AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards
The world’s finest jewelry and colored gemstone competition.
2023 Winners
Images Courtesy of AGTA, Photography Jeff Mason, Jeff Mason Photography.
2023 Winners
Images Courtesy of AGTA, Photography Jeff Mason, Jeff Mason Photography.
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.
Buyer's Choice Cutting Edge
Ben Kho, Kho International - 10.42 ct. oval Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite from Colorado
Buyer's Choice Spectrum
Anita Agrawal, Jewels 4 Ever/ Vartanian Jewellers - 14K rose gold "I Dream in Pink" 3-in-1 pendant and ring(s) set featuring a 3.52 ct. unheated, untreated Sri Lankan heart-shaped pink Sapphire accented with pear-shaped pink Sapphires (6.52 ctw.)
Editor’s Choice Cutting Edge
Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems, LLC - 12.85 ct. emerald-cut bi-color blue and green untreated Zoisite
Editors' Choice Spectrum
Ai Van Pham, Gem & Gold Creations - Black Jade and 14K yellow gold "Pendulum / I Spy" pendant featuring a 13.88 ct. fantasy-cut pink Tourmaline with Opal inlay
Fashion Forward
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - 18K yellow gold and black ceramic “Greek Key Fancy Diamond Perfection” bracelet featuring mixed fancy vivid Diamonds (14.82 ctw.) accented with tsavorite Garnets (1.70 ctw.)
Best of Single Entries Cutting Edge
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - Suite of 4 oval Mozambizan Paraiba Tourmalines (31.01ctw.)
Best of Single Entries Spectrum
Joseph Campanelli, Campanelli & Pear - 18K white gold "Something Blue" earrings featuring blue Zircons (8.50 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (0.77 ctw.)
Best Use of Platinum Crown
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Platinum "Fantasia" ring featuring a 12.24 ct. Aquamarine accented with Akoya Pearls and Diamonds (1.00 ctw.)
Best Use of Platinum and Color
Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, in collaboration with Tucson Todd's Gems (Gemcutter & supplier) - Platinum and 18K "GARANATAS: From Rough to Cut" two-piece necklace featuring a various species of Garnets (approx. 77.26 ctw.)
Best Use of Pearls
Fannie Thomas, Fannie Thomas Jewelry - 22K yellow gold “Birds Eye View” hand-carved ring featuring a South Sea baroque Pearl bird
Best Use of Color
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum "Ocean & Grass Wave" bracelet featuring Sapphires (25.02 ctw.) accented with demantoid Garnets (7.87 ctw.), yellow Diamonds (1.14 ctw.), and white Diamonds (7.32 ctw.)
Best of Show Cutting Edge
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - Suite of 4 oval Mozambizan Paraiba Tourmalines (31.01ctw.)
Best of Show Spectrum
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé - Platinum ring featuring a 15.22 ct. black Opal accented with Tourmaline (0.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (0.40 ctw.), and Diamonds (1.56 ctw.)
Bridal Wear
Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride herself, this category captures every look for walking down the aisle.
Manufacturing Honors
Bella Campbell, BHI/Campbellian Collection - 18K white gold "Enchanting Moon” earrings featuring rainbow Moonstones (16.0 ctw.) accented with heart-shaped rainbow Moonstones (2.00 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.97 ctw.)
Honorable Mention
Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation - Platinum "Euphoria" necklace featuring an 11.94 ct. heart-shaped Colombian Emerald accented with round Emeralds (0.62 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.68 ctw.)
3rd Place
Benjamin Javaheri, Uneek Jewelry - Platinum ring featuring a 4.60 ct. Emerald accented with Emeralds (2.65 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.62 ctw.)
2nd Place
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé - Platinum ring featuring a 3.02 ct. Ruby accented with Diamonds (1.39 ctw.)
1st Place
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Platinum "Fantasia" ring featuring a 12.24 ct. Aquamarine accented with Akoya Pearls and Diamonds (1.00 ctw.)
Bridal Wear
Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride herself, this category captures every look for walking down the aisle.
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.
