AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards
The world’s finest jewelry and colored gemstone competition.
2018 Winners
2018 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.
Buyers' Choice
John Ford - Lightening Ridge Collection by John Ford - Platinum necklace featuring black Opal cabochons (38.43 ctw.) accented with Sapphires (.95 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (.95 ctw.) and Diamonds (6.76 ctw.).
Best Use of Platinum Crown
John Haynes - Schmitt Jewelers - Phoenix, AZ: Platinum “Solar Blossom” ring featuring a 14.73 ct. orange Zircon accented with tsavorite Garnets (.67 ctw.) and Diamonds (.65 ctw.).
Editors' Choice
Caroline Chartouni - Caroline C - New York, NY: 18K white gold ring featuring a 4.50 ct. blue Spinel accented with Diamonds (2.98 ctw.).
Fashion Forward
Patrick King - Jewelsmith, Inc. - Durham, NC: 14K white and rose gold pendant featuring a 13.31 ct. Sapphire accented with Sapphires (.98 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.91 ctw.).
Best Use of Platinum and Color
Deirdre Featherstone - Featherstone Design - New York, NY: Platinum "Wonder Woman" cuff featuring Aquamarines (4.54 ctw.), Tanzanites (2.44 ctw.), blue Zircons (1.60 ctw.), lavender Spinels (.46 ctw.), Tourmalines (.68 ctw.) and star-set Diamonds (2.64 ctw.).
Best Use of Pearls
Avi Raz - A & Z Pearls, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA: Necklace featuring 15-18mm multicolored natural baroque freshwater Pearls accented with 14K rose, yellow and rhodium gold beads.
Best Use of Color
Ricardo Basta - E. Eichberg, Inc. - Century City, CA: 18K yellow gold "Phoenix Rising" necklace featuring Mandarin Garnets (28.04 ctw.) accented with Paraiba Tourmalines (1.55 ctw.), Sapphires (4.68 ctw.), Rubies (3.17 ctw.), fire Opals (1.35 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (.02 ctw.) and a .77 ct. Turquoise.
Best of Show
Joseph Ambalu - Amba Gem Corp. - New York, NY: Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 7.16 ct. untreated Russian Emerald accented with Diamonds.
Buyers' Choice
The final award of the competition, this award is voted on by the buyers at AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, and the winner is revealed at the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala.
Buyers' Choice
John Ford - Lightening Ridge Collection by John Ford - Platinum necklace featuring black Opal cabochons (38.43 ctw.) accented with Sapphires (.95 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (.95 ctw.) and Diamonds (6.76 ctw.).
Buyers' Choice
The final award of the competition, this award is voted on by the buyers at AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, and the winner is revealed at the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala.
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
Niveet Nagpal - Omi Prive - West Covina, CA: 18K rose gold ring featuring three Padparadscha Sapphires (7.17 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.88 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Heath London - Heath London Jewelry - Santa Barbara, CA: 18K gold and aluminum earrings featuring Tahitian, freshwater and Akoya cultured Pearls accented with a .40 ct. Aquamarine, a .40 ct. pink Sapphire and Diamonds (.60 ctw.).
3rd Place
Niveet Nagpal - Somewhere In The Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: Platinum and black rhodium "Hi, I'm Alex - And You Are?" ring featuring a 6.12 ct. Alexandrite cabochon accented with Alexandrite and Diamond melee.
2nd Place
Ricardo Basta - E. Eichberg, Inc. - Century City, CA: Platinum "Take the Plunge" ring featuring a 21.86 ct. oval Tanzanite cabochon accented with Diamonds (2.13 ctw.).
1st Place
Zoltan David - Zoltan David - Austin, TX: 22K and 18K rose gold necklace featuring a 46.12 ct. Opal accented with a 3.60 ct. round Opal and blue Sapphires (2.40 ctw.).
Business and 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 Tope - Raintree LLC. - Vergennes, VT: Platinum and 18K rose gold ring featuring a 3.74 ct. Aquamarine accented with a .241 ct. Ruby.
