AGTA Announces the 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Award Winners

DALLAS. Nov. 4, 2024 – The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. This year is extra special because it marks 40 years of Spectrum entries.

The competition took place Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2024, at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star in Dallas. The hotel once again served as a sponsor.

“Every year the quality of our entries continues to get better and better,” says CEO John W. Ford Sr. “We received nearly the exact same number of entries as last year—upwards of 375—with a category distribution similar to last year. Evening Wear garnered the most entries at 75, and Men’s Wear had 27 entries, which reflects a slight increase. We also have the new Engagement Ring category, and the 21 entries in it were just an explosion of vibrant color and far outweighed my expectations. We are thrilled to see artists’ colorful takes in an area that has traditionally been reserved for Diamonds. We also saw a substantial number of first-time entrants. Overall, there are years’ worth of 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place winners here so the judges did not have an easy time! Every piece is a winner.”

Trends among this year’s entries included Tourmaline—particularly Paraíba and rubellite—as well as pink, purple, and orange gems; more finished jewels with fantasy-cut or carved gems as focal points (this occurred last year as well); oval gems; and Moonstones in both loose goods in Cutting Edge entries and finished jewels in Spectrum.

And with so many entries, there are plenty of standouts. For example, Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp—last year’s Best of Show Cutting Edge winner for a suite of four oval “Paraíba-type” Tourmalines—was recognized again for similar material. This year he took 1st Place in All Other Cut Gemstones for a 27.42 ct. cushion-cut Paraíba Tourmaline and 2nd Place in Pairs & Suites for a pair of cushion-cut Paraíba Tourmalines weighing a total of 31.36 ctw. Another once-in-a-lifetime stone exists in A. Kleiman & Co.’s 8.33 ct. emerald-cut Brazilian no oil Emerald, which took 1st Place in Classic Gemstones.

This year also marks the first time that winners were named in the new Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards, sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family. These honors were given to one female entrant in each of the six Spectrum categories, and all women who entered the AGTA Spectrum Awards were eligible. Click here for more information about the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards.

Judges this year included Jean Francois Bibet; Sherry Bender, The Goldsmith Ltd., Chicago; Susan Jacques, GIA; and Suzy Landa, Suzy Landa Fine Jewelry. Peggy Grosz, formerly of Assael, had to withdraw due to a conflict. Click here for more information about the judges.

“We have returned to Texas for a fourth time, and this may be our best year yet!” says Kimberly Collins, owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems and president of the AGTA Board of Directors, about the 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards! “The caliber of the entries continues to increase annually, and the expertise of the judges wows us. I think everyone loved seeing the submissions in the new engagement ring category, as colored gems in bridal are a growing segment of the market. I think some of the trends this year included jewels that convert for wear in different ways, multi- two- and three-stone rings, interchangeable center stones, and more. I would like to thank our staff who work so hard on this competition every year, our judges who take time out of their busy schedules to be here, our editors and media who take beautiful pictures and offer smart commentary on all the entries, and the Spectrum committee who vets the judges to find those with the best integrity.”

Many of the winning pieces will be on display during the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson, Feb. 3–Feb. 9. The AGTA Spectrum Gala is the highlight of 2025 Gem Week festivities and will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in the recent addition to the Tucson Convention Center. For more information or tickets, log onto agta.org.

Professional images of all winners will be available by Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

Images shot by Jeff Mason Photography

Winners of the 2024 AGTA Spectrum Awards are:

Spectrum Award Winners

Best of Awards

Best of Show –

Best of Show – Spectrum: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd. - Platinum and 18K yellow gold “SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly” brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Spinels (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.)

Spectrum: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd., Sophia D. Karmel (co-founder) – Platinum and 18K yellow gold “SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly” brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Sapphires (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.)

Cutting Edge: John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana, Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”

Cutting Edge: John Dyer, John Dyer Gems – 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana, Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”

Best Use of Color

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 ct. bicolor emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 ct. bicolor emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)

Best Use of Pearl

Best Use of Pearl Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC - 14K white fold “Helix” cufflinks featuring two pairs of Keshi Pearls with blue overtones accented by black Diamonds (6.31 ctw.)

Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC – 14K white fold “Helix” cufflinks featuring two pairs of Keshi Pearls with blue overtones accented by black Diamonds (6.31 ctw.)

Fashion Forward

Fashion Forward 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.)

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.)

Best of Single Entries – Cutting Edge

Best of Single Entries – Cutting Edge Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC - “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of stingray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, and Tourmaline (2.20 ctw.)

Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC, contributors: Nicolai Medvedev (designer & fabricator), Susan Helmich (gold work) – “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of stingray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, Diamonds, and Tourmaline (2.20 ctw.)

Best of Single Entries – Spectrum

Best of Single Entries – Spectrum Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs - 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin featuring an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone accented by mixed teal Tourmaline (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.)

Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, contributors:  Lauren Tuggle (co-designer & hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler) – 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin featuring an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone accented by mixed teal Tourmaline (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.)

Best Use of Platinum and Color

Best Use of Platinum and Color Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry - Platinum “Blue Me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel-set cabochon cat’s eye blue Topaz accented by ombré blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)

Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry – Platinum “Blue Me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel-set cabochon cat’s eye blue Topaz accented by ombré blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)

Best Use of Platinum Crown

PHOTO NOT YET AVAILABLE

Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations, LLC, contributor: Southern Diamond Jewelers (bench jeweler) – Platinum “The Girl Can Fight” ring featuring a 32.0 ct. Morganite accented with pink and white Diamonds (1.72 ctw.)

 

Bridal Wear

Bridal Wear – 1st Place

Bridal Wear - 1st Place Christine Penuel, Mark Loren Designs - 14K yellow gold earrings featuring Yangtze Pearls accented by Sapphires (3.04 ctw.) and Amethyst (0.88 ctw.)

Christina Penuel, Mark Loren Designs – 14K yellow gold earrings featuring Yangtze Pearls accented by Sapphires (3.04 ctw.) and Amethyst (0.88 ctw.)

Bridal Wear – 2nd Place

Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry,  a Larry Rice Commissioned piece – 18K white and yellow gold “Colorblind” earrings featuring Tourmalines and Rubellite (41.18 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.99 ctw.)

Bridal Wear – 3rd Place

Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. – Spector Gold, 18K yellow gold and 14K white gold “Olympia” cuff featuring a 76.82 ct. Santa Maria Aquamarine accented with Diamonds (8.06 ctw.) and Aquamarine (10.63 ctw.)

Bridal Wear – Alfie Norville Women in Excellence

Janine Castro, Janine Castro Jewelry, contributors are Steven DeLaVega (center stone source) and Juan Negron (jeweler) – Platinum ring featuring a 1.86 ct. trillion spessartite Garnet accented by Diamonds (0.395 ctw.)

Bridal Wear – Honorable Mention and Bridal Wear – Platinum Honors

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum “MOONGLADE” ring featuring a 10.33 ct. faceted Moonstone accented by Tourmaline (0.46 ctw.) and orange Sapphires (0.33 ctw.)

 

Business/Day Wear

Business/Day Wear – 1st Place and Business/Day Wear – Platinum Honors

Business/Day Wear - 1st Place and Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery - Platinum “Mariana” ring featuring an 18.44 ct. concave-cut Aquamarine accented by step-cut Diamonds (1.55 ctw.) and pavé-set Diamonds (0.34 ctw.)

Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, contributor: Brad Weber  – Platinum “Mariana” ring featuring an 18.44 ct. concave-cut Aquamarine accented by step-cut Diamonds (1.55 ctw.) and pavé-set Diamonds (0.34 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear – 2nd Place

Wolfgang Vaatz, Wolfgang Vaatz – 18K gold sheet fused to sterling silver “Aspen Leaves Connecting to Earth After the Rain” cuff featuring bicolor Sapphires (2.86 ctw.) accented by Diamond melee (0.665 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear – 3rd Place

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 ct. bicolor emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear – Alfie Norville Women in Excellence

Jutta Munsteiner, Somewhere In The Rainbow, contributor: Tom Munsteiner (cutter) – 18K yellow and white gold “Whiskey & Stone” pendant featuring a 26.06 ct. triangle-cut Citrine and an 83 x 30 mm Agate accented by a 0.20 ct. Diamond

Business/Day Wear – Honorable Mention

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum and ceramic ring featuring a 5.07 ct. Mozambique Paraíba Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (0.18 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear – Honorable Mention

Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs – 14K yellow gold “Meet Me at the Plaza” reversible bangle featuring bright pink Sapphires (5.57 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (5.87 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear – Honorable Mention

Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC – 14K white gold “Deuce” convertible ring featuring a 14.87 mm purple blue mabé Pearl on one side and a 9.91 ct. cabochon Chalcedony on the other side accented by Diamonds (2.147 ctw.)

 

Classical

Classical – 1st Place

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.)

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.)

Classical – 2nd Place

Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs – Platinum suite of ring, bracelet, and necklace with an interchangeable centerpiece featuring an 8.29 ct. pink Spinel accented by pink and colorless Diamonds (9.99 ctw.)