Honorable Mention
Randy Coffin, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers - Platinum ring featuring a 6.54 ct. color-change Zircon accented with blue green Grandidierite, violet Sapphires, and colorless Diamonds
3rd Place
Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation - Platinum "Dance to Flamingo" ring featuring a 4.09 ct. cushion-cut purple pink Sapphire accented with round Diamonds (1.95 ctw.) and baguette Diamonds (1.07 ctw.)
2nd Place
Wolfgang Vaatz, Earth Terra Erde, Inc. - Argentium and 22-22.35K placer yellow gold “Aspen Duet Cuff in turning Colors from Green to Red” featuring tsavorite Garnet (0.38 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphire (0.61 ctw.)
1st Place
Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 2.39 ct. Colombian Emerald accented with round Emeralds (0.18 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.52 ctw.)
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
Jenn Breznen, Mined + Found - 14K yellow gold "Aurora in Orbit" double-sided pendant featuring a 2.91 ct. cabochon Moonstone and a 6.95 ct. cabochon spessartine Garnet accented with Sapphires (0.30 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.50 ctw.)
Honorable Mention
Kim Nel, Alpha Inc /DBA Brian Gavin Diamonds, in collaboration with Brian Gavin (Advisor - Mentor) - 18K rose gold and platinum "Malaya Majesty" ring featuring a 6.32 ct. peach Malaya Garnet accented with Sapphire (0.20 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.94 ctw.)
3rd Place
Fannie Thomas, Fannie Thomas Jewelry - 22K yellow gold “Birds Eye View” hand-carved ring featuring a South Sea baroque Pearl bird
2nd Place
Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation - Platinum ring featuring a 20.14 ct. oval Ceylon Sapphire accented with pear-shaped Diamonds (1.00 ctw.) and round Diamonds (1.74 ctw.)
1st Place
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum “Moi et Toi Perfection in Green & White” ring featuring a 3.49 ct. unenhanced Colombian Emerald and a 3.36 ct. Diamond accented with Diamonds (0.43 ctw.)
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.
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
Marcia Budet, Marcia Budet - 18K yellow and white gold earrings with removable extensions that can be worn in three different looks featuring a Colombian Emerald (8.21 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.74 ctw.)
Honorable Mention
Nikki Swift, Nicole Mera - 18K yellow gold "A Kaleidoscope of Green" ring featuring a 2.15 ct. Australian black Opal accented with tsavorite Garnets (0.99 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.23 ctw.)
3rd Place
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc., in collaboration with Stephen Avery (Gem cutter) - 14K gradient SpectraGold "Dono della Valle" earrings featuring green Tourmalines (47.47 ctw.) accented with Tanzanites (12.58 ctw.), and Diamonds (1.30 ctw.)
2nd Place
Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels - Platinum ring featuring a 2.69 ct. triangular no enhancement Colombian Emerald accented with Diamonds (3.39 ctw.)
1st Place
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé - Platinum ring featuring a 15.22 ct. black Opal accented with Tourmaline (0.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (0.40 ctw.), and Diamonds (1.56 ctw.)
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.
Honorable Mention and Manufacturing Honors
Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry - 22K "Sail Away" ring featuring a 10.33 ct. boulder Opal accented with Diamonds (0.06 ctw.)
3rd Place
Marc Hollmuller, Somewhere In The Rainbow – Iron and 18K rose gold “Iron Man” ring featuring an 8.19 ct. faceted-edge Garnet accented with Diamonds.
2nd Place
Carl Larson, AntiHero - 18K white gold "Captain Mayer's Revenge" brooch/pendant featuring red Spinels (6.30 ctw.) on a hand-struck cob piece of eight accented with Diamonds (3.42 ctw.)
1st Place
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé - Platinum ring featuring a 2.35 ct. oval cabochon Alexandrite accented with Alexandrite (3.07 ctw.)
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.
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 Innovation - Men's Wear
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum "Ocean & Grass Wave" ring featuring a 3.18 ct. demantoid Garnet and Sapphires (4.72 ctw.) accented by Sapphires (1.25 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (2.66 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.) E125
Platinum Honors - Men's Wear
Inken Krause, Enhoerning Jewelry - Platinum “Zaniglas” ring featuring a 4.46 ct. oval unheated Ceylon Sapphire accented with French-cut gray Spinels (2.93 ctw.)
