The winning designs of the Lonmin Design Innovation Award 2009 were seen for the first time at International Jewellery London (IJL) from 6 - 9 September 2009 at Earls Court.  The eight winners from the platinum-based competition were selected from drawings of their design by a distinguished panel of judges in April, and these were subsequently made up as finished pieces of jewellery and revealed at the show. 

The Lonmin Design Innovation Award organised by Blue Inc, publisher of the Platinum Collection aims to recognise and reward outstanding design in platinum and on a more general level to push the design standards of all contemporary jewellery to greater heights.  Sponsored by Lonmin, one of the world's largest producers of platinum, and supported by Johnson Matthey and IJL, the competition, in its seventh year, is divided into two categories. "Emerging Designers" recognises designers with less than five years' commercial experience, and "Established Designers" gives its attention to those who have been in the business for more than five years.  The reason for having two categories is to strengthen the awards intention to encourage young designers, whilst giving a place to those who have been working for a longer period. 

The competition saw over 100 entries across the two categories.  From a pendant inspired by a Tom Waits song, 'Little Drop of Poison' to a spectacular pair of earrings featuring traditional antique blue and white porcelain from the Qing dynasty (1662-1722).  The standard of entries this year was particularly high with many unique and excellent concepts.  Both categories yielded exciting and innovative work, proving once again that jewellery designers in the UK are leading the world.

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The winners in the Emerging Designers category are:

The winners in the Established Designers category are:

In addition to the pieces being displayed at IJL, an exclusive marketing and PR campaign has been organised to help promote the designers and their work , including a showcase on the DIA website www.designinnovationawards.co.uk. The jewellery was also worn by models, dressed in fabulous Sulaimi Brookman and Gavin Douglas garments, at a spectacular party and awards ceremony to celebrate the winners at the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion on Sunday 6 September. This year's Pavilion which opened in July 09 was designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA. The Pavilion is the architects' first built structure in the UK and the ninth commission in the Gallery's annual series of Pavilions.

Albert Jamieson, Lonmin's Executive Vice President Commercial, said "This competition is all about promoting the use and understanding the application of platinum in jewellery, capturing the spirit of the metal and pushing the boundaries of design in the most precious metal of all - platinum. We are overwhelmed by the continued growth in entries and delighted that our winners achieved the objectives we set".