Phoenix, AZ (June 2004) - Top platinum jewelry designs took center-stage at the 2004 Town & Country Design Awards Gala held during the tenth annual Couture Jewellery Collection & Conference, a premiere, invitation-only event for top jewelers and designers to showcase their latest collections to the trade.  Designers of Platinum jewelry to take home awards included Michael Bondanza and Memoire.

Huw Daniel, Platinum Guild International USA President was pleased to present the Best of Design Award in the Platinum category to Michael Bondanza. The winning piece was a one-of-a-kind Platinum and intense pink sapphire "Metropolitan Bracelet". This unique Platinum bracelet is made up of over 200 component pieces and takes over 21 days of highly skilled labor to produce.

"Platinum is the best metal to work with when making premiere, high quality pieces. Every year I focus on making high profile and upscale platinum designs and the most important piece is entered for the Town & Country Awards," said Michael Bondanza. "This is my third year winning in the Platinum Category. It is always surprising and exciting to be recognized by the industry."

Platinum reigned supreme again when Memoire took home the Best of Design Award in the Bridal category. The winning piece was a stunning Platinum and diamond eternity band. The unique design of the ring was a brilliant display of perfectly round cut diamonds set in platinum's naturally white luster.
 
The Town & Country/Couture Best of Design Awards are to the jewelry industry what  the Oscars are to the movie industry. Out of 136 highly competitive entries only one is awarded in each of seven categories.  Entries were judged by innovation, jewelry design and craftsmanship. Celebrity guest and co-host of the Town & Country Awards Gala was the Tonight Show's, Jay Leno.

"We are pleased to have such talented platinum designers recognized for their
outstanding craft and workmanship", said Huw Daniel. "Designers, such as Michael Bondanza who is a leader in platinum design and innovation, exemplify it as the metal of choice for the very best in jewelry design", he added.

Platinum Guild International USA was a proud sponsor at this year's Couture Breakfast Conference and Executive Roundtables.

About Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-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.

PURE:  Platinum's purity endows it with a natural white luster, which 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.

For more information on Platinum, please visit www.preciousplatinum.com.

CONTACT:
Antonia Caamaño
Platinum Guild International USA
(212) 404-1604/acaamano@pgiglobal.com