RESULTS OF THE 2017 AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS COMPETITION

The AGTA Spectrum Awards™, an annual natural colored gemstone & cultured pearl jewelry design competition launched in 1984, is considered the most respected and prestigious creative award for the jewelry design industry, honoring, recognizing and promoting designers, whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design. The awards have become the benchmark for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work

In the year 1991, AGTA inaugurated a second competition, to honor creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art, which was integrated with the AGTA Spectrum Awards and was known as the AGTA Cutting Edge Awards. Both these competitions organized by AGTA are a true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation and the winners set the standards of excellence for the entire jewelry industry. Hence, the annual Spectrum Awards competition organized by AGTA launched new trends in jewelry designing, creating increased visibility for designer jewelry and inspiring great innovation in the use of colors and materials.

AGTA’s Spectrum Awards and Cutting Edge Awards having been organized successfully for 33 years, since 1984, is considered by many as the Oscars of the Gem and Jewelry World. In the year 2016 a Summer Edition of the Spectrum Awards was also held, and hence The AGTA Spectrum Awards 2017 held in New York on August 5 & 6, 2017 is the 35th Edition of the prestigious annual event.

While the AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS are given under 8 or 9 categories, the AGTA CUTTING EDGE AWARDS are given under 7 categories, making 15 to 16 categories in all. However, for the awards of 2017, Platinum Honors and WJA Gem Diva Award was integrated with the other categories, reducing the AGTA Spectrum Awards Categories to six. Under each categories there are several sub-categories. The categories and sub-categories under which the awards are given are listed below :-

 

AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS CATEGORIES

1. BEST OF AWARDS – Best of Show, Best Use of Color, Best Use of Pearls, Best Use of Platinum and Color, Fashon Forward, Editor’s Choice. –
2. BRIDAL WEAR – 1st Place Bridal Wear, 2nd Place Bridal Wear, 3rd Place Bridal Wear- Honorable Mention, Bridal Wear – Manufacturing Honors, Bridal Wear – Platinum Innovation , Bridal Wear – Platinum Honors, Bridal Wear – WJA Gem Diva Award
3. BUSINESS/DAY WEAR – Business/Day Wear – 1st Place, Business/Day Wear – 2nd Place, Business/Day Wear – 3rd Place , Business/Day Wear – Honorable Mention, Business/Day Wear -Manufacturing Honors, Business/Day Wear – Platinum Honors, Business/Day Wear – Platinum Innovation, Business/Day Wear – WJA Gem Diva Award.
4. CLASSICAL – Classical – 1st Place, Classical -2nd Place, Classical -3rd Place, Classical -Honorable Mention, Classical – Manufacturing Honors, Classical – Platinum Honors, Classical – Platinum Innovation, Classical – WJA Gem Diva Award.
5. EVENING WEAR – Evening Wear – 1st Place, Evening Wear – 2nd Place, Evening Wear – 3rd Place, Evening Wear – Honorable Mention, Evening Wear – Platinum Honors, Evening Wear – WJA Gem Diva Award
6. MEN’S WEAR – Men’s Wear – 1st Place, Men’s Wear – 2nd Place, Men’s Wear – 3rd Place, Men’s Wear – Honorable Mention, Men’s Wear – Platinum Honors, Men’s Wear – Manufacturing Honors

 

AGTA CUTTING EDGE AWARDS CATEGORIES

1. CLASSIC GEMSTONES – 1st Place Classic Gemstone, 2nd Place Classic Gemstone, 3rd Place Classic Gemstone
2. ALL OTHER FACETED – 1st Place All Other Faceted, 2nd Place All Other Faceted, 3rd Place All Other Faceted
3. PHENOMENAL – 1st Place Phenomenal, 2nd Place Phenomenal, 3rd Place Phenomenal
4. PAIRS & SUITES – 1st Place Pairs & Suites, 2nd Place Pairs & Suites, 3rd Place Pairs & Suites
5. INNOVATIVE FACETING – 1st Place Innovative Faceting, 2nd Place Innovative Faceting, 3rd Place Innovative Faceting
6. CARVING – 1st Place Carving, 2nd Place Carving, 3rd Place Carving, Honorable Mention Carving
7. OBJECTS OF ART – 1st Place Objects of Art, 2nd Place Objects of Art.

