kidman wore platinum bracelets with diamonds and emeralds by Fred Leighton, while Kate Winslet donned platinum and diamond earrings and bracelets by Tiffany & Co.

Penelope Cruz selected platinum and diamond earrings (20 carats), platinum and diamond bracelet (42 carats) and a platinum and pink diamond ring (seven carats), all by Chopard.

Halle Berry sported a platinum and diamond bracelet by Bvlgari, Jessica Simpson wore platinum earrings by Neil Lane and Toni Collette picked platinum and diamond drop earrings, bracelets and rings, also by Neil Lane.

Meanwhile, British actress Helen Mirren opted for a Chopard selection of platinum and diamond earrings (18 carats), platinum and diamond bracelet (25 carats), and a platinum and diamond ring (seven carats).

Commenting on the trends witnessed at the event, style expert Michael O'Connor said: "Celebrities are choosing one area to highlight, whether that's a large statement necklace in platinum, big earrings or stackable cuff bracelets.

"Coloured gemstones are making a big appearance on the red carpet. We're seeing more in the cooler palettes, such as blues and greens."

Jewelery and Suits 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (23/01/10)

Platinum jewellery was also out in force at the 16th annual instalment of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, with Neil Lane providing the pieces for the event.

Tina Fey wore long coloured diamond, platinum and moonstone chandelier earrings and three white and coloured diamond and platinum bracelets.

In addition, Toni Colette against showed her fondness for the precious metal, plumping for turquoise, platinum, gold and diamond bangles and a diamond, platinum and turquoise cocktail ring.

Jayma Mays selected diamond and platinum bracelets, turquoise circle earrings and a turquoise, diamond and platinum ring.

Lauren Sanchez turned out in long pearl, diamond and platinum chandelier earrings, a pearl, diamond and platinum bracelet and a pearl, platinum and diamond ring.

Finally, Miranda Cosgrove picked three diamond, platinum and sapphire bracelets, a diamond and platinum moonstone cocktail ring and diamond and platinum studs.

Katy Perry shows off diamond engagement ring (10/01/10)

Katy Perry flashed her new engagement ring for the first time in January as she stepped out with fiance Russell Brand.

The 'I Kissed a Girl' singer was given a large, square-cut diamond set in a platinum band, which British comedian and actor Brand purchased from Cartier before Christmas.

Platinum Wedding Bands Featured in New Video (15/01/10)

A new video has been launched which features platinum wedding rings sculpted by Novell Design Studio, TransWorldNews reports.

The bands appearing in the film - which was created by Platinum Guild International - have appeared in publications such as 'InStyle', 'Glamour' and the 'LA Times'.

Tiffany sales bounce back with a 17% rise (13/01/10)

Tiffany & Co has confirmed that its worldwide sales increased by 17 per cent during the holiday period, with US sales rising by 13 per cent in the final two months of the year.

"We are extremely pleased by these holiday sales results. We experienced growth across a wide range of jewellery categories and price points," said Chief Executive Michael Kowalski.

Tiffany raises dividend, resumes share buyback (21/01/10)

The luxury jeweller was so encouraged by the results that it raised its dividend by 18 per cent and confirmed that it will resume its attempts to buy back shares, Reuters reports.

About $402 million is still available for repurchases as part of the programme, which has been suspended since Q3 2008 but will run until January 2011.

Brand New Diamond Tennis Bracelet Design shows a lot More Diamond and Less Gold (28/01/10)

Finally, Diamond Tennis Bracelets has launched a unique new design featuring a platinum base and a three-prong setting which holds each of its round diamonds in place.

"What makes this bracelet dreamy is the fact that the setting is so well built, each round stone appears to sit right next to the other," noted the company.

"The design is a simple one, but [it] encompasses all the beauty of a classic tennis bracelet."

Anjolee.com is currently selling the SB850 version of the bracelet, which is the only one available at present.

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