(1888PressRelease)
February 20, 2007 - NEW YORK, Feb. 19 --The 2007 WJA DIVA design competition has gone Platinum with help from Platinum Guild International (PGI). This year’s theme, “2 People, 3 Platinum Rings,” challenges women jewelry designers to depict one engagement ring and two wedding bands in platinum.
“WJA is a perfect partner for PGI, and we are delighted to be a sponsor of the ‘WJA Platinum DIVA Awards’ this year, said Michael O’Connor, Senior Vice President, PGI. “This initiative is an ideal way for young designers to experience the unique characteristics and properties of Platinum that have made it the number one choice for the most important designers and world class brands.”
The reward for the winner is also pure Platinum. In addition to a cash prize of $2,000 from WJA, the winning design will be manufactured courtesy of Lieberfarb, Inc., and displayed at the Platinum Pavilion during the JCK Show in Vegas.
PGI is providing a packet of Platinum benefits valued at $15,000. These include a private 2-hour consultation with Jurgen Maerz, PGI Director of Technical Education; copies of all Platinum Technical materials produced by PGI; inclusion of winning three-Platinum-ring image in the Design Gallery on PreciousPlatinum.com and EngagementGuide.com, plus more.
The DIVA competition, now in its 11th year, is open to all women, regardless of experience, formal training or background in jewelry or jewelry design. Renderings are judged by a panel of industry experts based on their originality, creativity, wearability, and interpretation of the theme. The design must also be capable of being produced.
The culmination of the annual DIVA Awards is a cocktail party to honor the winners, and the event has become a must-attend social event for hundreds of jewelers during the JCK Vegas Show, according to DIVA Chair Jennifer O’Connor, of Tache. “This year’s Awards will be held on Monday, June 4 at the stylish Tao restaurant, known for its Asian cuisine and popular nightclub. It’s a great venue to host a design awards ceremony.”
PGI is one of two WJA 2007 Pillar of Distinction sponsors, said WJA President Ann Arnold, vice president of Lieberfarb. “This year, we are very fortunate to have PGI as well as our very first Pillar of Distinction, Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) and American Gemological Laboratories (AGL). Without the support from these remarkable and generous sponsors, WJA could not offer such important opportunities as the ‘Platinum DIVA Awards’ to women in the industry.”
The deadline for entries is April 6, and the winners will be announced on April 20. Applications for the WJA Platinum DIVA design competition and a complete list of Platinum prize benefits can be found on the WJA website at www.womensjewelry.org.
WJA, founded in 1983, is the preeminent association of professional women in the jewelry, watch and related businesses. Through the national organization, headquartered in Mt. Royal, New Jersey, and a network of eleven regional chapters, members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, scholarships, design competitions and recognition programs, such as its annual Awards of Excellence Dinner.
For information about WJA or the conference, visit www.womensjewelry.org or call 856-423-3156.
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