Johnson Matthey has announced the winners of its new Sustainable Design Awards, which recognise jewellery creations made from platinum.

The ceremony, held at Kittichai in New York, showcased three emerging designers who had impressed judges with their platinum creations.

Jason Dow of Jason Dow Jewelry was one of the winners who each took home a prize package worth $30,000 (£18,700) that included one troy ounce of platinum.

The Empress Ring by Dow was described as being an "extravagant engagement ring with a fine and complex structure", and featured nine grams of platinum and set with 6.2 carats of diamonds.

Stephanie Satow of SCS Jewelry in Colorado was commended for her "stunningly beautiful" platinum engagement ring that features an adjustable setting.

The third winner was Erik Stewart of Erik Stewart Jewelry, whose Hollein platinum setting for around one carat of coloured diamonds impressed judges.

Each of the designs, selected from over 100 entries, was judged on creativity, wearability and manufacturability.

Mark Danks, sales and marketing manager at Johnson Matthey New York, said: "We're thrilled with the selections of the judging panel, and it was great to see each of the winners at the awards party, rubbing shoulders and sharing their success with some of the largest platinum manufacturers in the country."

He explained that the awards are to help emerging designers create pieces in platinum, adding that the sustainability theme is to highlight the importance of working with communities, as well as protecting the environment.

"We really want to tip the balance back towards platinum from cheaper alternatives, so by starting with the newest people in the industry, we hope to play our part in sustaining the design and manufacture of platinum jewellery in the North America," Mr Danks said.

The three winners also received $1,000 (£620) cash towards manufacturing their pieces, while Carrera Casting Corps offered a technical consultancy and free casting of the designs. 

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