AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards
The world’s finest jewelry and colored gemstone competition.
2024 Winners
Images Courtesy of AGTA, Photography Jeff Mason, Jeff Mason Photography.
2024 Winners
Images Courtesy of AGTA, Photography Jeff Mason, Jeff Mason Photography.
Best Of
Only the most brilliant, breathtaking pieces are worthy of a Best of trophy. Winning designs must possess beauty, mastery, and imagination beyond compare.
Fashion Forward
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanites (20.66 ctw.) and Garnets ( 23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Editors' Choice Cutting Edge
Christopher Wolfsberg, in collaboration with: Nirinjan - 18.82 ct. elongated concave pear-shaped Sunstone
Editors' Choice Spectrum
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanites (20.66 ctw.) and Garnets ( 23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Best Use of Platinum Crown
Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations, LLC, in collaboration with: Drew Hadley, 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.)
Best Use of Platinum & 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 ombre blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)
Best of Single Entries Cutting Edge
Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC, in collaboration with: Nicolai Medvedev (designer & fabricator), Susan Helmich (gold work) - “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of sting ray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, Diamonds and Tourmalines (2.20 ctw.)
Best of Single Entries Spectrum
Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, in collaboration with: 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.)
Best Use of Pearls
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.)
Best Use of Color
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 c. bi-color emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)
Best of Show Cutting Edge
John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”
Best of Show Spectrum
Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd., in collaboration with: 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.)
Bridal Wear
Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride herself, this category captures every look for walking down the aisle.
Honorable Mention
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum “MOONGLADE” ring featuring a 10.33 ct. faceted Moonstone accented by Tourmalines (0.46 ctw.) and orange Sapphires (0.33 ctw.)
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.)
2nd Place
Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry, in collaboration with: Larry Rice (commissioned piece) - 18K white and yellow gold “Colorblind” earrings featuring Tourmalines and Rubellite (41.18 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.99 ctw.)
1st Place
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
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
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.)
Honorable Mention
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum and ceramic ring featuring a 5.07 ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (0.18 ctw.)
Honorable Mention
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC - 14k white gold “Deuce” convertible ring featuring a 14.87 mm purple blue Mabe Pearl on one side and a 9.91 ct. cabochon Chalcedony on the other side accented by Diamonds (2.147 ctw.)
3rd Place
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 c. bi-color emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)
2nd Place
Wolfgang Vaatz, Wolfgang Vaatz - 18K gold sheet fused to sterling silver “Aspen Leaves Connecting to Earth After the Rain” cuff featuring bi-color Sapphires (2.86 ctw.) accented by Diamond melee (0.665 ctw.)
1st Place
Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, in collaboration with: Brad Weber - Platinum "Mariana" ring featuring an 18.44 ct. concave-cut Aquamarine accented by step-cut Diamonds (1.55 ctw.) and pave' set Diamonds (.34 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.
Honorable Mention
Jutta Munsteiner, Munsteiner USA LLC - Platinum "Mantis" ring featuring a 23.25 ct. Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (0.68 ctw.)
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.)
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.)
1st Place
Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels LLC - Platinum convertible ring or pendant featuring a 2.04 ct. Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (3.99 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.
Engagement Rings
Whether an engagement ring or a wedding set, this category symbolizes commitment.
Honorable Mention
Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs - Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 2.68 ct. pear-shaped Tourmaline accented by Tourmalines (2.97 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.14 ctw.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.
Honorable Mention
Sonya Konstantinovsky, Sonya K. - 18K white gold ring featuring a 2.05 ct. Mozambican no heat "vibrant" red Ruby accented by marquis Diamonds (1.02 ctw.) and custom cut baguette Diamonds (2.73 ctw.)
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.)
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.)
2nd Place
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanites (20.66 ctw.) and Garnets ( 23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
1st Place
Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd., in collaboration with: 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
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.
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.)
Honorable Mention
Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs - 14K white gold “Sceptre” pin/brooch featuring a 5.15 pear-shaped Tanzanite accented by square-cut tsavorite Garnets (.40 ctw.) and round Diamonds (2.01 ctw.)
3rd Place
Zoltan David, Somewhere In The Rainbow, in collaboration with: 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.)
2nd Place
Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, in collaboration with: 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.)
1st Place
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.)
Platinum Honors
Sponsored by Platinum Guild International, Platinum Honors recognizes the outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the six AGTA Spectrum Awards categories and for Best Use of Platinum and Color and Best Use of Platinum Crown.
Platinum Honors - Men's
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.)
Platinum Honors - Evening
Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations, LLC, in collaboration with: Drew Hadley, 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.)
Platinum Honors - Engagement
Underwood Design Team, Underwood's Fine Jewelers - Platinum ring featuring a 4.16 ct. round blue Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Platinum Honors - Classical
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC, in collaboration with: Cuprian & Co. (supplier) - Platinum "Paraiba Perfection" pendant featuring a 3.84 ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline and a 7.06 ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Alexandrites (1.11 ctw.) and Diamonds
Platinum Honors -Business/Day
Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, in collaboration with: Brad Weber - Platinum "Mariana" ring featuring an 18.44 ct. concave-cut Aquamarine accented by step-cut Diamonds (1.55 ctw.) and pave' set Diamonds (.34 ctw.)
Platinum Honors - Bridal
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum “MOONGLADE” ring featuring a 10.33 ct. faceted Moonstone accented by Tourmalines (0.46 ctw.) and orange Sapphires (0.33 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 six AGTA Spectrum Awards categories and for Best Use of Platinum and Color and Best Use of Platinum Crown.
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards
Sponsored by Alan Norville & family, the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards honor women designers in the Bridal Wear, Classical, Engagement Rings, Evening Wear, Business/Day Wear and Men’s Wear categories. The Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards are open to all women entering these categories who indicate eligibility on their Entry Form.
