South Coast Metro, CA (November 2005) - Platinum Guild International-USA, the U.S. marketing arm for the worldwide platinum jewelry industry, is excited to announce the promotion of Jenny Luker to Senior Vice President.  In her new role, Luker will help shape the strategic development of PGI - USA's overall marketing objectives as well as continue leading the development of trade initiatives and the California office of the company.  Additionally, Luker will also take over the association's position as member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.  Previously, Luker has been responsible for guiding the company's efforts in building relationships within the retail and manufacturing sectors of the industry, as well as spearheading the development of Platinum sales and technical training programs.

"We are thrilled to announce Jenny Luker's well-merited promotion," says Huw Daniel, President of PGI-USA. "She has become an invaluable asset to Platinum Guild International since her start with the company in 1995. In her position as Vice President, Jenny played a vital role in maintaining the California branch of PGI-USA's newly bi-coastal operations and generating awareness of Platinum's Pure, Rare and Eternal qualities in the marketplace. I am confident that she will continue to shine".

Throughout her career with PGI, Luker has been involved with numerous industry associations and is a member of the Women's Jewelry Association, where she has been nominated for awards in the Special Services and Education category in 2001 through 2003.

Luker also played a strategic role in key influencer programs including PGI's Women with Heart program collaborating with celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow and Courtney Cox Arquette to raise money to support a series of charities selected by celebrity partners. 

Consistent with PGI's new organizational structure, offices in both jewelry manufacturing centers (New York and California) and its desire to become more of a strategic partner to the industry through various support programs, Luker will be looking to fill a trade position that will concentrate on east coast manufacturers.  A position of Manager of Industry Relations has been created, located in the NY office.  This person will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with manufacturers, designers, wholesalers, casters, and suppliers.  The ideal candidate will have 5 to 10 years experience in the jewelry industry with a strong understanding of the manufacturing and production of jewelry.

For more information on this position, please contact Jenny Luker at jluker@pgiglobal.com.

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

PURE: Platinum's high level of purity (generally 90%-95% pure) endows it with both a natural white luster, allowing the true radiance of a diamond or gemstone to shine; and hypoallergenic qualities that prove ideal for sensitive skin.

Only the purest platinum jewelry will bear a stamp reading "PLATINUM," "PLAT," "Pt 950," or "Pt 900," signifying the jewelry is 90% to 95% pure platinum.

RARE: Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold.

ETERNAL:  Platinum will hold a diamond or gemstone securely, now and for always.
About Platinum Guild International (PGI)

Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to supporting and promoting the high purity, rare and eternal qualities of Platinum to the consumer and 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

Contacts:
Sarah Byus (212) 404-1604 / sbyus@pgiglobal.com
Antonia Caamano (212) 404-1605 / acaamano@pgiglobal.com
Platinum Guild International