Platinum Innovation - Evening Wear
Shawndria Aghjayan, Harout R LLC - Platinum "Ignore the Sound of Chaos" earrings featuring Diamond (1.78 ctw.) and Emerald (0.30 ctw.)
Platinum Innovation - Evening Wear
Shawndria Aghjayan, Harout R LLC, in collaboration with Wilson Amores (Gemstone setter) - Platinum "A Woman's Delightful Chaotic Life!" necklace featuring Diamonds (11.27 ctw.) and Emeralds (5.72 ctw.)
Platinum Honors - Evening Wear
Helen Kim Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "The American Queen 2023" brooch featuring a 6.47 ct. pear-shaped Tanzanite accented with colored Diamonds (1.08 ctw.), white Diamonds (2.3 ctw.), and tsavorite Garnets (0.36 ctw.)
Platinum Innovation - Classical
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum "Ocean & Grass Wave" bracelet featuring Sapphires (25.02 ctw.) accented with demantoid Garnets (7.87 ctw.), yellow Diamonds (1.14 ctw.), and white Diamonds (7.32 ctw.)
Platinum Honors - Classical
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum "Something New & Something Blue Wave" choker featuring an 11.03 ct. cushion-cut Sapphire accented with Sapphires (5.13 ctw.) demantoid Garnets (3.29 ctw.), Sapphires (1.36 ctw.), yellow Diamonds (0.39 ctw.)
Platinum Honors - Business/Day Wear
Raja Mehta, AG Gems - Platinum earrings featuring lavender-blue star Sapphires (28.50 ctw.) accented with heart-shaped Diamonds (1.91 ctw.) and round brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.93 ctw.)
Platinum Honors - Bridal
Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs - Platinum "Unity" wedding ring set featuring a 1.54 ct. pear-cut blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (1.93 ctw.)
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 - Men's Wear
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC - 14K white gold "Hageshi" cufflinks featuring Tahitian South Seas Pearls accented by white Diamonds (1.48 ctw.) and black Diamonds (1.02 ctw.)
Gem Diva Award - Evening Wear
Anita Agrawal, Jewels 4 Ever/ Vartanian Jewellers, in collaboration with Anita Agrawal (Designer) and Kevork Vartanian (CAD) - 14K rose gold "I Dream in Pink" 3-in-1 pendant and ring(s) set featuring a 3.52 ct. unheated, untreated Sri Lankan heart-shaped pink Sapphire accented with pear-shaped pink Sapphires (6.52 ctw.)
Gem Diva Award - Classical
Fannie Thomas, Fannie Thomas Jewelry - 22K yellow gold “Birds Eye View” hand-carved ring featuring a South Sea baroque Pearl bird
Gem Diva Award - Business/Day Wear
Svetlana Lazar, Svetlana Lazar, in collaboration with Paul Dragone - 18K yellow gold "Wells of Wisdom" ring featuring a subtle kinetic effect that creates the illusion of water moving beneath the gems featuring cabochon Moonstones (6.22 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (0.32 ctw.)
Gem Diva Award - Bridal
Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney LLC - 18K yellow gold triple-drop earrings featuring white Zircon (15.0 ctw.) accented with Tourmalines (2.66 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.54 ctw.)
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.
All Other Cut Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any extraordinary cut gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Editor’s Choice Cutting Edge
Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems, LLC - 12.85 ct. emerald-cut bi-color blue and green untreated Zoisite
Honorable Mention
Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA - 6.47 ct. emerald-cut pink Tanzanite
3rd Place
David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 14.07 ct. modified cushion "Paraiba-type" Tourmaline
2nd Place
David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 12.02 ct. no heat modified cushion Mahenge red Spinel
1st Place
Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, in collaboration with Joyce Wang (Cutter) and Scott Laborie (Gem Diagram Designer) - 9.49 ct. peach Mahenge Malaya Garnet titled “The Sparkle in Her Eye”
Carving
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any natural gem material carved in any style.