Honorable Mention
Bella Campbell - Campbellian Collection / BHI - Morristown, NJ: 18K white gold “Phoenix Feathers” earrings featuring Mexican fire Opals (2.19 ctw.) accented with Rubies (4.93 ctw.) and Diamonds (.56 ctw.).
3rd Place
Beatrix-Laura Jessner - B & W Jewels - New York, NY: 18K white gold reversible earrings featuring pink Sapphires (2.71 ctw.) and Diamonds (3.84 ctw.).
2nd Place
Niveet Nagpal - Omi Prive - West Covina, CA: Platinum and 18K rose gold pendant featuring a 9.39 ct. pear-shaped black Opal accented with Paraiba Tourmalines (.90 ctw.) and a .25 ct. pear-shaped Diamond.
1st Place
Erica Courtney - Erica Courtney, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA: 18K yellow gold "Emerald City" necklace featuring a 105.99 ct. pear-shaped Emerald accented with Diamonds (4.42 ctw.).
Business and 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.
Gem DIVA™ Award Classical
Lindsay Jane - Lindsay Jane Designs - Paso Robles, CA: Platinum ring featuring a 6.78 ct. bicolored Sapphire accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.84 ctw.), brilliant-cut Diamonds (.44 ctw.) and Sapphires (.06 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
John Ford - Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford - Galveston, TX: Platinum necklace featuring black Opal cabochons (38.43 ctw.) accented with Sapphires (.95 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (.95 ctw.) and Diamonds (6.76 ctw.).
3rd Place
Swapna Pinnamaneni - Dream Choice Jewelry - Tarzana, CA: 18K yellow gold “The Dancer” brooch featuring a 2.75 ct. Tanzanite accented with yellow Diamonds (2.75 ctw.), Rubies (14.36 ctw.) and white Diamonds (1.41 ctw.).
2nd Place
Joseph Ambalu - Amba Gem Corp. - New York, NY: Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 7.16 ct. untreated Russian Emerald accented with Diamonds.
1st Place
Niveet Nagpal - Omi Prive - West Covina, CA: Platinum ring featuring a 10.23 ct. cuprian Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (2.57 ctw.), Paraiba Tourmalines (1.54 ctw.) and a .01 ct. Alexandrite.
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
Erica Courtney - Erica Courtney, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA: 18K yellow gold "Hera" earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.01 ctw.) accented with chrome Tourmalines (7.97 ctw.), Paraiba Tourmalines (.63 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.10 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Erica Courtney - Erica Courtney, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA: 18K yellow gold “Shakti” pendant featuring a 28.6 ct. Chrysoberyl accented with Paraiba Tourmalines (1.96 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (2.43 ctw.) and canary Tourmalines (1.75 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Helen Kim Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - Rhinebeck, NY: Platinum "Remember" ring featuring a 9.25 ct. square Moonstone cabochon accented with Moonstones (2.85 ctw.), multi-cut Diamonds (7.20 ctw.), Opals (.47 ctw.) and Tanzanites (.51 ctw.).
3rd Place
Zoltan David - Somewhere In The Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: Platinum and palladium “Candy on Ice” necklace featuring rubellite Tourmalines (83.00 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (5.97 ctw.).
2nd Place
Susan Helmich - Somewhere in the Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: 18K white and yellow gold “Le Dauphin” necklace featuring a 101.85 ct. Aquamarine accented with Diamonds (1.34 ctw.).
1st Place
Gross Currens - David Gross Group - New York, NY: Platinum ring featuring a 20.26 ct. cushion-cut unheated yellow Sapphire accented with Diamonds (3.60 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
Adam Neeley - Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry - Laguna Beach, CA: Platinum and 18K yellow gold "Halryon" ring featuring a 19.14 ct. Zircon accented with Diamonds (1.23 ctw.).
Honorable Mention
Klaus Kutter - A Jour Jewelry - Bristol, RI: 18K rose and white gold cufflinks featuring Moonstones (13.08 ctw.) accented with Sapphires (2.50 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.80 ctw.) and Onyx.
