Anglo American Platinum : Top 23 PlatAfrica 2016 finalists unveiled

The PlatAfrica 2016 jewellery design and manufacture competition once again at the forefront of unearthing the country's top talent received over 100 entries who have now been shortlisted to the top 23 finalists from professional and student jewellery designers competing for the coveted top spots.

Professional finalists:
Oliver Green - Jack Friedman, Babalo Chuma, Manuel Mpho Helepi, Thuto Pule - Keith White Design, Elizabeth Morell - Liz Morrel Jewellery Design & Manufacture, Siyabonga Cele - Mizane Jewellers, Magda Nieman & Abram Mathabatha - Nieman Jewellers, Sylvester Louw , Phumlani Mngoma - Pneuma Jewellers and Elizka Sauer - Uwe Koetter Jewellers.

Student finalists:
Jefta Mtole - Altin Jewellers, Simphiwe Dumengane, Vuyiseka Luke, Boda Song - Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyvAA Thomy Vencatasawmy - Durban University of Technology, Mpho Mokgatle, Lumka Nonku Dhlamini - Keith White Design, Khanya Mthethwa, Bongumusa Mtshali, Janci Le Roux - Mizane Jewellers, Julian Roux - Pneuma Jewellers, Louise Kriek and Omphile Sibanda - Tshwane University of Technology.

For the past 17 years, Anglo American Platinum in association with Metal Concentrators and Platinum Guild International (PGI) India has sponsored the competition to promote innovation and technical competence in the design and manufacture of platinum jewellery. This year the entrants were challenged with Nuevo Traditions - a modern interpretation of ancient philosophies, rituals and stories using new technology. As in 2015, the competition has looked beyond South Africa's borders to the worlds' second-largest platinum jewellery market for inspiration - India, and the chance to be considered for participation in PGI India's design sourcing process.

The judging panel is composed of Veronica (Roni) Anderson: Veronica Anderson Jewellers, Kirtikumar Devjee: Kirti Jewellers and Pallavi Sharma: Platinum Guild International, India. The judges bring with them vast expertise in fine arts. To crown winners from the professional and student categories, they will be looking for how entrants interpreted the theme, design, originality, wearability, workmanship and technical excellence.

Veronica Anderson runs a jewellery outfit in The Firs, Rosebank, a leading contemporary jewellery gallery, showcasing the work of many of the country's top artistic jewellers. Her network has exposed and established local talents to international markets. She has been involved with PlatAfrica for many years.

Kirtikumar Devjee has been running Kitri Jewellers since 1992 a studio synonymous with innovative design. He specializes in creating one-of-a-kind hand-crafted masterpieces and has built his reputation both locally and internationally. He has won numerous professional awards including PlatAfrica.

Pallavi Sharma is the Director Consumer Insights & Marketing for PGI India and has extensive background in consumer marketing, advertising and insights.

The winners will be crowned at a glamourous awards dinner on Thursday 10 November at Inanda Club in Sandton.