 

PANEL OF JUDGES

The prestigious panel of judges for the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards Competition were :-
1. Arun Bohra of Arunashi Inc. Beverly Hills, California.
2. Cathy Calhoun of Calhoun Jewelers, Royersford, Pennsylvania.
3. Sherris Cottier Shank of Gemscapes, Southfield, Michigan.
4. Alishan Halebian of Alishan, Jewelry designer and craftsman, Irvine, California.
5. Holly Wesche of Wesche Jewelers, Melbourne, Florida.

Commenting on the successful completion of the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards Competition Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of AGTA said, “The entire staff was immediately impressed as the entries started coming in; it seemed that the quality and artistry of the pieces has ascended to a new level. The number of entries increased and clearly the caliber of entries was exceptional. It is evident that the entrants take this competition very seriously and that the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ and the AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ continue to be the premier design competition in the world. Of course, this also makes the work of the judges demonstratively more difficult. We were blessed with an outstanding group of judges that were consummate professionals, that demonstrated an amazing level of synergy, and this is apparent in the selections that they made.”

AGTA Spectrum Awards entries were judged on the basis of 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.

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

 

THE WINNERS OF THE 2017 AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS :-

AGTA Spectrum Awards™

1. BEST OF ….AWARDS

a) BEST OF SHOW
BEST OF SHOW - MIKOLA KUKHARUK NOMADS, PAIR OF NEON BLUE TOURMALINES t.w. 53.56 cts.
BEST OF SHOW – MIKOLA KUKHARUK NOMADS, PAIR OF NEON BLUE TOURMALINES t.w. 53.56 cts.

Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s – Pair of neon blue Tourmalines, t.w. 53.56 cts.

 

b) BEST USE OF COLOR

 

 

BEST USE OF COLOR - NAOMI SARNA DESIGNS - 18K AND 24K YELLOW AND 18K WHITE GOLD MAPLE LEAF EARRINGS
BEST USE OF COLOR – NAOMI SARNA DESIGNS – 18K AND 24K YELLOW AND 18K WHITE GOLD MAPLE LEAF EARRINGS

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs – 18K and 24K yellow and 18K white gold maple leaf earrings featuring multicolored Diamonds, Sapphires and Garnets.

 

c) BEST USE OF PEARLS
BEST USE OF PEARLS - NAOMI SARNA, FRESHWATER CULTURED PEARLS STRUNG WITH SUNSTONE BEADS
BEST USE OF PEARLS – NAOMI SARNA, FRESHWATER CULTURED PEARLS STRUNG WITH SUNSTONE BEADS

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs – Freshwater cultured Pearls strung with Sunstone beads with an 18K yellow gold and black rhodium clasp set with white, pink and green Diamonds.

 

d) BEST USE OF PLATINUM AND COLOR
BEST USE OF PLATINUM AND COLOR - PLATINUM DANCING WAVES NECK COLLAR FEATURING 57.O CT. AQUAMARINE ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS
BEST USE OF PLATINUM AND COLOR – PLATINUM DANCING WAVES NECK COLLAR FEATURING 57.O CT. AQUAMARINE ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS

Eddie Sakamoto, Somewhere in the Rainbow – Platinum “Dancing Waves” neck collar featuring a 57.0 ct. Aquamarine accented with Diamonds (8.0 cts t.w.)

 

e) FASHION FORWARD
FASHION FORWARD - 18K WHITE AND YELLOW GOLD SOLAR FLARE BACK DROP NECKLACE
FASHION FORWARD – 18K WHITE AND YELLOW GOLD SOLAR FLARE BACK DROP NECKLACE

Ardeshir Dabestani, Asha Gallery, Ltd. – 18K white and yellow gold “Solar Flare” back-drop necklace featuring a 436.0 ct. Citrine accented with Aquamarines (44.50 ct. t.w.), yellow Beryls (87.30 ct.t.w.) and Diamonds (23.54 ct.t.w.)

