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Jurgen Maerz, master metallurgist and director of technical education for PGI, is at the bench in a series of online videos.

New York– In response to increased interest from the industry, the Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA has announced it will expand its technical education courses and resources in 2009, in particular its online instructional videos.

Among the newest of offerings is a new PGI-focused channel on the Bench Television Network. The channel, viewable online at BenchTelevision.com, currently features a series of 11 online technical presentations developed by Jurgen Maerz, master metallurgist and director of technical education for PGI. Several of the videos, which feature Maerz and other master jewelers working with platinum, have also been added to YouTube.

According to PGI, feedback has been strong. Recent statistics show that the online videos or “webisodes” on BenchTelevision.com have been viewed more than 300 times in the past nine months, while the episodes on YouTube, which include “Platinum Fabrication Techniques” and “Fabricating a Three-Stone Platinum Ring,” have been watched by more than 570 viewers from around the world.

“We are proud and excited that these videos have been viewed by so many people from around the world,” Maerz said in a media release. “Technical support in the jewelry industry is growing in popularity and demand because jewelers are seeing direct results as they learn new and creative ways to grow their business.”  

Technical offerings available on PGI’s own comprehensive Web site, PlatinumGuild.com, include a question and answer forum hosted by Maerz, a toll- free technical number through which jewelers can speak directly with Maerz, a technical tip card series featuring quick reference tips, technical instruction videos and articles.

For more information on PGI’s technical offerings, visit Platinum Guild.com  or call (888) 961-7111.