PGI highlights trends and possibilities of Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing in the jewellery sector
October 10, 2023
Platinum Guild International (PGI), headquartered in Hong Kong, staged a conference within the Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong convention which highlighted the trends and possibilities of Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing in a jeweller’s portfolio.
The PGI Conference, held on September 21, 2023, attracted over 150 jewellery professionals and marked PGI’s first conference at the influential Hong Kong jewellery show. The conference featured nine speakers, including international experts from the US, UK, and China, sharing insights on the theme of ‘Trends Shaping the Future of Jewellery: the Role of Platinum.’ The topics covered included consumers’ evolving tastes and desires, their perception of value, technological innovation and its value, and the importance of sustainability and responsibility.
Benefits of platinum new technology breakthroughs
Tony Chen, Anglo American’s Head of PGM Market Development for Asia-Pacific; Chloe Cunningham, Programme Manager – Precious Metals of alloy and process design technologies firm Alloyed; and platinum expert Josh Helmich, CEO of Helmich Luxury Group, were among the industry figures assembled who focused on the benefits for the jewellery sector of platinum’s increasing use in new industrial and green technologies.
Conference speakers discussed how both international luxury brands and small-scale producers in China can benefit from advancements in customised platinum alloys. They emphasised the importance of pioneering platinum innovation in Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing to address production issues, maximise business potential, and introduce unique platinum pieces to the global jewellery market.
Platinum on display
In an effort to promote growth across all sectors of the market, PGI has consistently encouraged diamond setters, designers, manufacturers, and retailers to choose platinum as their preferred white metal. The results of these efforts were showcased at the PGI Booth., which featured a preview of jewellery pieces created by independent Chinese brands as part of the Pt Edition Co-create Project. This annual initiative, conceived by PGI with the support of Ontimeshow and MetaMedia Group, nurtures talent and creativity in the non-traditional jewellery segment, which is driven by fashion trends. Under the theme ‘Looking in, looking out,’ these platinum collections will be launched during Shanghai Fashion Week.
The booth served as a platform to showcase platinum novelty and innovation. It featured the artistry of PGI’s luxury international partners, including Scottish designer Maeve Gillies. Gillies’ new collection, Tusaire, introduced additively-manufactured-articulated chains and hollow structures that juxtapose polished and raw printed surfaces.
PGI showcased Alloyed’s craftsmanship in superior platinum alloys, along with Pino Aliprandini’s electroformed pieces. This new technique allows for a thickness of up to 250 microns. Additionally, the company partnered with WuXi ITP, an industrial partner capable of producing pre-made casting alloys, platinum wires, and extruded PtRu tubes. These capabilities enable the production of high-quality CNC platinum rings.
“PGI was proud to present this illuminating exploration of trends that will enable the jewellery industry to win the consumers of the future,” stated Pui P Poon, Managing Director of PGI China. “I would like to thank our eminent speakers for sharing their expertise and our friends in the industry for their overwhelming response and support. By highlighting platinum’s innovative spirit and sustainable ethos, the conference clearly demonstrated why platinum is the best white metal choice for jewellery.”
