Platinum today: News/Jewellery

Jeweller unveils platinum model of classic car

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new platinum model of a famous classic car worth over £50,000 has been launched by a Japanese jeweller.

Tomica, a line of die-cast toy vehicles, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to celebrate, Ginza Tanaka has produced a version of the Nissan Fairlady Z 432.

The car was one of six original models to be sold by Tomica in 1970 and the 100 per cent platinum recreation has opening doors and wheels that are capable of spinning.

"It just so happens that the Z car celebrated its 40th anniversary towards the end of last year so it was an easy and obvious choice for Ginza Tanaka and Tomica," noted 7tune.com.

"To make the model even more unique, Ginza Tanaka have also reproduced the box in platinum too."

The website noted that Ginza Tanaka has also produced a platinum fixed Gandam figure and celebrated the 30th anniversary of Hello Kitty by crafting a platinum model.

Anyone interested in seeing the Nissan car should head to Osaka's ATC Hall, where it will be on display as part of the Tomica Fair between 23rd April and 5th May.

Source:

Ginza Tanaka Platinum Nissan Z432 Fairlady Z Mini Car (04/03/10)

© Adfero Ltd

Low-batch platinum alloy casting machine launched

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new low-batch casting machine for platinum alloys has been launched by Schultheiss, it was confirmed today (4th March).

The machine, which has been given the name 'Vacuum & Pressure Casting Machine VPC 040', is capable of creating between two and 50 casts per week, Professional Jeweller reports.

It was designed with the express intention of providing jewellers with an opportunity to produce small amounts of product from a table-top device in a cost-effective manner.

According to Schultheiss, the machine - which is also able to process gold, silver and palladium alloys - is particularly attractive as its price-performance ratio is impressive.

The VPC 040, which is the first of its kind to be produced by the company, is set to be officially unveiled at this month's BaselWorld watch and jewellery industry trade show in Geneva, Switzerland.

Approximately 94,000 visitors flock to the event - which covers 160,000 sq m with a range of halls situated on different floors - every year.

Source:

First low-batch casting machine for Schultheiss (04/03/10)

© Adfero Ltd

New technology for platinum jewellery retailers' websites

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Platinum jewellery retailers can now customise the content on their websites with the help of a new technological tool, it has been confirmed.

A study by Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA revealed that consumers looking to buy bridal jewellery are increasingly 'pre-shopping' online before making purchases.

As a result, the body decided to develop the new programme, which includes a range of advice for the best approach to selecting and maintaining platinum jewellery.

In addition, designers and retailers will be given the opportunity to implement a buyer's guide on their websites, which will provide information in areas such as ring styles.

"Our recent study revealed that 50 per cent of bridal jewellery shoppers visited online jewellery store sites to conduct engagement ring research, so there is clearly a great desire for jewellery education online," said Michelle Peranteau, Manager of Marketing Communications for PGI USA.

In order to install the technology, jewellers can visit PreciousPlatinum.com and find the content they require in the 'hints and tips' section of the website.

Platinum jewellery has featured prominently during the current Hollywood awards season, with stars such as Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman wearing pieces crafted from the precious metal to red-carpet events.

Source:

PGI-USA offering free platinum website content (01/03/10)

© Adfero Ltd

Freeman to wear '46664' platinum bangle to Oscars

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Morgan Freeman will wear a tailor-made platinum bangle to the Oscars as he looks to secure the best actor gong, Times Live South Africa reported yesterday (3rd March).

The 72-year-old, who has been nominated for his performance as Nelson Mandela in the film 'Invictus', will arrive at the Academy Awards with a bespoke bracelet decorated with emeralds and black diamonds.

In addition, the piece will be engraved 'Invictus 46664', in reference to the former South African president's prison number during his 27 years behind bars for anti-apartheid activities.

Robert Coutts, who founded the 46664 jewellery initiative - which also features gold, silver and copper bangles - was delighted to confirm Freeman's choice for the red-carpet event.

"Freeman will be wearing his bangle at one of the world's most highly publicised and prestigious events," he told the news provider.

"His convincing portrayal of Nelson Mandela is what got him the nomination and I believe that this is a fitting way to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Mandela's release."

Freeman won his only previous Oscar in 2005 for his role in 'Million Dollar Baby' and was also nominated for his parts in 'Street Smart', 'Driving Miss Daisy' and 'The Shawshank Redemption'.

Source:

46664 bracelet might go up for an Oscar (03/03/10)

© Adfero Ltd

Young women spur demand for platinum jewellery in China

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The outlook for platinum jewellery is positive thanks to the growing popularity of the precious metal with younger consumers, it has been claimed.

In a report compiled by Platinum Guild International (PGI), the organisation stated that research shows two-thirds of the total number of platinum jewellery buyers in China are women aged between 18 and 34.

This intimates that platinum jewellery demand in the world's most populous country is likely to increase over time as the market opens up.

In the shorter term, PGI China director Grace Man is hopeful that the improving economic climate will help boost demand for platinum in China.

"PGI is confident and optimistic that 2010 will be a good year judging by both platinum's strong performance and China's GDP growth forecast," he confirmed.

Preliminary data suggested China's economy grew by 8.7 per cent in 2009, meaning it is on course to overtake Japan as the world's second-largest economy.

Source:

Platinum Guild International

© Adfero Ltd

Auspicious date set to increase demand for platinum jewellery in China

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Chinese couples intent on getting married on October 10th this year are expected to increase demand for platinum bridal jewellery.

According to a report which appears in Jewellery News Asia seen by Israeli Diamond, October 10th 2010 is viewed by many in China as the "perfect wedding date" due to its auspicious significance, and as such more couples than usual are planning to get married on the special day.

This is good news for the platinum jewellery market, as platinum is the most favoured precious metal for bridal jewellery in China.

Research conducted by Oracle Added Value shows that 68 per cent of grooms and 75 per cent of brides in the country have chosen platinum wedding rings.

Meanwhile, 13.18 million Chinese couples are estimated to have registered their marriage in 2009, while 14.5 million are expected to do so in 2010.

Platinum jewellery is also favoured by celebrities, with the likes of Mary J Blige, Jessica Alba and Mariah Carey all appearing in platinum at the recent People's Choice Awards.

Source:

Perfect wedding date boosting China's platinum bridal market (18/02/10)

© Adfero Ltd