3rd Place
Pheap Lorn-Canossi - Phenomenon Jewels - Carlsbad, CA: 14K white gold and 18K yellow gold "Take Me Away to Paradise" ring featuring a 15.0 0ct. green Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (.87 ctw.), Alexandrites and Sapphires (3.22 ctw.).
2nd Place
Mark Schneider - Mark Schneider Design - Long Beach, CA: Platinum and 18K yellow gold cufflinks featuring hand-carved rock crystal Quartz and Mother-of-Pearl moons (53.06 ctw.) accented with blue Sapphire cabochons (1.76 ctw.), yellow and white Diamond melee (.66 ctw.).
1st Place
Zoltan David - Zoltan David - Austin, TX: Steel and 24K gold ring featuring a 25.53 ct. blue Zircon.
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
Niveet Nagpal - Omi Prive - West Covina, CA: Platinum cufflinks featuring blue Sapphires (2.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.02 ctw.).
Entry Platinum Innovation Evening Wear
Jacob Wosinski - Jacob Raymond Custom Jewelry - Greensboro, NC: Platinum ring featuring a 2.11 ct. blue Sapphire accented with blue Sapphires (.03 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Evening Wear
Paul Klecka - Somewhere in the Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: Platinum "Coco Verde" two-finger ring featuring a 66.03 ct. specialty-cut lemon Citrine accented with Diamonds (6.30 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Classical
Benjamin Javaheri - Uneek Jewelry, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA: Platinum ring featuring a 6.53 ct. oval blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (1.39 ctw.).
Entry Platinum Innovation Business / Day Wear
Joseph Murawski - Joden World Resources, LLC - Grove City, PA: Platinum earrings featuring round brilliant cut Diamonds (1.44 ctw.) surrounded by 10mm round black Onyx.
Platinum Honors™ Business / Day Wear
John Ford - Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford - Galveston, TX: Platinum necklace featuring a 10.67 ct. black Opal accented with Diamonds (1.07 ctw.).
Entry Platinum Innovation Bridal
Michael Jakubowski - Gem Fanatic - North Port, FL: Platinum ring featuring a 3.88 ct. gray cushion-cut Spinel accented with Diamonds (1.03 ctw.).
Platinum Honors™ Bridal
Michael Endlich - Pave Fine Jewelry - Oakland, CA: Platinum "Green Valley" ring featuring a 1.22 ct. tsavorite Garnet accented with Diamonds (.13 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.
Gem DIVA™
Sponsored by the Women’s Jewelry Association, The Gem DIVA™ awards honor women designers in the Bridal Wear, Classic, Evening Wear, and Business/Day Wear categories. The Gem DIVA™ awards are open to all women entering these categories who indicate interest on their Entry Form.
Gem DIVA™ Award Evening Wear
Gina Ferranti - GiGi Ferranti - Brooklyn, NY: 18K rose and white gold "Cleopatra-Geometric" ring featuring a 1.55 ct. Emerald accented with Emeralds (.53 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.03 ctw.) and Diamonds (.72 ctw.).
Gem DIVA™ Award Classical
Lindsay Jane - Lindsay Jane Designs - Paso Robles, CA: Platinum ring featuring a 6.78 ct. bicolored Sapphire accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.84 ctw.), brilliant-cut Diamonds (.44 ctw.) and Sapphires (.06 ctw.).
Gem DIVA™ Award Business / Day Wear
Belle Brooke Barer - Belle Brooke - Santa Fe, NM: 18K royal yellow gold pendant featuring a 3.74 ct. pear-shaped indicolite Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (.18 ctw.).
Gem DIVA™ Award Bridal Wear
Beatrix-Laura Jessner - B & W Jewels - New York, NY: Platinum earrings featuring triangular Aquamarines (7.37 ctw.) accented with trapezoid and shield-cut Diamonds (3.47 ctw.).
All Other Cut Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any extraordinary cut gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Honorable Mention
Jose Rocha - Jewelry Television - Knoxville, TN: 46.75 ct. round, Portuguese-cut Spanish Sphalerite.
3rd Place
Christopher Wolfsberg - Foxtail Gallery - Fresno, CA: 44.19 ct. octagonal modified brilliant cut Tanzanite.
