The 26th annual AGTA Spectrum Awards saw 420 pieces entered, with the number of offerings crafted entirely from the precious metal increasing by 11 per cent.

In addition, platinum featured in 58 per cent of the winning designs across all the various categories, which represents a significant rise of 32 per cent from last year.

Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA, which partnered AGTA for the 'Platinum Honours' category, was delighted to see the growing popularity of the metal.

"Last year's Platinum Honours winners received over $600,000 in media exposure opportunities from PGI," said President Huw Daniels.

"We are committed to bringing attention to the winners of this prestigious competition and to show how their work showcases the unique characteristics, beauty and value of platinum."

Among the winners in last year's Platinum Honours category were Evelyn Clothier (bridal wear), James Currens (business/day wear), Jeffrey Bilgore (classical), Ashok Sancheti (evening wear) and Mark Schneider (men's wear).

The latest instalment took place on 24th and 25th October in New York.