Classical – 3rd Place

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum bypass ring featuring a 5.00 ct. Sri Lankan Sapphire and a 4.45 ct. Tourmaline accented by Sapphire (0.84 ctw.), Tourmaline (1.08 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.85 ctw.)

Classical – Alfie Norville Women in Excellence

Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, contributor: Tucson Todd’s Gems (gemstone supplier) – Platinum “LA FEMME SPINELLE” ring featuring a 5.97 ct. red Spinel accented by blue Sapphires (1.00 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.50 ctw.)

Classical – Honorable Mention

Jutta Munsteiner, Munsteiner USA LLC – Platinum “Mantis” ring featuring a 23.25 ct. Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (0.68 ctw.)

Classical – Platinum Honors

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC, contributor: Cuprian & Co. (supplier) – Platinum “Paraíba Perfection” pendant featuring a 3.84 ct. Mozambique Paraíba Tourmaline and a 7.06 ct. Mozambique Paraíba Tourmaline accented by Alexandrites (1.11 ctw.) and Diamonds

  

Engagement Rings

Engagement Rings – 1st Place

Engagement Rings - 1st Place Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 10.08 ct. tsavorite Garnet accented by tsavorite Garnets (0.60 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.66 ctw.)

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum ring featuring a 10.08 ct. tsavorite Garnet accented by tsavorite Garnets (0.60 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.66 ctw.)

Engagement Rings – 2nd Place

Nikki Swift, Nicole Mera, LLC – Platinum and 18K rose gold “Sparkling Rosé” ring featuring a 2.05 ct. emerald-cut pink Spinel accented by round pink Sapphires (0.35 ctw.) and baguette Diamonds (1.38 ctw.)

Engagement Rings – 3rd Place

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “Hope Sapphire” ring featuring an 8.35 ct. no heat Burmese blue Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.01 ctw.)

Engagement Rings – Alfie Norville Women in Excellence

Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, contributor: Color Source Gems (Sapphire supplier) – Platinum bridal set featuring a 4.55 ct. vivid blue pear-shape Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.75 ctw.)

Engagement Rings – Honorable Mention

Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs – Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 2.68 ct. pear-shape Tourmaline accented by Tourmaline (2.97 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.14 ctw.)

Engagement Rings – Platinum Honors

Underwoods Design Team, Underwoods Fine Jewelers – Platinum ring featuring a 4.16 ct. round blue Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)

 

Evening Wear

Evening Wear – 1st Place

Best of Show – Spectrum: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd. - Platinum and 18K yellow gold “SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly” brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Spinels (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.)

Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd., Sophia D. Karmel (co-founder) – Platinum and 18K yellow gold “SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly” brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Sapphires (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.)

Evening Wear – 2nd Place

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.)

Evening Wear – 3rd Place

Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith, Inc. – 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 7.05 ct. green/blue emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by a 1.30 ct. red/orange cut-corner tapered baguette Fire Opal and orange round brilliant Sapphires (0.50 ctw.)

Evening Wear – Honorable Mention

Raja Mehta, AG Gems – 18K yellow gold “Golden-Orchid” ring featuring a 3.71 ct. cushion-cut lilac Sapphire accented by pear-cut white Diamonds (0.94 ctw.), round white Diamonds (2.28 ctw.), and round fancy yellow Diamonds (0.35 ctw.)

Evening Wear – Honorable Mention and Alife Norville Women in Excellence

Sonya Konstantinovsky, Sonya K. – 18K white gold ring featuring a 2.05 ct. Mozambican no heat “vibrant” red Ruby accented by marquise Diamonds (1.02 ctw.) and custom cut baguette Diamonds (2.73 ctw.)

Evening Wear – Platinum Honors

Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations, LLC, contributor: Southern Diamond Jewelers (bench jeweler)  – Platinum “The Girl Can Fight” ring featuring a 32.0 ct. Morganite accented with pink and white Diamonds (1.72 ctw.)

  

Men’s Wear

Men’s Wear – 1st Place and Men’s Wear – Platinum Honors

Best Use of Platinum and Color Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry - Platinum “Blue Me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel-set cabochon cat’s eye blue Topaz accented by ombré blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)

Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry – Platinum “Blue Me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel-set cabochon cat’s eye blue Topaz accented by ombre blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)

Men’s Wear – 2nd Place

Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, contributors:  Lauren Tuggle (co-designer & hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler) – 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin featuring an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone accented by mixed teal Tourmalines (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.)

