Michael M.'s "Sapphire Collection"

Founded in 2008 by father and son Michael and Peter Meksian, Michael M. prides itself on designing fashion and bridal jewelry collections with an edgy yet sophisticated twist. 

All pieces are crafted in the their downtown Los Angeles studio, using the finest quality precious metals and sparkling gemstones. Michael M. designs appeal to trendsetting women who want longevity from their fine jewelry purchases.

Launched in March 2012, the Sapphire Collection was inspired by the Meksian’s passion for mixing colored gemstones with diamonds, along with their desire to keep the price point accessible. 

The collection consists of 18 styles including dangling earrings, pendants, multi-lined bracelets, and cocktail rings.

 Each design is set in silver, and showcases the beauty and multi-colorations of natural sapphires. The silver is rhodium plated, creating a vintage-inspired and timeless feel within a modern design. 

These pieces are ideal for daily and eveningwear.  

www.michaelmcollection.com

Call For Entries - Platinum Innovation Awards 2012

PLATINUM GUILD INTERATIONAL USA ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR ENTRIES

 FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL JCK 2012 PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARDS

Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) in conjunction with JCK Las Vegas announces a call for entries for the third annual JCK 2012 Platinum Innovation Awards, held at JCK Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, June 1 through June 4, 2012. The deadline to submit design images is April 4, 2012 and final product submissions are due April 19, 2012. Exhibitors from JCK, as well as the LUXURY, Elite Enclave and AGTA Shows are welcome to submit designs. The competition acknowledges innovation and skill in platinum design in both bridal and fashion jewelry and will designate awards in the following categories:

·       Platinum Engagement Ring

·       Entry Platinum Engagement Ring (semi-mounts under $2500 retail)

·       Platinum Wedding Band

·       Platinum Men’s Jewelry

·       Entry Platinum Fashion Jewelry (under $3500 retail)

·       Platinum Red Carpet Jewelry

·       Platinum and Colored Gemstone Jewelry

Entrants are welcome to submit one product per category and will instantly become “nominees” into this year’s competition. All nominees will have their designs professionally photographed and featured on PGI-USA’s consumer website, www.preciousplatinum.com, and press website, www.pgi-press.com, as they await the chance to win the Platinum Innovation Awards’ prize package. Awards will be granted twice in each category, based on one Editor’s Choice and one Buyer’s Choice Award.  One special Best in Show Award will be given as a culmination from all votes. Judging will begin on May 2^nd at an exclusive Editor Preview Event in New York City. Editor’s choices will not be revealed until showtime. This year, PGI anticipates the greatest response yet, as last year’s entries more than doubled from those of 2011.  

“We are thrilled at the enthusiasm that the Platinum Innovation Awards have been greeted with in the past 2 years and look forward to collaborating with JCK Las Vegas once again,” shared Huw Daniel, President of PGI-USA.  “Through the passion and creativity of our entrants, this competition serves to inspire the use of platinum in jewelry and to help our manufacturer and retail partners grow their platinum business. We are truly excited to see what inspiration this year will bring.”

“We are delighted to have PGI’s Platinum Innovation Awards at JCK for the third year in a row,” said Yancy Weinrich, Industry Vice President, JCK Events.  “PGI has done a fantastic job in executing a program that creates excitement on the show floor for both retailers and designers and promotes the beauty and advantages of working with platinum. We look forward to another successful show.”

Winners in each of the seven categories will be announced on June 3, 2012, and will receive a prize package valued at $50,000, including: 

·       Official JCK 2012 Platinum Innovation Awards trophy

·       Inclusion in the Design Gallery of PGI’s consumer website, www.preciousplatinum.com, which hosts more than 40,000 unique visitors per month and PGI’s press website, www.pgi-press.com, which draws top fashion and bridal editors

·       Inclusion in PGI’s integrated consumer and trade marketing campaigns

·       Professional photography of the winning product (including the digital file for reproduction in the winner’s own advertising/online/media placements)

·       Inclusion in all post-contest press outreach

·       Inclusion in a congratulatory ad in a jewelry trade publication

·       A customized poster featuring the winning product and denoting it as an award winner

·       Customized in-store signage package for up to 100 of the winner’s top retail customers

·       PGI will conduct an in-store, facilitated sales training session at a store of the winner’s choosing

All nominees will be acknowledged at the Platinum Innovation Award Press Conference and Winners’ Celebration Cocktail Party on Sunday, June 3^rd  from 5:30-6:30 PM in Palm A where winning designs will be showcased. 

For complete details and to submit your best platinum designs, please visit www.platinumguild.com. Additional questions may be directed to Amanda Tropila, PGI-USA, at atropila@pgiglobal.com or (212) 404-1605.  The deadline for all entries is April 4, 2012. 

About PGI-USA:

Platinum Guild International 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 please visit www.platinumguild.com