Jurgen J. Maerz is Director of Technical Education for Platinum Guild International USA.

Jurgen holds credentials as an instructor and has taught for the Gemological Institute of America for over four years. He was in charge of the Jewelry Manufacturing Arts Extension department and has taught jewelry techniques in cities throughout the United States. Mr. Maerz was responsible for the creation of the Platinum Educational Program that GIA offers to this day.

Born and raised in Germany, Jurgen learned the trade of Bench jeweler at a very young age through a formal apprenticeship. After immigrating to the US, he worked in all phases of jewelry making, ranging from production manager to his own studio. His love for platinum brought him to PGI in 1997, where he has become a recognized expert on working with platinum.

He has received an honorary Ph.D. in Jewelry Manufacturing Arts from Cosmopolitan University .

Jurgen has lectured in South Africa, taught at the University of Central England in Birmingham, UK, and has presented a seminar in Vicenza, Italy.

His articles have been published in major trade magazines throughout the world in several languages. He is the author of the award winning book “The Platinum Bench”, and a selection of “how to” articles in his monthly feature of the same name in AJM magazine.

Jurgen Maerz is a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler, the fourth one in the US to receive this designation. Trade articles, seminars, hands-on workshops, and factory visits are among his duties. Jurgen has published several papers at the Santa Fe Symposium. He is responsible for planning and presenting the annual Platinum Day Symposium in New York City and Los Angeles, serving as host as well as speaker.

Technically, Jurgen specializes in Platinum casting issues. He has spearheaded several new casting techniques and is constantly trying to improve the process. Jurgen is qualified to address all issues of the platinum manufacturing process, from design to finished product.