AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards
The world’s finest jewelry and colored gemstone competition.
2010 Winners
2010 Winners
Best Of
Only the most brilliant, breathtaking pieces are worthy of the Best of Show trophy. Winning designs must possess beauty, mastery, and imagination beyond compare. Consideration for the Best of Show award is limited to first place winners in each category.
Editor's Choice
Evelyn Clothier - Evelyn Clothier Jewelry - New York, NY: "Tassel" necklace with platinum, featuring a brown Diamond (5.59 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (9.35 ctw.), Pearls (14.03 ctw.) and Diamond beads (253.22 ctw.).
Fashion Forward
Victor Velyan - Victor Velyan - Los Angeles, CA: 24K yellow gold and silver with brown patina bangle featuring a 20.54 ct. oval star Ruby cabochon and natural colored Diamonds (3.15 ctw.).
Best Use of Platinum and Color
Tracy Janule - Custom Jewelry and Wax Creations - Gilbert, AZ: Platinum ring featuring a 6.94 ct. Aquamarine, two tri-angel shield Peridots (4.95 ctw.) and two square-cut Peridots (.16 ctw.).
Best Use of Pearls
Graham Edney - Graham Edney - Santa Barbara, CA: Platinum earrings featuring freshwater Pearls and white, pink and yellow Diamonds (1.50 ctw.).
Best Use of Color
Lilly Fitzgerald - Lilly Fitzgerald / Goldsmith - Spencer, MA: 22K yellow gold necklace featuring multi-colored Sapphire cabochons.
Best of Show
James W. Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY: "The Quiet Moment" brooch featuring oval Emeralds (66.15 ctw.) set in 18K white gold, silver and platinum accented with white and multi-colored Diamonds (17.05 ctw.).
Best of Show
James W. Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY: Platinum and silver "Empress" ring featuring a 15.58 pear-shaped Moonstone accented with color-change Garnets (19.36 ctw.), oval Moonstones (6.40 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.46ctw.).
Platinum Honors™
Sponsored by Platinum Guild International, Platinum Honors™ recognizes the outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five AGTA Spectrum Awards™ categories, three Platinum Innovation categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum.
Platinum Honors™ Men's Wear
Mark Schneider - Mark Schneider Design - Long Beach, CA: Platinum ring featuring a 13.81 ct. spessartite Garnet, yellow Diamonds (1.58 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.62 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Evening Wear
Ashok Sancheti - Designs by Ashok Sancheti dba Pioneer Gems - New York, NY: Platinum earrings featuring Morganite drops (81.15 ctw.) accented with Zircons (6.66 ctw.), Spinels (1.50 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.65 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Classical
Jeffrey Bilgore - Jeffrey Bilgore LLC - New York, NY: Platinum ring featuring a 10.78 ct. cornflower blue cushion-cut natural Sapphire accented with Diamonds (1.29 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Business / Day Wear
James W. Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY: Platinum "Orbit" ring featuring a 5.37 ct. pink Spinel, spessartite Garnets (15.83 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.16 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Bridal Wear
Evelyn Clothier - Evelyn Clothier Jewelry - New York, NY: Platinum earrings featuring blue Moonstone cabochons (48.82 ctw.) and Diamonds (4.75 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™
Sponsored by Platinum Guild International, Platinum Honors™ recognizes the outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five AGTA Spectrum Awards™ categories, three Platinum Innovation categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum.
Bridal Wear
Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride herself, this category captures every look for walking down the aisle. This category is sponsored by The Knot, the #1 wedding network in the U.S., reaching over 80% of brides.
Manufacturing Honors
Ryan Roberts - Ryan Roberts, Ltd. - Chimayo, NM: Platinum ring featuring an 11.65 ct. violet Spinel accented with white Diamonds (1.06 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (0.24 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Maria Canale - Richard Krementz Gemstones - Springfield, NJ: Platinum and 18K yellow prong-set pendant featuring a 33.58 ct. Peridot and Diamonds (9.71 ctw.).
3rd Place
Evelyn Clothier - Evelyn Clothier Jewelry - New York, NY: 18K rose gold earrings featuring white Agate briolettes and pink Diamonds (.91 ctw.).
2nd Place
Samuel Getz - Samuel Getz Designs - Miami, FL: Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 10.71 ct. Asscher-cut mint green grossular Garnet, two Asscher-cut Diamonds (2.13 ctw.) and 68 round brilliant-cut Diamonds.
1st Place
Maria Canale - Suna Bros., Inc. - New York, NY: 18K white gold earrings featuring shield-cut pink Topaz (12.82 ctw.), full-cut Diamonds (1.56 ctw.) and baguette Diamonds (0.15 ctw.).
Business & Day Wear
Stylish, practical jewelry perfectly suited for work and for play. Entries should possess simple elegance for a woman on the move.
