German designer Nina Friesleben was given a major honour for her platinum jewellery at a recent awards ceremony. The Dusseldorf-based expert was presented with the 'Special Platinum Award' for her elegant platinum rings and bracelets at last month's Inhorgenta Europe show.

Ms Friesleben and five other designers - Arkadiusz Wolski, Birgit Hagmann, Julia Funk, Kirsten Plank and Stefan Strube - were all awarded a €2,000 prize for their entries.

"The endorsement of innovation power and creativity in the jewellery business is the central goal of our trade fair," said Armin Wittmann, Inhorgenta Europe Exhibition Director. "We consistently focus on supporting talented jewellery designers." Mr Wolkski was honoured for his 'Pintograms' offering, while Ms Hagmann was recognised for her nature-themed three-dimensional brooches.

Judges also selected Ms Plank as a winner for her 'collapsible' bracelet and necklace, and Ms Funk received an award for her 1920s-style sock garters, known as 'Calf Jewellery'. The Munich-based event proved particularly popular this year, with more than 160 designers from all over the world involved and six experts from five different countries judging the entries.