New York (March 2006) - Stephen Vasquez's* girlfriend is unaware that in a few short months he will propose. She is also not aware that he already has the engagement ring. Like many brides-to-be, she is hoping it is set in Platinum. According to research by the Condé Nast Bridal Group (2004), 81 percent of brides-to-be prefer Platinum to other precious metals. As it turns out, she will not be disappointed. Her ring is indeed Platinum.

"If Platinum is the best, something top-notch, then I won't settle for less. It is the most elite metal. I want her to have the best. It is also long lasting, like us", said Vasquez. It was the style of ring that he was not sure of, "The choice of metal was a given. It was the diamond-style and cut-that I wasn't sure about".

Like many men, when Vasquez made the decision to propose he turned to the Internet to begin his search. According to a survey by the The Knot.com (2005), 52 percent of men are influenced by research they find on the Internet when looking for an engagement ring.  It was in his search that he found The Complete Engagement Ring Guide website (www.engagementguide.com).

Responding to the need for a resource devoted to men like Vasquez, Platinum Guild International (PGI), launched engagementguide.com. Engagementguide.com is the only website of its kind specifically designed to give men "clear, concise directions" on how to find the perfect engagement ring. On the site, men can:
. Learn all about the anatomy of an engagement ring from the diamond to the setting.
. Learn why Platinum is the best choice for a setting and wedding bands.
. View popular engagement ring styles from featured designers.
. Learn how to buy a ring in a retail store.
. Get tips for proposing.

Visitors are exposed to a variety of different ring styles from brands such as:
. Baguette World
. Beaudry
. Chris Correia
. Christian Bauer
. Coast Diamond
. Coge Design Group
. Dev Valencia Designs
. Diana Classic
. Fotiny
. Guertin Brothers
. Gumuchian
. Jeff Cooper
. Judith Conway
. Lieberfarb Inc.
. Kirk Kara

Since its launch in June 2005, engagementguide.com's unique visitor activity has increased 300 percent. Average visiting times on the site have peaked at 36 minutes, per visit.

Unique visitors to the site peaked during the winter holiday season (November through February). A record high of 15,000 unique visitors to the site occurred on January 9th. This peak could be relative to the high occurrence of engagements during the holidays. According to the Condé Nast Bridal Group (2006), 34 percent of engagements occur between November and February.  In 2005, the website also generated over 1,000 visitor requests for a copy of A Man's Engagement Guide to Engagement and Wedding Rings-a 20 page guide designed to give clear and useful information about engagement rings, wedding bands and diamonds.

Visitor traffic to the site is also due to PGI's extensive outreach to men. Since its launch, the site has been aggressively promoted through:
. Various ads in men's publications (GQ and Men's Journal)
. Promotional contests (banner ads on cnn.com and sportsillustrated.com).
. Regional and national broadcast media coverage.

"Men in this short purchase window of opportunity are an active audience. This website was designed to speak to them in a language that they can relate to. It gives them important information at key milestones along the process," explained Huw Daniel, President of PGI-USA. "We are elated that engagementguide.com has been so
successful in capturing and holding the attention of an increasingly large number of men, turning their search for Platinum engagement rings and wedding bands into bottom line sales for retailers who are prepared for the opportunity with training and inventory", he added.

If visits to the site are an indicator of the potential for Platinum ring sales, retailers can look forward to a promising Platinum future!

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.

*Note: Vasquez's name has been changed to protect his identity prior to the proposal. He plans to propose in November of 2006.

Media Contacts:
Antonia Caamaño (212) 404-1605 / acaamano@pgiglobal.com
Platinum Guild International USA