CALIFORNIA (Commodity Online): The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum’s new and exclusive exhibit, Best in Platinum, showcases 17 award-winning pieces selected from a variety of platinum jewelry collections.

The exhibit was assembled by Platinum Guild International (PGI), and is being shown together for the first time in the US.
 
The exhibit is a collaboration of design excellence and creativity. The exhibition showcases talented designers from all over the world who choose to work in platinum because of its natural beauty and durability. These works of art are truly an international collaboration featuring pieces from China, Japan, Italy, India, South Africa, Germany and the US.

Highlights include pieces from the PlatAfrica design competition and the Aqua Collection, as well as several other award-winning platinum pieces designed by Gurhan, Kirk Kara, Mark Schneider, Michael B, Tom Munsteiner, Danhov and Krikawa. These designs were recognized for their use of platinum by industry organizations, such as the American Gem Trade Association, Jewelers Circular Keystone, Platinum Couture Style Challenge and the Women’s Jewelry Association.
 
Some of these industry-honored pieces include a platinum bracelet with a 29.26 carat aquamarine, and a platinum men’s ring set with 171 micro pavé diamonds and an 11.54 ct beautifully cut indicolite blue tourmaline.
 
The Aqua Collection, making its US debut, was inspired by the life-giving force of water. One necklace, Iraja, features a cascade of 303 diamonds and 450 grams of platinum.
 
The five PlatAfrica pieces featured in the exhibition are winners of a platinum jewelry design competition from professional jewelers and students in South Africa. A delicate platinum arum lily with gold stamen is one piece from this showcase.
 
The Best in Platinum exhibit will be on display at the GIA Museum until April 30, 2010.
 
GIA Museum viewings are free and available to the public through scheduled tours.