PGI, with the help of InStyle and InStyle Weddings, created a successful Preferred Platinum Partner award program, which debuted in January 2007 at the Centurion Jewelry Show.  The "Gone Platinum" awards program was announced during the show to honor platinum's most cherished jewelry and retail partners. For the months following the debut, manufacturers and retailers from across the country nominated their peers who demonstrated outstanding achievement in the design, promotion and sales of platinum jewelry- those who had literally "Gone Platinum". 

The Preferred Platinum Partners submitted their votes and the "Gone Platinum" winners were announced this summer via a surprise visit from the Platinum Prize Patrol and their camera crew.

PREFERRED PLATINUM DESIGNER: MARTIN FLYER
The Platinum Prize Patrol arrived at the Martin Flyer office in New York, bringing with them flowers, balloons, a gift certificate for a day of relaxation at a local spa, and the "2007 Gone Platinum Award" certificate. After delivering treats to the staff, the Martin Flyer team was whisked away to lunch at a five star restaurant for a truly platinum experience!

Alan Flyer, of Martin Flyer remarked, "What platinum is and stands for is the cornerstone of what Martin Flyer believes in - high quality. All of our designs are handmade domestically by experienced craftsmen to Martin Flyer's rigorous standards. We only use the highest quality materials in our Flyer FitT and Classic Martin Flyer Pieces. The most precisely cut diamonds -  Hearts and Arrows diamonds. And the most precious of all metals - platinum. Platinum is what goes in to all of our creations as it, like us, represents the highest quality available."

PREFERRED PLATINUM RETAILER: M.J. CHRISTENSEN
The "Gone Platinum Award" for the retail category was given to M.J. Christensen in Las Vegas.  The Prize Patrol brought with them a similar prize package of flowers and balloons, and treated the store to a catered lunch and mini-massages.  The "Gone Platinum Award" certificate was given to the store to hang proudly on display. 

Both Martin Flyer and M.J. Christensen received recognition and photos of their Prize Patrol visit in the promotional pages of InStyle Magazine's November issue.

PREFERRED PLATINUM SALES ASSOCIATE: DIANE GILES OF MERVIS DIAMONDS
The Prize Patrol arrived unexpectedly, treating the entire Mervis Diamonds staff to chocolate covered strawberries and presenting the "2007 Gone Platinum Award" certificate to Diane. She received an amazing trip to Los Angeles for platinum pampering, luxury accommodations, a designer dress of her choice and tickets to the 2007 Emmy Awards! In preparation for the big event, PGI and InStyle put together a pre-Emmy gift bag loaded with goodies and accompanied by flowers and balloons to celebrate her platinum success. 

Diane explained her love for platinum, " As far as my thoughts on platinum...I can only say it is a way of life here for me at Mervis.  I rarely sell anything else.  When our clients ask for other choices I just educate them on platinum, which discourages them towards any other metal for their life long purchases.  When they walk out of our office they are confident that they made the right decision."

The "Gone Platinum" awards allowed not only Preferred Partners to join together in rewarding the industry's top talents, it also gave PGI a chance to give back to a platinum retailer, sales associate and manufacturer who demonstrated profound dedication to the precious metal.