Manufacturing Honors
Michael Endlich - Pave Fine Jewelry - Oakland, CA: 18K rose gold ring featuring a 9.93 ct. rainbow Moonstone accented with two Diamonds (.23 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Susan Sadler - Susan Sadler, Fine Jewelry Design - Tulsa, OK: Vintage turquoise-green bakelite braeclet featuring a 49.30 ct. Sonnoran Sunrise and 0.10 ct. bezel-set Diamond set in 18K and 18.5K yellow gold.
3rd Place
Michael Endlich - Pave Fine Jewelry - Oakland, CA: 22K yellow gold ring featuring a 9.51 ct. green Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (.18 ctw.).
2nd Place
Ashleigh Branstetter - Ashleigh Branstetter, LLC - New Orleans, LA: 18K white gold earrings featuring Chalcedony briolettes (40.61 ctw.), moss Diamond slices (11.23 ctw.) and white Diamond slices (2.32 ctw.).
1st Place
Ariane Zurcher - Ariane Zurcher Designs - Long Island City, NY: 18K brushed yellow gold bracelet featuring cabochons of pink Topaz (25.08 ctw.), mandarin Garnets (17.21 ctw.), Paraiba Tourmalines (4.03 ctw.), Tourmalines (12.0 ctw.), Aquamarines (2.96 ctw.) and pink Sapphires (2.69 ctw.).
Business & Day Wear
Stylish, practical jewelry perfectly suited for work and for play. Entries should possess simple elegance for a woman on the move.
Classical
This category represents timeless style. Whether a string of Pearls or an elegant pendant, Classical entries strike the balance of traditional feel with a modern twist.
Manufacturing Honors
Ashok Sancheti - Designs by Ashok Sancheti dba Pioneer Gems - New York, NY: Natural blue Agate bangle featuring platinum and white Diamonds (18.73 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Lilly Fitzgerald - Lilly Fitzgerald / Goldsmith - Spencer, MA: 22K yellow gold hand-carved necklace featuring a Tanzanite cabochon.
3rd Place
James W. Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY: Platinum bracelet featuring natural Rubies (19.88 ctw.) and Diamonds (12.78 ctw.).
2nd Place
Leon Mege - Leon Mege, Inc. - New York, NY: Platinum and silver ring featuring a 2.19 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with Tourmalines (0.98 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.52 ctw.).
1st Place
Lilly Fitzgerald - Lilly Fitzgerald / Goldsmith - Spencer, MA: 22K yellow gold necklace featuring multi-colored Sapphire cabochons.
Evening Wear
Pieces in this category fall nothing short of spectacular. Entries can range from red carpet fabulous to stunningly chic– and all must have exceptional color.
Manufacturing Honors
Yael Designs - Yael Designs - San Francisco, CA: 18K white gold "Lava" earrings featuring black Diamonds (1.43 ctw.) and white Diamonds (2.77 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Graham Edney - Graham Edney - Santa Barbara, CA: Platinum earrings featuring freshwater Pearls and white, pink and yellow Diamonds (1.50 ctw.).
3rd Place
James W. Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY: "The Quiet Moment" brooch featuring oval Emeralds (66.15 ctw.) set in 18K white gold, silver and platinum accented with white and multi-colored Diamonds (17.05 ctw.).
2nd Place
Evelyn Clothier - Evelyn Clothier Jewelry - New York, NY: Platinum and 18K yellow gold butterfly brooch featuring sliced Diamonds (20.17 ctw.) and pink, yellow and white Diamonds (15.93 ctw.).
1st Place
James W. Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY: Platinum and silver "Empress" ring featuring a 15.58 pear-shaped Moonstone accented with color-change Garnets (19.36 ctw.), oval Moonstones (6.40 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.46 ctw.).
Evening Wear
Pieces in this category fall nothing short of spectacular. Entries can range from red carpet fabulous to stunningly chic– and all must have exceptional color.
Men's Wear
Fine jewelry is the quintessence of the modern man. Entries in this category, ranging from rings to bracelets, cufflinks to belt buckles, express the myriad ways a gentleman can express himself.
Manufacturing Honors
Ashleigh Branstetter - Ashleigh Branstetter, LLC - New Orleans, LA: Platinum cufflinks featuring London blue Topaz cabochons (39.89 ctw.) and pave Diamonds (1.57 ctw.).
3rd Place
Link Wachler - Link Wachler Designs - Troy, MI: 18K yellow gold ring featuring a Baroque Pearl, a mother of Pearl "eye patch," a 3mm cultured Pearl and a .02 ct. Ruby.
2nd Place
Ivan Sagel - Ivan Sagel - Chicago, IL: 18K white and yellow gold ring featuring a 4.07 ct. millenium-cut blue Tourmaline.
1st Place
Jack Bigio - Basser & Bigio, LLC - New York, NY: Platinum cufflinks featuring Sapphire slices and Diamonds (1.0 ctw.) attached to a platinum mechanism.
All Other Faceted
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any extraordinary faceted gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Honorable Mention
Joseph Ambalu - Amba Gem Corp. - New York, NY: 16.88 ct. cushion-cut Paraiba Tourmaline.