Honorable Mention
Meg Berry, Megagem - 74.15 ct. parti-colored Sapphire "Sugar Magnolia" two-sided carved pendant featuring a variety of flowers
3rd Place
Brandon Messing, BM Gems - 145.49 ct. portal-cut optical Quartz inlaid with Opals
2nd Place
Meg Berry, Milstead Gems LLC - 228.25 ct. Morganite double-sided carving titled "Cock-a-doodle-do"
1st Place
Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC - 515 gram Heliodor carving titled "The Green Jewel - Frog on Heliodor"
Carving
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any natural gem material carved in any style.
Classic Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to outstanding examples of Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Honorable Mention
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - 13.60 no heat yellow pear-cut Sapphire
3rd Place
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - 5.04 ct. no heat pink cushion-cut Sapphire
2nd Place
Intercolor USA - 10.34 ct. cushion-cut Ruby
1st Place
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - 20.21 ct. no heat royal blue cushion-cut Sapphire
Innovative Faceting
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any gemstone featuring innovative faceting and lapidary techniques.
Honorable Mention
Larry Woods, Gem Arts International - 33.26 ct. Tanzanite titled "Compass Rose Tanzanite"
3rd Place
Christopher Wolfsberg, Fossilium - 68.93 ct. micro concave-cut Morganite
2nd Place
Lee Haynes, LWH Gems - 121 ct. mix-cut spiral crown and twisted pavilion Amethyst titled "Multiverse"
1st Place
Bryan D. Drummond, Drummond Gems & Jewelry - 17.13 ct. indigo precision carved Tanzanite titled "Nine of Diamonds"
Innovative Faceting
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any gemstone featuring innovative faceting and lapidary techniques.
North American Mined Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
This category features gemstones that are mined in North America (United States and Canada).
Honorable Mention
Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs Inc - 12.50 ct. precision faceted oval blue Tourmaline from Maine, USA
3rd Place
Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs Inc - 31.45 ct. green Tourmaline from Newry, Maine titled "The Maine Event"
2nd Place
Dalan Hargrave, Somewhere In The Rainbow - 295.15 ct. "Dazed & Dazzled" carved colorless Quartz from Arkansas
1st Place
Ben Kho, Kho International - 10.42 ct. oval Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite from Colorado
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.
Honorable Mention
Ziad H. Noshie, Almaza Jewelers - Sterling silver "The Painted Bunting Bird" featuring a Lapis base accented with Carnelians, black Diamonds (1.0 ctw.), cognac Diamonds (15.15 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (6.50 ctw.), Sapphires (43.53 ctw.), and Tanzanites (18.25 ctw.)
3rd Place
Kent Raible, Raible Studios LLC - 18K yellow gold and platinum "Crystal Sky City" with Diamonds, Emeralds, Spinel, Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Chalcedony, rose Quartz, rainbow Moonstone, Sugilite, Agate, Tourmaline, Lapis, Chrysoprase, Sapphires, gem silica, Topaz, and Opal
2nd Place
Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, in collaboration with Yan Ge (Carver) - 200.05 ct. Jadeite dragonhead carving titled “The Protector”
1st Place
Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC - 457 gram Agate "Playtime" fish accented by 18K yellow gold, Jasper and rock crystal Quartz
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
Stephen M. Avery, Stephen M. Avery - Pair of Morganites and Tanzanites (69.68 ctw.)
3rd Place
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - Pair of royal blue cushion-cut Sapphires (10.35 ctw.)
2nd Place
Justin Zaroovabeli, The Rare Gem LLC - Pair of oval Alexandrites (6.97 ctw.) from Tanzania
1st Place
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - Suite of 4 oval Mozambizan Paraiba Tourmalines (31.01ctw.)
Phenomenal Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any phenomenal gemstone featuring an optical gemological effect, such as asterism, chatoyance, play of color, adularescence, aventurescence or color change.
Honorable Mention
Neal Hurni, Lewis and Clark Sapphires LLC - 5.09 ct. unheated color-change modified brilliant-cut Sapphire from Montana
3rd Place
Bruce Furst, The Cutter's Bench - 29.22 ct. modified Portuguese-cut tsavorite Garnet titled "The Green Envy"
2nd Place
Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems, LLC - 14.55 ct. cushion-cut color-change gray violet green Zircon
1st Place
David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 28.15 ct. oval Black Opal
Phenomenal Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any phenomenal gemstone featuring an optical gemological effect, such as asterism, chatoyance, play of color, adularescence, aventurescence or color change.