2nd Place
Joseph Ambalu - Amba Gem Corp. - New York, NY: 6.58 ct. untreated Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline.
1st Place
Mikola Kukharuk - Nomad's - New York, NY: 80.25 ct. oval tsavorite Garnet.
All Other Cut Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any extraordinary cut gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Carving
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any natural gem material carved in any style.
3rd Place
Dalan Hargrave - GemStarz Jewelry - Spring Branch, TX: 110 ct. Amethyst carving, titled "Amethstine Chapel".
2nd Place
Swapna Pinnamaneni - Dream Choice Jewelry - Tarzana, CA: 1080.50 ct. Citrine carving, titled “Ganesha".
1st Place
Dalan Hargrave - GemStarz Jewelry - Spring Branch, TX: "Frog Prince" featuring Sunstone (160 ctw.) accented with Sapphires, Diamonds, Opals, black Jade, green Jade, Chalcedony, Calcite and 14K yellow gold.
Classic Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to outstanding examples of Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
3rd Place
Allen Kleiman - A. Kleiman & Co. - San Francisco, CA: 21.04 ct. oval unheated Sri Lankan blue Sapphire.
2nd Place
Joseph Ambalu - Amba Gem Corp. - New York, NY: 5.24 ct. untreated Colombian Emerald.
1st Place
Kenneth Blount - 100% Natural, Ltd. - New York, NY: 91.36 unheated yellow Ceylon Sapphire.
Classic Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to outstanding examples of Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Innovative Faceting
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any gemstone featuring innovative faceting and lapidary techniques.
Honorable Mention
Christopher Wolfsberg - Nirinjan - Los Angeles, CA: 25.45 ct. octagonal concave-cut Sunstone Labradorite.
3rd Place
John Dyer - Somewhere in the Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: 37.30 ct. Sunstone, titled "Colorful Cascade".
2nd Place
Dalan Hargrave - GemStarz Jewelry - Spring Branch, TX: 21.27 specialty-cut Tourmaline.
1st Place
Mark Gronlund - Mark Gronlund - Umatilla, FL: 96.30 ct. round spiral brilliant-cut blue Topaz.
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.
3rd Place
Somewhere In The Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: Agate wild boar with black Onyx eye and white Chalcedony tusks, titled "Grey Matter".
2nd Place
Somewhere In The Rainbow - Scottsdale, AZ: "Go Fly A Kite" featuring a 175.01 ct. green-yellow Beryl in 18K yellow gold accented with a .26 ct. Diamond.
1st Place
Nicolai Medvedev - Impressions in Stone - Riner, VA: Intarsia box with vaulted lid. Materials include: Malachite, Turquoise, Malachite/Azurite, Sugelite, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, cultured Pearl, Emeralds and Diamonds.
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.
Pairs and Suites
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.
Honorable Mention
Alexander Arnoldi - Arnoldi International - Idar-Oberstein, : Suite of three bicolored emerald-cut green Tourmalines (148.46 ctw.).
3rd Place
Mikola Kukharuk - Nomad's - New York, NY: Matched pair of round bicolored Tourmalines (19.74 ctw.).
2nd Place
Sean Sweeney - Razzcal Enterprises LLC - Yarmouth, ME: Suite of 30 green Tourmalines (116.57 ctw.), titled "Boxing Day Pocket".
1st Place
Stephen Avery - Stephen M. Avery - Lakewood, CO: Pair of indicolite Tourmalines (41.45 ctw.).
Phenomenal Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any phenomenal gemstone (link to phenomenal gemstone description/page) featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
3rd Place
Robert Shapiro - Robert Shapiro - Madison, WI: 7.30 ct. boulder Opal.
2nd Place
Robyn Dufty - DuftyWeis Opals, Inc. - Maysville, KY: 60.20 ct. boulder Opal cabochon.
1st Place
Joel Price - Joel Price - Grand Forks, ND: 34.63 ct. oval harlequin Opal.
Phenomenal Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any phenomenal gemstone (link to phenomenal gemstone description/page) featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.