MajorsMay 16, 2023
Anglo American Platinum Now Sole Sponsor of Platinum Guild USAEvents & AwardsSep 27, 2023
PGI to Dole Out $500K in Business Grant Program
Participants from the first round of grants saw up to a 900 percent increase in their platinum sales.
New York—Platinum Guild International USA has seen the positive results of its inaugural grant program and is gearing up for a second cycle for 2024-2026.
In 2021, the organization devoted to promoting platinum in the jewelry trade debuted the Platinum Business Development Grant that awarded $500,000 to U.S.-based jewelry manufacturers over three years.
The inaugural grant recipients, announced later that year, were Helzberg Diamonds, Kwiat, and Mémoire.
For this group of recipients, funding was allocated toward programs aimed at boosting platinum jewelry sales during the holiday season, including social media and digital consumer advertising campaigns as well as co-op programs.
Now nearing the end of the three-year program, PGI is reporting 35 to 900 percent growth of platinum jewelry sales for these companies.
“While we were confident the program would positively affect recipients’ platinum business, we are thrilled with the actual results of our inaugural grant program,” said PGI USA President Jenny Luker.
“With the recipients prioritizing platinum in their business, it yielded unprecedented growth and provided the foundation for incremental sales that significantly affected their bottom line and set their platinum sales on a successful path for the future.”
Mémoire, for example, used its grant to up its stock of platinum bands, allowing for immediate retailer delivery in a program called Mémoire Now. The efforts tripled the company’s platinum sales.
Rebecca Foerster, president of Hearts on Fire, North America, which owns Mémoire, explained, “Hearts on Fire is now realizing the importance of platinum and has launched Vela, its new, complete bridal collection that showcases the beauty of the Hearts on Fire world’s most perfectly cut diamond, set in platinum, the world’s most beautiful metal.”
Now, PGI is looking for grant recipients for its 2024-2026 program.
It will again be awarding up to a total of $500,000 to selected manufacturers, designers and/or retailers who submit a qualifying grant proposal.
Applicants must either be U.S.-based or U.S.-focused businesses that know how and are capable of designing and manufacturing in platinum and want to make a long-term commitment to working with the material.
PGI noted the benefits of manufacturing in platinum, saying it can increase the average sale transaction when compared to other metals. The organization also remarked on the metal’s strength and security when it comes to stone setting.
The entry period for the 2024 Platinum Business Development Grant applications will open on Oct. 2. Applications should be submitted online.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in ArkansasThey discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.