Men’s Wear – 3rd Place

Zoltan David, Somewhere In The Rainbow, contributor: Bruce Bridges (supplier & cutting) – Black Knight steel, 24K and 18K yellow gold “Legend of Campbell Bridges” ring featuring a 4.90 ct. round faceted tsavorite Garnet accented by faceted tsavorite Garnets (0.96 ctw.)

Men’s Wear – Alfie Norville Women in Excellence

Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, Tom Munsteiner (lapidary artist) – 14K white gold “Varden” cufflinks featuring fantasy-cut Peridot (11.75 ctw.) and princess-cut Peridot accented by Diamonds (2.10 ctw.)

Men’s Wear – Honorable Mention

Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars – 18K rose and white gold ring featuring an 8.03 ct. unheated fancy Sapphire accented by round Diamonds (0.62 ctw.) and princess-cut Diamonds (0.46 ctw.)

Men’s Wear – Honorable Mention

Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs – 14K white gold “Sceptre” pin/brooch featuring a 5.15 pear-shape Tanzanite accented by square-cut tsavorite Garnets (.40 ctw.) and round Diamonds (2.01 ctw.)

 

Editor’s Choice

Spectrum – Editor’s Choice

Fashion Forward 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.)

Evening Wear

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.)

 

Cutting Edge – Editor’s Choice

Cutting Edge – Editor’s Choice North American Mined Gemstones Christopher Wolfsberg, Sun Crystal Mining, in collaboration with Nirinjan Kalsa - 11.57 ct. modified concave kite Sunstone

North American Mined Gemstones

Christopher Wolfsberg in collaboration with Nirinjan Kalsa – 18.82 ct. elongated concave pear-shape Sunstone

 

Winners of the 2024 AGTA Cutting Edge Awards are:

 

All Other Cut Gemstones

All Other Cut Gemstones – 1st Place

All Other Cut Gemstones - 1st Place Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - 27.42 ct. cushion-cut Paraíba Tourmaline

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. – 27.42 ct. cushion-cut Paraíba Tourmaline

All Other Cut Gemstones – 2nd Place

Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s – 21.0 ct. vivid pink Topaz

All Other Cut Gemstones – 3rd Place

Nancy Attaway, High Country Gems – 26.99 ct. twelve-sided round brilliant “Dreaming in Orange” Opal

All Other Cut Gemstones – Honorable Mention

Ben Kho, Kho International – 50.52 ct. custom cushion-cut seafoam green Beryl

All Other Cut Gemstones – Honorable Mention

Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s – 32.31 ct. neon blue emerald-cut Tourmaline

 

Carving

Carving – 1st Place

Carving - 1st Place Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC - “The Encounter” carving featuring an 1105 gram Agate geode with Calcite and Geothite inside accented by Onyx

Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC – “The Encounter” carving featuring an 1105 gram Agate geode with Calcite and Geothite inside accented by Onyx 

Carving – 2nd Place

Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry, contributor: Don Buford (owner) – 37.54 ct. “Puzzle Piece” Sunstone

Carving – 3rd Place

Don Johnson, Obsessed Over Gems, contributor: Meg Berry – 140.0 ct. Aquamarine titled “Aqua Ma Dream”

Carving – Honorable Mention

Robert Procop, Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, contributor: Meg Berry (faceter) – 225.05 ct. natural pink Sapphire titled “The Pink Flame Sapphire”

 

Classic Gemstones

Classic Gemstone – 1st Place

Classic Gemstone - 1st Place Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. - 8.33 ct. emerald-cut Brazilian no oil Emerald

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – 8.33 ct. emerald-cut Brazilian no oil Emerald

Classic Gemstone – 2nd Place

Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem – 9.35 ct. Sri Lankan pink Sapphire

Classic Gemstone – 3rd Place

William Hakimi, A. Hakimi & Sons – 10.28 ct. Ruby from Mozambique

Classic Gemstone – Honorable Mention

Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem – 10.67 ct. blue no heat Ceylon Sapphire

  

Innovative Faceting

Innovative Faceting – 1st Place

Innovative Faceting - 1st Place Lee Haynes, LWH Gems - 54.0 ct. mixed-cut wave pavilion with nouveau deco crown Aquamarine titled “Deco Nouveau”

Lee Haynes, LWH Gems – 54.0 ct. mixed-cut wave pavilion with nouveau deco crown Aquamarine titled “Deco Nouveau”

Innovative Faceting – 2nd Place

Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars – 2.33 ct. snowflake-shape Tanzanite

Innovative Faceting – 3rd Place

Justin Cruz, Red Deer’s Customs & Throwing Stones, contributors: Derek Katzenbach (cutter), Rusty James (co-owner) – 73.89 ct. Phenakite titled “Southern Storm”

