By Jennifer Heebner, Editor in Chief
I’ve just returned home from the southwest, where I was privileged to see all 375 entries in this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. The entries are always mind blowing! No one ever sees this much jewelry and this level of artistry laid out on tables—not under glass—and available to pick up and try on. In my opinion, it’s one of the best days on the jewelry calendar year.
While the winners are impressive and deserve accolades, there are many other pieces that deserve a spotlight! This blog post is my opportunity to do so. Within the week, I’ll also upload a video to my Instagram account of 10 favorites from the Awards that didn’t win any official placements but were winners, nonetheless. The pieces featured below are a mix of official winners and other gorgeous items that should be admired, regardless of Award status. Enjoy!
Engagement Rings (did not win)
Laurence Bruyninckx – 18K white gold “Feathers of Union” rings featuring a 1.53 ct. oval natural sunrise padparadscha Sapphire and Diamonds (0.50 ctw.)
I love the way you can mix bands in this designer’s work! And more orange, so I love it.
Pairs & Suites (did not win)
Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International in collaboration with: Larry Woods (cutter) Pair of combination-cut Medicine Wheels spessartite Garnets (9.27 ctw.) titled “Tangerine Twins”
I love the color orange and the fun carved pattern in this pair!
All Other Cut Gemstones (did not win)
Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International – 4.62 ct. faceted Amber with mosquito inclusion titled “Immortalized Foe”
I thought this was a Sapphire when I approached it at the competition! You never see faceted amber, and you’ll probably never see another faceted Amber gem like this one with such a rich yellow color, no inclusions, and a mosquito inside! It’s a one-of-a-kind stone.
Business Day Wear (did not win)
Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – 18K yellow gold and platinum “Stars, Moonstone, and Sea” earrings feature Cat’s Eye Moonstone (21.83 ctw.), blue Chalcedony (20.42 ctw.), Turquoise (15.30 ctw.), Diamonds (2.25 ctw.), and Sapphires (0.65 ctw.)
These are such a fun look! They are super playful and will command a presence on the ear while still being lightweight.
Evening Wear (did not win)
Erica Courtney, LLC – 18K yellow gold “Triple Drop Rubellite and Mandarin Garnet” earrings with rubellite Tourmaline (9.20 ctw.), mandarin Garnet (4.42 ctw.), and Diamonds (1.01 ctw.) on inside-out huggie hoops with orange Sapphires (0.90 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.30 ctw.)
Erica loves the color orange as much as I do, and paired with rubellite Tourmaline, this pair of earrings is juicy and joyful! They, too, will have a great presence on the ear without being heavy.
Evening Wear (did not win)
Marcia Budet Jewelry – 18K satin blackened gold earrings featuring six Tahitian keshi Pearls accented by Diamonds (1.42 ctw.)
I am not a lover of hoops, but this pair is fantastic! Add a dash of Tahitian keshi Pearls to blackened gold and I’m sold.
Evening Wear (did not win)
Nicolai Israileff, ASBA USA, Inc., in collaboration with: Joshua Israileff (vice president) & Dominique Israileff (designer/president) – Necklace in 14K yellow gold with multicolor oval Tourmaline (20.96 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.15 ctw.)
This is such a sweet necklace! The Tourmaline colors are lovely!
Spectrum Fashion Forward, Evening Wear - 2nd Place & Spectrum Editor’s Choice
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. – Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanite (20.66 ctw.) and Garnet (23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Made for a diva to wear, for sure! Everything Adam makes is memorable and made to command attention.
Spectrum Classical - 1st Place
Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels, LLC – Platinum convertible ring or pendant featuring a 2.04 ct. Brazilian Paraíba Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (3.99 ctw.)
Such a sweet design and use of unusual fancy-cut gems!
This is proprietary content for AGTA and may not be reproduced.