New York (January 31, 2005) - Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) welcomes the announcement of a new Industry Advisory Task Force to conduct an industry-wide analysis of the current Federal Trade Commission Guides on marking products made wholly or in part of platinum.  PGI USA is pleased to be a member of this Task Force and looks forward to contributing to its deliberations and conclusions.

PGI-USA is the U.S. marketing arm of the worldwide platinum jewelry industry whose mission is to grow trade and consumer markets for platinum jewelry.  PGI-USA has provided the U.S. jewelry industry with educational, marketing, advertising, promotional, sales and technical manufacturing support for over thirteen years, also providing the consumer with educational literature that describes the benefits and standards of platinum jewelry and aids the consumer in purchasing decisions. 

"PGI-USA is particularly interested in industry compliance standards for platinum products, which aid in the manufacture and sale of platinum jewelry, and in maintaining the very high levels of consumer expectation and confidence in the most precious of metals," said Huw Daniel, President PGI-USA. "Today's consumer expects high levels of disclosure and product information, which PGI-USA facilitates through a variety of communication tools", adds Daniel. 

Consumers are attracted to platinum for its high level of purity, rarity, and
enduring nature. These characteristics are particularly coveted for bridal, anniversary and diamond jewelry.  In an independent survey among soon to be engaged women aged 18
to 34 shopping for an engagement ring, 71% agreed with the statements "Platinum is the only precious metal I'd consider having/Is the one I'd consider above the others"*.  PGI-USA compliments consumer programs with a comprehensive trade education program.  Using a variety of methods from facilitated in-store training to work shops and DVDs, directed at manufacturer's sales representatives, retail managers, sales associates and bench jewelers. 

The Task Force was formed to respond to increasing industry interest in compliance standards for platinum products.   PGI-USA looks forward to participating in the Task Force, and ensuring that the voice of the platinum jewelry industry and consumer is heard by the FTC.

For further information please contact Huw H Daniel, President, PGI-USA at  (212) 404-1610 or hdaniel@pgiglobal.com.

Platinum is prized for its Pure, Rare and Eternal qualities:

PURE:  Platinum's purity endows it with a natural white luster, which allows the true radiance of a diamond or gemstone to shine.

RARE:  Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold.

ETERNAL:  Platinum will hold a diamond or gemstone securely, now and for always.

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 more information on Platinum, please visit www.platinumguild.com.

CONTACT:
Antonia Caamaño (212) 404-1605/ acaamano@pgiglobal.com