 

f) EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD
EDITORS CHOICE AWARD - MARK LOREN DESIGNS INC. 14K YELLOW AND WHITE GOLD EARRINGS
EDITORS CHOICE AWARD – MARK LOREN DESIGNS INC. 14K YELLOW AND WHITE GOLD EARRINGS

Mark Loren, Mark Loren Designs, Inc. – 14K yellow and white gold earrings featuring polyhedral Agate druzy slices and green Tourmalines (7.01 ct.t.w.), pink Topaz (8.51 ct.t.w.), Amethysts (2.24 ct.t.w.) and Diamonds (0.08 ct.t.w.)

 

 

2. BRIDAL WEAR

Bridal Wear – 1st Place.
BRIDAL WEAR 1ST PLACE - RICARDO BASTA, 18K WHITE GOLD AND RHODIUM DOUBLE THE LOVE RING
BRIDAL WEAR 1ST PLACE – RICARDO BASTA, 18K WHITE GOLD AND RHODIUM DOUBLE THE LOVE RING

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – 18K white gold and rhodium “Double the Love” ring featuring a 12.62 ct. heart-shaped blue Zircon accented with a 0.75 ct. heart-shaped Diamond and Diamond pave (1.53 ct. t.w.).

 

Bridal Wear – 2nd Place Bridal Wear and WJA Gem DIVA™ Award 
BRIDAL WEAR 2nd PLACE & WJA GEM DIVA AWARD LINDSAY JANE BUTTERFLY EARRINGS WITH DETACHABLE DROPS OF BOULDER OPALS
BRIDAL WEAR 2nd PLACE & WJA GEM DIVA AWARD LINDSAY JANE BUTTERFLY EARRINGS WITH DETACHABLE DROPS OF BOULDER OPALS

Lindsay Jane, Lindsay Jane Designs – Platinum “Butterfly” earrings featuring detachable drops of boulder Opal (39.92 ctw.) accented with Zoisites (2.10 ctw.), Diamonds (1.02 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.10 ctw.).

 

Bridal Wear – 3rd Place.
BRIDAL WEAR 3RD PLACE - JUDY EVANS, PLATINUM AND 18K YELLOW GOLD RING FEATURING 15.3 mm SOUTH SEA GOLDEN PEARL, WHITE AND YELLOW DIAMONDS
BRIDAL WEAR 3RD PLACE – JUDY EVANS, PLATINUM AND 18K YELLOW GOLD RING FEATURING 15.3 mm SOUTH SEA GOLDEN PEARL, WHITE AND YELLOW DIAMONDS

Judy Evans, Oliver and Espig Gallery of Fine Arts – Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 15.3 mm South Sea golden cultured Pearl accented with white Diamonds (1.17 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (1.12 ctw.).

 

Bridal Wear – Honorable Mention 
BRIDAL WEAR HONOURABLE MENTION - ZOLTAN DAVID KNIGHT STEEL, 18K & 24K YELLOW GOLD, AND PLATINUM FALLING WATERS NECKLACE
BRIDAL WEAR HONORABLE MENTION – ZOLTAN DAVID KNIGHT STEEL, 18K & 24K YELLOW GOLD, AND PLATINUM FALLING WATERS NECKLACE

Zoltan David, Somewhere in the Rainbow – Knight steel, 18K and 24K yellow gold, platinum “Falling Waters” necklace featuring 1mm – 3.20mm keshi cultured Pearls accented with Diamonds (1.70 ctw.).

 

Bridal Wear – Manufacturing Honors 
BRIDAL WEAR MANUFACTURING HONORS - RANDY COFFIN, PLATINUM RING WITH 4.42-CARAT OVAL RED SPINEL ACCENTED WITH ROUND RED SPINELS AND DIAMONDS
BRIDAL WEAR MANUFACTURING HONORS – RANDY COFFIN, PLATINUM RING WITH 4.42-CARAT OVAL RED SPINEL ACCENTED WITH ROUND RED SPINELS AND DIAMONDS

Randy Coffin, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers – Platinum ring featuring a 4.42 ct. oval red Spinel accented with round red Spinels (1.41 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.27 ctw.).

