For the fifth consecutive year, Platinum Guild International (PGI USA) and JCK Las Vegas are joining forces on the Platinum Innovation Awards. The winners will be revealed on June 1 at this year’s JCK Las Vegas show at Mandalay Bay.

All exhibitors from JCK, LUXURY, Elite Enclave, and AGTA GemFair shows are invited to participate. The deadline for submitting design information and images is April 10; the deadline for complete platinum product submissions is April 25.

In honor of the contest’s fifth year, PGI has introduced a new “challenge” category: a platinum piece inspired by the traditional five-year anniversary gift of wood. Additionally, AGTA is cosponsoring the Platinum and Colored Gemstone category, which is open only to AGTA members.

Two awards—a Buyer’s Choice and an Editor’s Choice—will be presented in each of the following categories:

• Fifth Anniversary Platinum Innovation Awards Challenge
• Platinum Engagement Ring
• Entry Platinum Engagement Ring (settings under $2,500 retail)
• Platinum Wedding Band
• Platinum Men’s Jewelry
• Everyday Platinum Fashion Jewelry (women’s)
• Platinum Red Carpet Jewelry
• AGTA Platinum and Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The 2013 Platinum and Colored Gemstone Jewelry winners: Simon G platinum earrings with round white diamonds and emerald cut green tourmaline (Editor’s Choice); Oscar Heyman platinum, colored diamond, and unheated colored sapphire necklace (Buyer’s Choice)

PGI will also present one Best in Show award to the design that receives the highest cumulative number of votes.

The judging begins May 6 at an editor’s preview in New York City; those winners, however, are not announced until after the buyers cast their votes when they see the pieces at JCK Las Vegas.

For rules, FAQs, and to make your submission, visit the PGI site.

Melissa Rose Bernardo