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award - Men's
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with: Tom Munsteiner (lapidary artist) - 14K white gold “Varden” cufflinks featuring fantasy-cut Peridots (11.75 ctw.) and princess-cut Peridots accented by Diamonds (2.10 ctw.)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award - Evening
Sonya Konstantinovsky, Sonya K. - 18K white gold ring featuring a 2.05 ct. Mozambican no heat "vibrant" red Ruby accented by marquis Diamonds (1.02 ctw.) and custom cut baguette Diamonds (2.73 ctw.)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award - Engagement
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with: Color Source Gems (Sapphire supplier) - Platinum bridal set featuring a 4.55 ct. vivid blue pear-shaped Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.75 ctw.)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award - Classical
Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, in collaboration with: 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.)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award - Business/Day
Jutta Munsteiner, Somewhere In The Rainbow, in collaboration with: Tom Munsteiner-(cutter) - 18K yellow and white gold “Whiskey & Stone” pendant featuring a 26.06 ct. triangle-cut Citrine and a 83 x 30 mm Agate accented by a 0.20 ct. Diamond
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award - Bridal
Janine Castro, Janine Castro Jewelry, in collaboration with: Steven DeLaVega (center stone source), Juan Negron (Jeweler) - Platinum ring featuring a 1.86 ct. trillion spessartite Garnet accented by Diamonds (0.395 ctw.)
All Other Cut Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any extraordinary cut gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Honorable Mention
Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 32.31ct. neon blue emerald-cut Tourmaline
Honorable Mention
Ben Kho, Kho International - 50.52 ct. custom cushion-cut seafoam green Beryl
3rd Place
Nancy Attaway, High Country Gems - 26.99 ct. twelve-sided round brilliant "Dreaming in Orange" Opal
2nd Place
Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 21ct. vivid pink Topaz
1st Place
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - 27.42 ct. cushion-cut Paraiba Tourmaline
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.
Honorable Mention
Robert Procop, Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, in collaboration with: Meg Berry (faceter) - 225.05 ct. natural pink Sapphire titled “The Pink Flame Sapphire”
3rd Place
Don Johnson, Obsessed Over Gems, in collaboration with: Meg Berry - 140 ct. Aquamarine titled “Aqua Ma Dream”
2nd Place
Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry, in collaboration with: Don Buford (Owner) - 37.54 ct. “Puzzle Piece” Sunstone
1st Place
Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC - "The Encounter" carving featuring an 1105 gram Agate geode with Calcite and Geothite inside accented by Onyx
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 - 10.67 ct. blue no heat Ceylon Sapphire
3rd Place
William Hakimi, A. Hakimi & Sons - 10.28 ct. Ruby from Mozambique
2nd Place
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - 9.35 ct. Sri Lankan pink Sapphire
1st Place
Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. - 8.33 ct. emerald-cut Brazilian no oil Emerald
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
Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer, in collaboration with: Doug Malby - 33.46 ct. “Ornamental Shield” Sunstone, Sunstone Butte Mine, Oregon
Honorable Mention
Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer - 10.25 ct. ”Meraki Cut” deep blue Tanzanite
3rd Place
Justin Cruz, Red Deer’s Customs & Throwing Stones, in collaboration with: Derek Katzenbach (cutter), Rusty James (Co-owner) - 73.89 ct. Phenakite titled "Southern Storm"
2nd Place
Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars - 2.33 ct. snowflake-shaped Tanzanite
1st Place
Lee Haynes, LWH Gems - 54 ct. mixed-cut wave pavilion with nouveau deco crown Aquamarine titled "Deco Nouveau"
North American Mined Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
This category features gemstones that are mined in North America (United States and Canada).
3rd Place
Ben Kho, Kho International - 109.92 ct. trilliant-cut ocean Fluorite from New Hampshire
2nd Place
Ben Kho, Kho International - 12.88 ct. cushion Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite from Colorado
1st Place
John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”
North American Mined Gemstones
Cutting Edge Award
This category features gemstones that are mined in North America (United States and Canada).
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
Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars - 117 grams hand carved Coral crocodile statuette
2nd Place
Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, in collaboration with: Yan Ge (carver) - 310 gram 9 dragons blue Jadeite carving titled “2024 Year of the Dragon “
1st Place
Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC, in collaboration with: Nicolai Medvedev (designer & fabricator), Susan Helmich (gold work) - “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of sting ray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, Diamonds and Tourmalines (2.20 ctw.)
Pairs and Suites
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.
Honorable Mention
David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd., in collaboration with: Kenneth Blount - Suite of 20 trillion-cut spessartite Garnets (48.05 ctw.)
Honorable Mention
Bruce Bridges, Somewhere In The Rainbow - Pair of natural oval mixed-cut tsavorite Garnets (22.39 ctw.) titled “Unparalleled”
3rd Place
Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems - Suite of Sapphires, Spinels, Tourmalines, Garnets, Chrysoberyls, Morganites, and Aquamarines (113.57 ctw.) titled "Rainbow Dream Suite"
2nd Place
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - Pair of cushion-cut Paraiba Tourmalines (31.36 ctw.)
1st Place
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Suite of Sri Lankan cushion-cut blue Sapphires (114.89 ctw.)
Pairs and Suites
Cutting Edge Award
Open to any two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.
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
Itamar Pimenta, Pentagon Gem - 13.08 ct. cat’s eye Emerald from Brazil
3rd Place
Adam Gil, Jerry Gil & Company - 33.89 ct. untreated Sphene titled "The Queen Sphene"
2nd Place
Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA - 15.76 ct. mint cushion-cut Garnet with fluorescence under UV light
1st Place
Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems - 10.15 ct. round cabochon Australian Black Opal