Honorable Mention
Ben Kho - Kho International, Ltd. - Decatur, GA: 11.48 ct. antique cushion-cut Rhodochrosite.
3rd Place
Clay Zava - Zava Mastercuts - Carrboro, NC: 31.94 ct. "tricheck"-cut Tanzanite.
2nd Place
Ben Kho - Kho International, Ltd. - Decatur, GA: 19.11 ct. trilliant-cut Sphalerite.
1st Place
Allen Kleiman - A. Kleiman & Co. - San Francisco, CA: 10.78 ct. natural heart-shaped red Spinel.
All Other Faceted
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any extraordinary faceted gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Carving
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any natural gem material carved in any style.
3rd Place
Naomi Sarna - Naomi Sarna Designs - New York, NY: Hand-carved almandine Garnet (25.1 grams).
2nd Place
Naomi Sarna - Naomi Sarna Designs - New York, NY: Hand-carved Mexican fire Opal (22.6 grams).
1st Place
Dalan Hargrave - Dust Devil Mining - Spring Branch, TX: 61.0 ct. tri-color Sunstone.
Classic Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to outstanding examples of Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Honorable Mention
Allen Kleiman - A. Kleiman & Co. - San Francisco, CA: 30.07 ct. natural cushion-cut yellow Sapphire.
3rd Place
Ruben Bindra - B & B Fine Gems - Los Angeles, CA: 13.11 ct. cushion-cut orange Sapphire.
2nd Place
Ruben Bindra - B & B Fine Gems - Los Angeles, CA: 33.16 ct. emerald-cut blue Sapphire.
1st Place
Robert Kane - Fine Gems International - Helena, MT: 4.53 ct. cushion-cut natural pink Sapphire.
Classic Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to outstanding examples of Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Combination
Cutting Edge Award
3rd Place
Dalan Hargrave - Geo Gem - Spring Branch, TX: "Starlight-cut" 47.0 ct. green Beryl.
2nd Place
Michael M. Dyber - Michael M. Dyber - Rumney, NH: 153.88 ct. Aquamarine utilizing "Optic Dishes" and "Photon Phacets" lapidary techniques.
1st Place
Darryl Alexander - Alexander's Jeweler's & Ty Montell - Gilbert, AZ: Pair of Ametrines (70.0 ctw.).
Innovative Faceting
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any gemstone featuring innovative faceting and lapidary techniques.
Honorable Mention
Stephen Kotlowski - Uniquely-K-Custom Gems - Newburgh, NY: 276.90 ct. faceted blue Topaz.
Honorable Mention
John Dyer - John Dyer & Co. - Edina, MN: 44.74 ct. Citrine in a "Star of David" cut.
3rd Place
Dalan Hargrave - GemStarz - Spring Branch, TX: Rose Quartz displaying the Breast Cancer Ribbon.
2nd Place
Ben Kho - Kho International, Ltd. - Decatur, GA: 10.01 ct. cushion-cut pink Tourmaline.
1st Place
Tom Schneider - Thomas M. Schneider - San Diego, CA: 11.54 ct. concave-cut round grossular Garnet.
Innovative Faceting
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any gemstone featuring innovative faceting and lapidary techniques.
Objects of Art
Cutting Edge Award
Open to carvings, bowls, sculptures, intarsia, etc., of gem materials not intended to be worn. Objects may incorporate metal, wood or other non-gem materials as base, frame or decorative components.
2nd Place
Gregore Morin - Gregore Joailliers - Santa Barbara, CA: "Swiss Connection" brooch featuring white Opals (84 ctw.), brown Opals (12.72 ctw.) and Diamonds (.48 ctw.).
1st Place
Tigran Lementsyan - Andrew Sarosi - Los Angeles, CA: 18K yellow "Wheat Shaft" accented with seed Pearls and round white Diamonds (.66 ctw.).
Pairs and Suites
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.
Honorable Mention
Ruben Bindra - B & B Fine Gems - Los Angeles, CA: Matched pair of cushion-cut Aquamarines (47.50 ctw.).
3rd Place
Larry Woods - Jewels From the Woods - Blanco, TX: "Celestial" 19 gemstone suite of malaya Garnets (33.25 ctw.).
2nd Place
Darryl Alexander - Alexander's Jeweler's & Ty Montell - Gilbert, AZ: Pair of green Quartz (41.47 ctw.).
1st Place
Ben Kho - Kho International, Ltd. - Decatur, GA: Suite of 11 fantasy cushion-cut Beryls (93.35 ctw.).
Pairs and Suites
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.
Phenomenal
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any phenomenal gemstone (link to phenomenal gemstone description/page) featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
2nd Place
Nandu Nichani - Temple Trading Co. - Encinitas, CA: Suite of 11 graduated oval blue Moonstones (84.27 ctw.).
1st Place
Larry Woods - Jewels From the Woods - Blanco, TX: "Celestial Compass" 5.13 ct. color-change Garnet.