An innovative platinum jewellery range was launched last month following a collaboration between Platinum Guild International (PGI) and Scottish-American jewellery designer Maeve Gillies. The 30-piece Tùsaire Collection – named after the Scottish Gaelic word for pioneer – showcases the potential for 3D printed platinum in the sphere of jewellery design and fabrication. It comprises platinum and titanium torc necklaces with interchangeable elements such as cuffs, rings and earrings. The centrepiece of the collection is a striking platinum necklace set with Scottish Renfrewshire quartz, named ‘King of the Mountains’.
While 3D printing is now an available and maturing technology for jewellery production, this range is ground-breaking in the sense that it is the first platinum-based collection launched commercially, rather than just being developed for the purposes of research and development. Its creation demonstrates new decorative, scale and structural potential for 3D printed platinum. For example, the 3D printing and precious metal powder technology used has enabled the crafting of intricate, unique shapes that would be impossible to otherwise achieve, such as lattices, hollow structures and detailed textures. Further, as an additive manufacturing process, 3D printing uses less material than traditional methods, especially when it comes to chemical waste in traditional casting.
Commenting on the Tùsaire Collection, Tai Wong, PGI’s Global Director of Innovation, said:
“We really wanted to put 3D printing of platinum to the test, to identify advantages and challenges, in the hope of expediting the technology’s application to jewellery to create novel designs and experiences. There is no doubt additive manufacturing will be very important for the future of jewellery as it unlocks many new possibilities.”
Platinum Cuffs of the Dawn Prince, Tùsaire Collection by Maeve Gillies
PGI’s championing of technological advancement in platinum jewellery design and fabrication is not limited to 3D printing. In China, for example, it has worked with platinum manufacturers on innovations such as the diamond cut, dark electroplating, electroforming, and combining platinum products with gold and other materials.
Platinum jewellery demand growth
In 2024, global demand for platinum jewellery grew by 8% to 1,993 koz, with growth across all regions, including China, with quarter four 2024 being the fifth consecutive quarter of quarter-on-quarter growth in China. This year, the growth trajectory is expected to continue across most markets, with total demand up 2% to reach 2,027 koz, breaching the 2 Moz level for the first time since 2019. Platinum’s significant price discount relative to gold is a key driver of this growth, especially as platinum continues to take share from white gold.