 

Bridal Wear – Entry Platinum Innovation

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. – Platinum “Bellflower” ring featuring a 3.28 ct. blue Sapphire cabochon accented with Diamonds (.80 ctw.) and a blue Sapphire (.03 ctw.).

Bridal Wear – Platinum Honors 

Craig Slavens, Studio 247 Fine Jewelry – Platinum ring featuring a 4.15 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (1.25 ctw.).

 

3. BUSINESS/DAY WEAR

Business/Day Wear – 1st Place
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR 1ST PLACE - ADAM NEELEY 18K ROSE AND 14K ROSE WHITE GOLD COSMOS PENDANT
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR 1ST PLACE – ADAM NEELEY 18K ROSE AND 14K ROSE WHITE GOLD COSMOS PENDANT

Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry – 18K rose and 14K rose and white gold “Cosmos” pendant featuring a 24.06 ct. specialty-cut Morganite accented with Diamonds (3.14 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear – 2nd Place
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR 2ND PLACE, LLYN STRONG, LAPIS LAZULI NECKLACE FEATURING 30.90 CT. BOULDER OPAL ACCENTED WITH BLACK DIAMONDS, TSAVORITE GARNETS, RUBIES AND SAPPHIRES
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR 2ND PLACE, LLYN STRONG, LAPIS LAZULI NECKLACE FEATURING 30.90 CT. BOULDER OPAL ACCENTED WITH BLACK DIAMONDS, TSAVORITE GARNETS, RUBIES AND SAPPHIRES

Llyn Strong, llyn strong fine art jewelry – Lapis Lazuli necklace (155.0 ctw.) featuring an 18K yellow gold clasp and a 30.90 ct. boulder Opal accented with black Diamonds (0.75 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (0.20 ctw.), Rubies (0.12ctw.) and Sapphires (0.07 ctw.).

 

Business/Day Wear – 3rd Place
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR 3RD PLACE -MIMI FAVRE, PLATINUM WATERDROP EARRINGS WITH DETACHABLE TANZANITE DROPS ON SAPPHIR STUDS WITH WHITE SAPPHIRES
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR 3RD PLACE -MIMI FAVRE, PLATINUM WATERDROP EARRINGS WITH DETACHABLE TANZANITE DROPS ON SAPPHIR STUDS WITH WHITE SAPPHIRES

Mimi Favre, Mimi Favre Studio – Platinum “Waterdrop” earrings featuring detachable Tanzanite drops (25.50 ctw.) on Sapphire studs (1.75 ctw.) with white Sapphires (0.58 ctw.).

 

Business/Day Wear – Honorable Mention

Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers – 18K yellow and white gold “Desert Moon” ring featuring a 13.03 ct. Moonstone cabochon accented with blue Sapphires (0.90 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.95 ctw.).

 

Business/Day Wear – Honorable Mention
BUSINESS'DAY WEAR HONORABLE MENTION, OMI PRIVE, 18K ROSE GOLD LE ELEGANCE RING
BUSINESS’DAY WEAR HONORABLE MENTION, OMI PRIVE, 18K ROSE GOLD LE ELEGANCE RING

Omi Prive, Somewhere in The Rainbow – 18K rose gold “Le ‘Elegance'” ring featuring a red Tourmaline accented with Diamonds and tsavorite Garnets.

 

Business/Day Wear – Manufacturing Honors

Gregore Morin, Gregore & Jennifer- Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. – Platinum “La Petite” bracelet with nine ring charms featuring Rubies, Aquamarines, Garnets, Amethysts, Sapphires, Tourmalines and Spinels. Rabe Jewelers – 18K white gold and aluminum earrings featuring freshwater cultured Pearls (32.10 ctw.) accented with purple Garnets (12.98 ctw.).

