(New York, NY) July 29, 2009—Platinum Guild International USA (PGI) is proud to announce their continued sponsorship of the American Gem Trade Association's Spectrum Awards competition. AGTA will once again have a "Platinum Honors" division as part of the annual Spectrum Awards honoring the most beautiful combinations of colored gemstones set into platinum.

The "Platinum Honors" division of the AGTA awards has proven very popular since its relaunch and has introduced 'platinum opportunities' for competing designers. The 2009 contest generated platinum entries from new designers, with platinum pieces making up 47 percent of the overall finished jewelry entries submitted. Platinum, according to many jewelry designers, has always been considered the perfect complement to any colored gemstone or pearl.

PGI USA's extensive promotion and publicity of last year's winners provided a wide range of exposure for their designs ranging from inclusion in PGI's Red Carpet Award Show Suites, Editor Days, press releases and editorial pitches. To date, PGI has generated more than $631,407+ of publicity and exposure for these designs. As they were in the past year, the 2010 winning pieces will be promoted as follows:

• Included in the www.preciousplatinum.com Design Gallery
• Displayed in PGI's Emmy, Golden Globe and Oscar Award Show suites (where appropriate)
• Presented to over 60 editors and journalists from the jewelry trade outlets as well the national and regional consumer publications.
• Featured in press releases, a customized press kit (known as the the "Platinum Desktop Reference") and national newswire releases that showcase the winning platinum designs.
• Featured in a customized PGI-branded poster created specifically for their product.

"We are delighted to continue the 'Platinum Honors' category to the AGTA Spectrum Awards," said Huw Daniel, President, Platinum Guild International, USA. "Platinum Guild International has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the AGTA and the many great designers working in colored gemstones and platinum. We believe this competition promotes fresh, innovative designs and creates the opportunity for new designers to work in platinum and reinforces the commitment of more established designers to continue to design in platinum."

The 2010 competition categories will once again include Bridal Wear, Classical, Day Wear, Evening Wear, Men's Wear and Best Use of Platinum and Color with 'Platinum Honors' being awarded in each. In order for entrants to be eligible for Platinum Honors, each individual piece must consist of at least 90 percent platinum (not including gemstones) and the Platinum must be in accordance to ISO standards. All entries for the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ must be received by September 25, 2009. Entry forms and rules can be found at www.agta.org/awards.

Winners of the 'Platinum Honors' award in each category will receive a Platinum Honors trophy, along with individual value-added media and promotion packages, valued between $10,000 - $40,000, provided by Platinum Guild International. Winners will be honored at the annual AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala at the AGTA Gem Fair in Tucson on February 6, 2010.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is considered one of the most prestigious awards for designers and manufacturers and the "Platinum Honors" category is an extension of PGI's ongoing commitment to raise awareness and desire for Platinum jewelry while supporting Platinum designers and manufacturers.

About the American Gem Trade Association
The AGTA is an Association of natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry professionals dedicated to promoting the natural colored gemstone trade. The Association pursues this mission through the combined use of educational programs, industry events and publicity to both the trade and the consumer. We are the Authority in Color.

About Platinum Guild International USA
Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry. For further information please visit www.platinumguild.com.

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