Focus on Platinum

Platinum and Men

Whether they are fashion-conscious trendsetters or they opt for a more classic approach in their style, men are becoming increasingly savvier about jewelry, its design, and the materials that go into it.

>> T. R. Flora, Contributing Writer

With the evolving tastes of men’s jewelry in mind, Platinum Guild International Germany (PGI) offered designers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland the opportunity to create a piece of platinum jewelry that would appeal to men. The participants in the “Platinum for Men” design competition were invited to come up with unconventional and innovative ideas for men’s jewelry and accessories. In addition to the top three winners, so much creativity was evident in the submitted entries that PGI also awarded twelve honorable mentions.

The three top prizes
Ironically, the top prize went to a woman. Anna Maria Gygax of Switzerland for her “men-ding” (i.e. a thing for men). Her design heralds a new generation of men’s accessories with its combination of 950 platinum, simple PET (plastic/polyester), and a hemp cord to create an impressive symbiosis of opposites. “Hung from the pocket of a pair of jeans, the ‘men-ding’ is intended to adorn today’s new man,” says Gygax. Second place was awarded to Carlo Wild from Germany, who created the “Courage” platinum lapel pin, made from a black tourmaline lion’s head on a platinum crucifix surrounded by stylized fleurs-de-lis.

Third place went to the team of designers at Meister, Germany/Switzerland, who created the “Yes or No” platinum ring. Their rationale: To help the wearer make decisions. A fine ball bearing was cleverly integrated into the ring so that a brilliant-cut diamond can be made to circle the ring’s broad outer band simply by flicking it with a fingertip. Where the gemstone comes to rest determines the answer: yes or no.

“The items submitted to this competition prove that jewelry for men is much more than merely wristwatches, wedding rings, and cufflinks. An exciting mix of materials and symbolism with a distinctly masculine character are important factors. These platinum pieces send a powerful signal to the jewelry industry,” says PGI’s manager Gertrud Gross-Stahl.

Twelve honorable mentions
The twelve pieces of platinum jewelry that earned honorable mentions each demonstrate that jewelry ideas for men must be innovative, fun, and sometimes practical. For example, Torsten Kohlhepp from Knittlingen, Germany designed a platinum knife-cum-pendant adorned with an aquamarine, which can be worn as an accessory on a platinum chain. Patrizia Granieri from Offenburg, Germany offers the possibility for style-conscious golfers to take an exclusive platinum tee out from its matching ornamental case, press it into the ground, and tee off in style.

The pieces of the winners and honorable mentions have embarked on a year-long tour of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and will be on display at selected jewelers. The three top winners are shown on this page, with nine of the twelve honorable mentions on the next page.

*Colum on right: Entries earning Honorable Mention in the PGI "Platinum for Men" competition.