 

Business/Day Wear – Platinum Honors
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR PLATINUM HONORS, JOHN FORD, PLATINUM BRACELET FEATURING BLACK OPALS ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS
BUSINESS/DAY WEAR PLATINUM HONORS, JOHN FORD, PLATINUM BRACELET FEATURING BLACK OPALS ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS

John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford – Platinum bracelet featuring black Opals (24.02 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.72 ctw.).

 

Business/Day Wear – Entry Platinum Innovation

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. – Platinum “La Petite” bracelet with nine ring charms featuring Rubies, Aquamarines, Garnets, Amethysts, Sapphires, Tourmalines and Spinels.

 

Business/Day Wear – WJA Gem DIVA™ Award

Pam Harris, Lost Bird Designs – 14K pink gold bracelet featuring an 8×15 mm peach Moonstone, oval and marquise-cut Coral, Turquoise and black Diamonds.

 

 

4, CLASSICAL

Classical – 1st Place.
CLASSICAL 1ST PLACE - ALLEN KLEIMAN Co. PLATINUM AND 18K PINK GOLD EARRINGS
CLASSICAL 1ST PLACE – ALLEN KLEIMAN Co. PLATINUM AND 18K PINK GOLD EARRINGS

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – Platinum and 18K pink gold earrings featuring unheated oval pink Sapphires (36.65 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (5.09 ctw.).

 

Classical – 2nd Place
CLASSICAL 2ND PLACE. NIVEET NAGPAL, PLATINUM AND BLACK RHODIUM RING SET WITH 20.03 CT. CUSHION-CUT BLUE SAPPHIRE
CLASSICAL 2ND PLACE. NIVEET NAGPAL, PLATINUM AND BLACK RHODIUM RING SET WITH 20.03 CT. CUSHION-CUT BLUE SAPPHIRE

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Prive – Platinum and black rhodium ring featuring a 20.03 ct. cushion-cut blue Sapphire accented with blue Sapphires (.76 ctw.), baguette Diamonds (1.07 ctw.) and round Diamonds (.63 ctw.).

 

Classical – 3rd Place
ICAL 3RD PLACE, OSCAR HEYMAN PLATINUM RING SET WITH 32.30 CT. CAT'S EYE CHRYSOBERYL
CLASSICAL 3RD PLACE, OSCAR HEYMAN PLATINUM RING SET WITH 32.30 CT. CAT’S EYE CHRYSOBERYL

 

Oscar Heyman, Oscar Heyman – Platinum ring featuring a 32.30 ct. Cat’s-Eye Chrysoberyl accented with Diamonds.

 

Classical – Honorable Mention

Varouj Tabakian, Jewellery by Varouj – 18K tricolored gold and platinum “Northern Lights” pendant featuring a 3.79 ct. specialty-cut rubellite Tourmaline accented with baguette Diamonds (.68 ctw.) and round Diamonds (1.61 ctw.).

 

Classical – Honorable Mention

Oscar Heyman, Oscar Heyman – Platinum ring featuring a 19.40 ct. bicolored Tourmaline accented with Diamonds.

 

Classical – Manufacturing Honors

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – 18K yellow and rhodium “Blue Lagoon” ring featuring a 13.99 ct. cushion-cut blue Zircon accented with Diamond melee (1.32 ctw.).

 

Classical – Platinum Honors
CLASSICAL PLATINUM HONORS, MICHAEL ENDLICH, PLATINUM DEEP LAGOON RING SET WITH 8.33 CT. TOURMALINE ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS
CLASSICAL PLATINUM HONORS, MICHAEL ENDLICH, PLATINUM DEEP LAGOON RING SET WITH 8.33 CT. TOURMALINE ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS

Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry – Platinum “Deep Lagoon” ring featuring an 8.33 ct. Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (.46 ctw.).

 

Classical – Entry Platinum Innovation

Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers – Platinum and 18K rose gold “Queen of Sheba” ring featuring a 2.59 ct. red Spinel accented with multi-cut Diamonds (1.57 ctw.).

