In line with its continued commitment to the development of the platinum jewellery market, Anglo American Platinum will once again host the 24th edition of PlatAfrica – South Africa’s premier platinum jewellery design and manufacturing competition.
Working in partnership with Platinum Guild International (PGI) India and Metal Concentrators, this year’s competition theme is #Emergence. Contestants created innovative designs that draw from uncharted territories to create pieces that inspire and resonate with customers, while also pointing to the promise of better things to come. This year’s iteration of the competition sees the introduction of capsule collections – a condensed version of the designer’s vision that can transcend trends and seasons by being more functional and commercial, through a collaboration with De Beers Group, which will loan selected diamonds to our winners for showcasing in their platinum designs.
“Being at the forefront of the PGM market and product development is what we are consistently striving for as an industry leader. Our track record in championing and developing platinum jewellery design and manufacturing through PlatAfrica is a testament to our commitment to creating resilient markets for our metals, as well as enduring value through a meaningful springboard for creative talent in our industry. This year, we are taking the competition a level up through the introduction of capsule collections. The finalists have done a sterling job in exploring the possibilities of the #Emergence theme – demonstrating yet again that the essence of art is rooted in pushing the boundaries,” said Natascha Viljoen, CEO of Anglo American Platinum.
Managing director at De Beers Managed Operations, Moses Masondo said, “De Beers Group is excited to be part of this year’s PlatAfrica. We are passionate about supporting local talent in the countries where we recover diamonds, and judging by this year’s entries, our finalists and the industry as a whole has so much to be proud of.”
The two categories of adjudication are individual students/apprentices and individual professionals. Finished statement jewellery items, which range from rings to neckpieces and earrings, will be judged for interpretation of the #Emergence theme and technical expertise. The top ten winners in both categories will have the opportunity to manufacture their capsule collections for inclusion in the PlatAfrica collection, which will be available for sale in the international market.
Additionally, winners will receive a cash prize, media exposure and the opportunity to participate in an all-expenses-paid design workshop in India, organised by PGI, to further their platinum jewellery design understanding and craft in one of the world’s fastest-growing platinum jewellery markets.
This year’s finalists are:
Professional category:
- Esther Boshoff & Team (Beaudel Designs)
- Ulandie Booysens (Van Deijl)
- Rachel Hannah Kemp (Uwe Koetter Jewellers)
- Moses Mabotja (Limpopo Jewellery Business Incubator
- Thabo Mbele (Van Bels, The Platinum Incubator)
- Noxolo Mseleku (Knight of Grey, trading as Elegante)
- Kim Nel (Van Deijl)
- Mandlenkosi None & Nnete Mokgothu (The Platinum Incubator)
- Nihal Shah & Vijay Shah (Nihal Shah & Vijay Shah)
- Christina Toros (Toros Jewellery & Stellenbosch University)
- Lungile Xhwantini (The Platinum Incubator)
Students/ Apprentices category:
- Jana Basson (Cape Town University of Technology)
- Lara Ann Burger (Stellenbosch University)
- Thembani Gobinca (Cape Town University of Technology
- Lesenyeho Mamosa (Pneuma Jewellers Academy)
- Lindokuhle Magaba (Cape Town University of Technology)
- Patrick Mohapi (Pneuma Jewellers Academy)
- Thapelo Masingi, (Cape Town University of Technology)
- Yoliswa Nene (Cape Town University of Technology)
- Thabisile Nkosi (Cape Town University of Technology)
- Siphelele Ntuli (Cape Town University of Technology)
Additionally, the judges awarded special mentions in the professional’s category to Phillipus Wilhelmus Vorster (Rare Earth Creations) and to Tanya Gamble (Stellenbosch University), Tor Kaplan (City Goldsmith/UweKoetter) and Mongameli Thafeni (Cape Town University of Technology) in the students/apprentice category.
The winners will be announced at a gala event in Johannesburg on 27 October 2023.
Click here to view the finalists’ entries.