Platinum Guild International (PGI) – India presented the winning designs of the 19th edition of PlatAfrica 2018, a jewellery design and manufacturing competition.
Presented by the world’s leading producer of the precious metal Anglo American Platinum, in collaboration with Metal Concentrators and PGI India, the prestigious competition is open to students, apprentice and professional jewellers in South Africa to promote innovation and technical expertise in the design of platinum jewellery.
Inspired by young women of today, this year’s design theme “Blessings of love” celebrated the young woman as she navigates her way in pursuit of an equal society – all under the blessings of her parents. The parental blessing focusses on a brighter future, the realisation of the child’s dreams and aspirations and her parent’s desire for a life filled with happiness and love. Significant milestones in her life like graduation, first job, etc. are often made memorable with an everlasting gift of jewellery. The contestants were challenged to create a timeless piece befitting of an emotional milestone.
This year’s theme looked to emphasise the rarity and strength of both platinum and her wearer through modern but timeless design, showcasing no more than two or three simple elements of the highest quality production, through three broad design categories namely:
• Nature’s Spirit
• Modern Feminine
• Cultural Confluence
The winning designs at PlatAfrica 2018 were all contemporary, telling a beautiful story celebrating platinum’s finest attribute – love. Taking the first place were: Nicky Bottcher from the professional category with her piece themed Universal Love; and Callen Miller from the student/apprentice category for her piece Able To Be.
Runners-up were: Jefta Mtole (2nd) from the professional category with his piece themed From a Larvae to a Queen; and Lonwaba Majola (2nd) from the student’s category for her piece titled Bell of Love.
Speaking on the occasion, Vaishali Banerjee, managing director, Platinum Guild International – India said, “It’s been a privilege to be associated with PlatAfrica. This collaboration is a win-win for South African designers and PGI India. The winners get to experience an international market integrated with the recognition they receive, and for us, it’s an opportunity to get disruptive new thinking in platinum jewellery. This year the stories were deeply meaningful, and the passion and love for the metal platinum was visible in every piece.”
Mark Freed, head of market development, Precious Metals, Anglo American Platinum Limited, added, “PlatAfrica is more than just a competition. It is a platform that hones designing skills and offers South African jewellery designers and manufacturers a unique opportunity to learn to design for the global jewellery market. We are in our 19th year, and this competition over the years has been able to encourage and empower the local designers to broaden their vision and develop their talent to meet international market demands. We greatly value PGI India’s support in furthering this development by giving these contestants exposure to the Indian jewellery industry.”
The judging process was managed independently of the management of the awards to ensure a balanced, fair and objective judging assessment. Moreover, an AngloAmerican Business Assurance Services oversaw the adjudication process to ensure transparency.
