New York, NY (July, 2006) - Bench jewelers who seek to improve the quality of their Platinum jewelry craftsmanship while saving money and time will benefit from the Platinum Technical Road Show. This year's Road Show - in conjunction with Bench Jewelers "Show Me" Seminars - is an all-day seminar for bench jewelers that provides hands-on training in areas such as advanced Platinum stone setting and fabrication.

The advanced stone setting segment will train bench jewelers to properly execute pavÈ setting as well as the setting of oval and princess cut stones. Bench tips and other tricks will also be demonstrated using household items such as CD's and baking soda.

Jurgen Maerz, Director of Technical Education for Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) will once again head the Platinum Technical Road Show. Last year's Platinum Road Show generated record-breaking attendance as bench jewelers journeyed from all over to improve their skills.

The seminars are intended for bench jewelers of all skill levels to learn new and improved Platinum bench techniques. "Platinum is in the forefront of the jewelry industry and this is a great opportunity to get information directly from an expert source," says Maerz.

The 2006 Platinum Technical Road Show, in conjunction with Bench Jewelers "Show Me" Seminars, will be touring the country making stops in the following cities:
Chicago, IL - July 28th
Boston, MA - August 18th
Anaheim, CA - August 25th
Seattle, WA - September 22nd
Richmond, VA - October 13th

For more information on Platinum Technical Training Road Show seminars and
presentations or to find out how to attend please contact Jurgen Maerz at
jmaerz@pgiglobal.com or visit www.bwsimon.com/conference. To get a full schedule of events hyperlink to: /output/page1878.asp.

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 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:
Andrew Michaels
Platinum Guild International USA
(212) 404-1604 amichaels@pgiglobal.com