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GIA platinum exhibit to feature pieces new to U.S.

October 02, 2009
The platinum "Aqua" necklace, designed by Italy's Orlando Orlandini, is one of four pieces from a water-themed collection that will make its U.S. debut at the Gemological Institute of America's "Best of Platinum" exhibit.

New York--Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) has announced that pieces from two of its sponsored collections will be making their U.S. debut at the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) upcoming "Best of Platinum" exhibit.

Pieces from the "Aqua Collection," a grouping of four one-of-a-kind statement necklaces representing four countries and commissioned by PGI beginning in 2004, will be showcased together for the first time. In addition, the exhibit will feature highlights from the "Plat Africa" collection, an assemblage of winning designs from a competition that engages South African jewelry designers and local design students to showcase their creativity and originality in platinum.

The exhibit opens at GIA's world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., on Nov. 2 and runs until April 30, 2010. The exhibit will be held in the GIA's main Rotunda Gallery, with an exclusive preview of the Aqua Collection set to take place on Oct. 16.

"PGI is thrilled to have the Aqua Collection and select winning Plat Africa pieces in the U.S. for the first time," PGI Chief Executive Officer James Courage said in a media release. "Each of these pieces capture the intrinsic beauty and versatility of platinum and showcase talented designers across the world. We are honored and excited the exhibit will be held at the distinguished Gemological Institute of America for all to appreciate."

The pieces in the Aqua Collection each revolve around the theme of water, a motif PGI says it chose because research revealed water to be the element consumers most associated with platinum.

The collection's four pieces that will be displayed are: Italy's "Aqua" necklace, created by Orlando Orlandini and the first necklace commissioned for the collection, Japan's "Shibuki" by Yuka Kobayashi of the Kuwayama Corp., China's "Jiang" by Hong Kong designer Chu Wai On and India's "Iraja" by Arunima Bhaumik of Ganjam Jewelers.

The Plat Africa collection meanwhile has been culled over the course of the 10 years that the South African design and manufacturing competition has been in existence. The Best of Platinum competition will feature six award-winning pieces from the collection, including platinum shields by Linki Van Zyl, platinum pearls by Annika Harms, a platinum arum lily with gold stamen by Chris van Rensburg, a platinum and wood ring by Anneke Pienaar, platinum poppy day brooch by Gunevere Stockwell and a platinum neckpiece with colored stones by Thuto Pule.

In addition to the Aqua and Plat Africa collections, the exhibit will showcase several other award-winning platinum pieces by designers Kirk Kara, Danhov, Mark Schneider, Michael B, Gurhan, Lisa Krikawa and Tom Munsteiner.

GIA Museum viewings are free and available to the public through scheduled tours. Visitors can sign up by calling (800) 421-7250 ext. 4116 or by e-mailing guestservices@gia.edu.
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