Classical – WJA Gem DIVA™ Award

Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels – 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 13.60 ct. Mandarin Garnet accented with square and baguette Diamonds (1.82 ctw.).

 

 

5. EVENING WEAR

Evening Wear – 1st Place and Best Use of Platinum and Color.
EVENING WEAR 1ST PLACE AND BEST USE OF PLATINUM AND COLOR
EVENING WEAR 1ST PLACE AND BEST USE OF PLATINUM AND COLOR

Eddie Sakamoto, Somewhere in the Rainbow – Platinum “Dancing Waves” neck collar featuring a 57.0 ct. Aquamarine accented with Diamonds (8.0 ctw.).

Evening Wear – 2nd Place and Best Use of Color.
EVENING WEAR 2ND PLACE AND BEST USE OF COLOR
EVENING WEAR 2ND PLACE AND BEST USE OF COLOR

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs – 18K and 24K yellow and 18K white gold maple leaf earrings featuring multicolored Diamonds, Sapphires and Garnets.

Evening Wear – 3rd Place.

Caroline Chartouni, Caroline C – Platinum ring featuring an 8.09 ct. oval pink Sapphire accented with round and pear pink Sapphires (9.84 ctw.) and Diamonds (8.67 ctw.).

 

Evening Wear – Honorable Mention

Victoria Tse, VTse, Inc. – 18K white gold ring featuring a 33.41 ct. harlequin Australian black Opal accented with baguette Diamond pave (6.54 ctw.) and Diamond melee (2.11 ctw.).

 

Evening Wear – Honorable Mention

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Inc. – 18K yellow gold “Genie” earrings featuring a pair of mint grossular Garnets (5.22 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (5.69 ctw.) and mint grossular Garnets (1.90 ctw.).

Evening Wear – Honorable Mention
EVENING WEAR HONORABLE MENTION, ZOLTAN DAVID 24K YELLOW GOLD, PALLADIUM, PURPLE STEEL AND 18K YELLOW GOLD STAR FLOWER NECKLACE
EVENING WEAR HONORABLE MENTION, ZOLTAN DAVID 24K YELLOW GOLD, PALLADIUM, PURPLE STEEL AND 18K YELLOW GOLD STAR FLOWER NECKLACE

Zoltan David, Somewhere in the Rainbow – 24K yellow gold, palladium, purple steel and 18K yellow gold “Star Flower” necklace featuring a 28.14 ct. Tourmaline accented with gray Sapphires (.58 ctw.) and color change Garnets (.73 ctw.).

 

Evening Wear – Platinum Honors
EVENING WEAR PLATINUM HONORS, JOHN FORD, PLATINUM EARRINGS WITH OVAL BLACK OPALS ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS
EVENING WEAR PLATINUM HONORS, JOHN FORD, PLATINUM EARRINGS WITH OVAL BLACK OPALS ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS

John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford – Platinum earrings featuring oval black Opals (11.70 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.0 ctw.).

 

Evening Wear – WJA Gem DIVA™ Award

Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs – 14K white gold “Pink Peony” ring featuring multi-shades of pink Spinels (12.93 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.45 ctw.).

 

 

6. MEN’S WEAR

Men’s Wear – 1st Place
MEN'S WEAR 1ST PLACE - RICARDO EICHBERG INC. 18K YELLOW GOLD WITH BLACK RHODIUM ESTRELLA RING
MEN’S WEAR 1ST PLACE – RICARDO EICHBERG INC. 18K YELLOW GOLD WITH BLACK RHODIUM ESTRELLA RING

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – 18K yellow gold with black rhodium “Estrella” ring featuring a 7.50 ct. starburst trapiche Sapphire accented with black Diamonds (0.64 ctw.) and yellow Sapphire melee (0.52 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – 2nd Place

Peter Schmid, French Designer Jeweler – 18K rose gold and platinum ring featuring a 15.74 ct. Garnet accented with a pink Diamond, green Diamond and white Diamonds (.04 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – 3rd Place

