It’s that time of year where we invite all jewellery designers to take part in the the prestigious, annual PlatAfrica competition.
First, we’d like to introduce PlatAfrica’s new logo.
This new icon takes its inspiration comes from… African craftsmanship ̶ The African history of archery. A heritage of precision, reinvented for modern craft.
The story begins with one of humanity’s earliest innovations, the bow and arrow. Earliest evidence of archery exists right here in South Africa, a reminder that long before modern tools, our ancestors mastered engineering through instinct, experimentation and skill.
Archery wasn’t just a weapon, it was craftsmanship and design thinking in its earliest form.
Where Ancient Technique ̶ Meets Modern Jewellery Design
Carving an arrowhead required unwavering focus:
- Selecting the right stone,
- Shaping its edges through repeated strikes,
- Refining it until it became sharp, balanced and reliable
That same layered process echoes how platinum jewellery is crafted today. From extracting raw material to shaping, moulding and finishing it, the journey mirrors the patient, meticulous work of ancient artisans. Both transform what comes from the earth into something purposeful, beautiful, and enduring.
Look out for more in the press and social media as we begin this journey together.
THE COMPETITION for 2026
PlatAfrica is delighted to bring you the new theme for 2026 – Equilibrium.
The theme of “Equilibrium” explores how opposing forces find harmony. Designers may explore within duality to examine the delicate compositions that hold tension in place. Equilibrium is not stillness; it is the active, conscious maintenance of stability amid complexity.
PlatAfrica 2026 encourages designers to investigate balance across multiple dimensions. Structural equilibrium speaks to engineering and material integrity, where weight and composition converse.
- Physical equilibrium considers the platinum as landscape – how the metal rests, moves, and interacts with the human form.
- Emotional equilibrium invites reflection on inner states: harmony amid tension, strength within vulnerability.
- Cosmic balance embraces orbits, eclipses, planetary alignment, but also play between positive and negative space.
- Ecological equilibrium confronts urgent global realities– environmental impact, humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
“Equilibrium” seeks designs where meaning is beyond narrative but structural, where beauty emerges from the honest negotiation of opposition and compositions, and where every aesthetic choice testifies to balance sustained, tension honoured and beauty found in forces, action and motion.
HOW TO ENTER
To enter the competition, you will first need to submit a copy of Annex 1 detailing your metal request together with a copy of your metal license.
Please note: solder is not included and is at the discretion of the sponsors.
Should you require assistance, you will need to submit a separate application detailing your solder requirements. Only limited solder quantities will be consid
DEADLINES
Metal requests:
Should be submitted as quickly as possible. Final requests must be received on or before 29 May 2026.
Casting:
If you want to commission the services of MetCon for casting, the deadline will be 22 June 2026.
Please note, you will be liable for the working costs – PlatAfrica will only supply metal. Kindly ensure you get a quote from MetCon for any casting you want done.
Submission date:
Kindly arrange with Juno to have your final pieces collected on or before 20 July 2026 (no late submission accepted)
Wishing you all an exciting creative journey.