Innovative Faceting – Honorable Mention

Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer – 10.25 ct. “Meraki Cut” deep blue Tanzanite

Innovative Faceting – Honorable Mention

Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer, contributor: Doug Malby – 33.46 ct. “Ornamental Shield” Sunstone, Sunstone Butte Mine, Oregon

  

North American Mined Gemstones

North American Mined Gemstones – 1st Place

Cutting Edge: John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana, Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”

John Dyer, John Dyer Gems – 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana, Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”

North American Mined Gemstones – 2nd Place

Ben Kho, Kho International – 12.88 ct. cushion Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite from Colorado

North American Mined Gemstones – 3rd Place

Ben Kho, Kho International – 109.92 ct. trilliant-cut ocean Fluorite from New Hampshire

 

Objects of Art

Objects of Art – 1st Place

Best of Single Entries – Cutting Edge Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC - “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of stingray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, and Tourmaline (2.20 ctw.)

Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC, contributors: Nicolai Medvedev (designer & fabricator), Susan Helmich (gold work) – “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of stingray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, Diamonds, and Tourmaline (2.20 ctw.)

Objects of Art – 2nd Place

Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, contributor: Yan Ge (carver) – 310 gram 9 dragons blue Jadeite carving titled “2024 Year of the Dragon”

Objects of Art – 3rd Place

Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars – 117 grams hand-carved Coral crocodile statuette

  

Pairs & Suites

Pairs & Suites – 1st Place

Pairs & Suites - 1st Place Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Suite of Sri Lankan cushion-cut blue Sapphires (114.89 ctw.)

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Suite of Sri Lankan cushion-cut blue Sapphires (114.89 ctw.)

Pairs & Suites – 2nd Place

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. – Pair of cushion-cut Paraíba Tourmalines (31.36 ctw.)

Pairs & Suites – 3rd Place

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems – Suite of Sapphires, Spinel, Tourmaline, Garnet, Chrysoberyl, Morganite, and Aquamarines (113.57 ctw.) titled “Rainbow Dream Suite”

Pairs & Suites – Honorable Mention

David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd., contributor: Kenneth Blount – Suite of 20 trillion-cut spessartite Garnets (48.05 ctw.)

Pairs & Suites – Honorable Mention

Bruce Bridges, Somewhere In The Rainbow – Pair of natural oval mixed-cut tsavorite Garnets (22.39 ctw.) titled “Unparalleled”

  

Phenomenal

Phenomenal – 1st Place

Phenomenal – 1st Place Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems – 10.15 ct. round cabochon Australian Black Opal

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems – 10.15 ct. round cabochon Australian Black Opal

Phenomenal – 2nd Place

Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA, LLC – 15.76 ct. mint cushion-cut Garnet with fluorescence under UV light

Phenomenal – 3rd Place

Adam Gil, Jerry Gil & Company – 33.89 ct. untreated Sphene titled “The Queen Sphene”

Phenomenal – Honorable Mention

Itamar Pimenta, Pentagon Gem – 13.08 ct. cat’s eye Emerald from Brazil

 

AGTA is grateful to its sponsors this year, including the Omni Hotels, Platinum Guild International, and Allan Norville and the Norville family.

AGTA Spectrum Awards entries are judged on overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad‐based consumer appeal, and potential to generate positive publicity for natural-colored gemstones and natural Pearls and cultured Pearls.

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural-colored gemstones and natural and cultured Pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.

Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International (PGI), recognizes the outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or natural and cultured Pearl jewelry in six Spectrum Awards categories and for the Platinum Honors Awards in Bridal Wear, Business/Day Wear, Evening Wear, Classical, and Men’s. PGI also awards two “Best of” awards – Best Use of Platinum and Color and Best Use of Platinum Crown.

The newly unveiled Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award, sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family, grants awards to female entrants in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical, Men’s Wear, Engagement Rings, and Business/Day Wear categories. All women who enter the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition are eligible for this category.

Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured Pearl in artful, trend‐setting jewelry. All designs that qualify for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition are eligible for Fashion Forward Honors judging.

For more information regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition, please contact Kimmie Petersen at 800-972‐1162 or [email protected]. For further information regarding the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson or the AGTA Spectrum Awards Gala, please call 800-972‐1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org.

 

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Heebner, [email protected], 267-481-4120

Alex Canas, [email protected], 800-972-1162

The American Gem Trade Association is a not‐for‐profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and natural and cultured Pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as “The Authority in Color” and is headquartered in Dallas.