New York, NY (November 2, 2005) - Given the importance of the wedding ceremony and the rituals preceding the big day, it is crucial that the accompanying engagement and wedding day jewelry reflect the bride's personal style and individual flare.  Modern day couples are not only looking for their marriages to withstand the test of time, they also bring those same expectations to their engagement and wedding jewelry investments.  The revival of romanticism and a renewed appreciation for classic vintage in all things from clothing to cars has caused Platinum jewelry designers to sit up and take notice.  On the other end of the spectrum, modern and sleek with an infusion of colored gemstones are also popular choices for wedding day jewelry for couples looking for a more contemporary feel.

Even the most modern and contemporary woman is still inspired by the romance of vintage-looking pieces.  The old adage of "something old" is popping up as a strong theme in engagement ring and bridal fashion jewelry sales for the coming year.  Characterized by intricate filigree work and softer rounded lines, setting these rings in Platinum adds to the timeless and enduring quality of the jewelry itself and allows designers to capture the delicacy of the original vintage pieces.  Many designer collections such as Gumuchian Fils (www.gumuchianfils.com), Precision Set (www.precisionset.com) and Erica Courtney (www.ericacourtney.com) are known for their distinctive signature style of romantic Edwardian-inspired engagement rings and matching wedding bands, while Tacori (www.tacori.com) pays homage to the 1920's.  Following this same theme, Cathy Carmendy (www.cathycarmendy.com) has a Platinum and diamond Victorian Lace Bracelet which is the perfect way for the bride to personalize her look and wear her heart on her sleeve.  Other popular designer collections like Canera (www.canera.com) have spectacular bezel-set Platinum and diamond drop earrings which complete the bride's special look.

With more brides-to-be involved in the selection of their Platinum engagement rings and wedding bands, it's no wonder that they look for rings that are extensions of their own unique style.  Classic styles with sleek, simple lines and highly polished or matte surfaces are also in big demand and are fulfilling the criteria of "something new" for brides.  Brands like Cartier (www.cartier.com), Hearts On Fire (www.heartonfire.com) and Jeff Cooper (www.jeffcooperplatinum.com) create an endless variety of Platinum options for the bride and groom who want to keep it simple yet elegant.  Architecturally styled pieces like designer James Kaya's (www.jameskaya.com) yellow sapphire and diamond tension-set Platinum ring, and Henrich & Denzel's (www.henrich-denzel.de) lustrous Platinum and diamond Tango engagement rings give credence to the adage that less is more.

Not to be left behind, men are also desiring to accessorize with more than a platinum wedding ring.  Men's Platinum jewelry selections are becoming highly coveted heirlooms for grooms' gifts. This is evidenced by the rapid growth of jewelry designers making unique Platinum and diamond cufflinks, fashionably updated bands, Platinum pendants, bracelets or specialty watches.  Longtime established brands including Chopard (www.chopard.com), Harry Winston (www.harrywinston.com), Louis Vuitton (www.louisvuitton.com), Patek Philippe (www.patekphilippe.com), Rolex (www.rolex.com) and Franck Muller (www.franckmuller.com), among many others, have taken a plunge of their own and are now developing Platinum watches for the groom.  Newer brands such as Nikos Jewels, a division of TachÈ USA, are catering to the younger, fashion forward groom looking to make his own style statement.

Color me happy sums up the remaining trend in Platinum bridal jewelry.  No longer solely stuck on the limitations of "something blue," brides are choosing something pink, yellow or green! Platinum's naturally white luster provides the perfect uncompromised and unobtrusive backdrop for this colored gemstone trend.  Influenced heavily by red carpet celebrity trends, brides today are showing their true colors and Platinum jewelry designers are hustling to keep up with demand.  Jack Kelege's newest Platinum and yellow diamond engagement ring selections and a pink sapphire Platinum ring offered by Gumuchian Fils (www.gumuchianfils.com) coupled with Oscar Heyman's (www.oscarheyman.com) renowned colored gemstone work, illustrate this trend sweeping every demographic and mainstream.

When compared to the obvious additional personal touches that appear throughout the entire wedding day, like dresses and attire, flowers, stationary, cultural influences and dazzling locations, your Platinum rings and the bridal jewelry for the "big day" are the pieces that will last well after the gorgeous three-tier wedding cake has been eaten, and those perfect flower arrangements have wilted. Platinum's natural density means that it won't wear down like other precious metals and will hold your diamonds securely forever.

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

PURE:  Platinum's purity not only means that it is hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin, but its natural white lustre 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 (PGI), 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:
Heather Cohen
  Goldstein Communications
  212.838.0822 x234
  heather@goldsteincom.com