Dawn Muscio, D. Muscio Designs – 18K yellow gold and stainless steel ring featuring a 4.39 ct. emerald-cut green Tourmaline accented with Amethysts (.06 ctw.) and Diamonds (.05 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – Honorable Mention

Llyn L. Strelau, Jewels by Design – 18K yellow and 19K white gold “Man Cave” cufflinks featuring Octahedrite Meteorite carvings accented with blue Sapphires (1.55 ctw.), yellow Sapphires (1.46 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (.75 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – Honorable Mention and Platinum Honors

Randy Coffin, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers – Platinum ring featuring an 8.52 ct. cushion-cut violet Spinel accented with red Spinels (1.48 ctw.) and Diamonds (.27 ctw.) and inlaid with Gibeon Meteorite.

Men’s Wear – Manufacturing Honors
MEN'S WEAR MANUFACTURING HONORS, NIVEET NAGPAL, 18K WHITE GOLD WITH BLACK RHODIUM RING SET WITH 1.07 CT. EMERALD-CUT ALEXANDRITE ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS AND ALEXANDRITES
MEN’S WEAR MANUFACTURING HONORS, NIVEET NAGPAL, 18K WHITE GOLD WITH BLACK RHODIUM RING SET WITH 1.07 CT. EMERALD-CUT ALEXANDRITE ACCENTED WITH DIAMONDS AND ALEXANDRITES

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Prive – 18K white gold with black rhodium ring featuring a 1.07 ct. emerald-cut Alexandrite accented with Diamonds (.60 ctw.) and Alexandrites (.08 ctw.).

 

AGTA Cutting Edge™ Awards

1. ALL OTHER FACETED

All Other Faceted – 1st Place
ALL OTHER FACETED 1ST PLACE - BRETT KOSNARM 24.26-CARAT ROUND PORTUGUESE-CUT RHODOCHROSITE
ALL OTHER FACETED 1ST PLACE – BRETT KOSNARM 24.26-CARAT ROUND PORTUGUESE-CUT RHODOCHROSITE

Brett Kosnar, Beija Flor Wholesale – 24.26 ct. round, Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite.

 

All Other Faceted – 2nd Place

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems – 6.49 ct. square East African natural tsavorite Garnet.

 

All Other Faceted – 3rd Place

Hemant Phophaliya, A G Color, Inc. – 22.15 ct. fancy-shaped Tanzanite, “Superman.”

 

All Other Faceted – Honorable Mention

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems – 5.06 ct. triangular-cut natural Benitoite.

 

 

2. Carving

Carving – 1st Place
CARVING 1ST PLACE - PALA INTERNATIONAL 625 CT. CHRYSOCOLLA WITH DRUZY QUARTZ CARVING
CARVING 1ST PLACE – PALA INTERNATIONAL 625 CT. CHRYSOCOLLA WITH DRUZY QUARTZ CARVING

Meg Berry, Pala International – 625.0 ct. Chyrsocolla with druzy Quartz carving, titled “Metamorphosis.”

 

Carving – 2nd Place

Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry – Freestyle carved Sunstone chameleon named “Henry.”

 

Carving – 3rd Place
CARVING 3RD PLACE, JOHN DYER, 115.71 CT. MORGANITE CARVING TITLED JOYFUL MORGANITE
CARVING 3RD PLACE, JOHN DYER, 115.71 CT. MORGANITE CARVING TITLED JOYFUL MORGANITE

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co. – 115.71 ct. Morganite carving, titled “Joyful Morganite.”

 

Carving – Honorable Mention

Bernie Benavidez, Master Jewelers – Opal freeform carving (72.07 ctw.), titled “Aussie Crystal Anenome.”

 

Carving – Honorable Mention
CARVING HONORABLE MENTION, LARRY WOODS, 17.60 CT. BLACK OPAL CARVING
CARVING HONORABLE MENTION, LARRY WOODS, 17.60 CT. BLACK OPAL CARVING

Larry Woods, Jewels From The Woods – 17.60 ct. black Opal carving.

 

 

3. Classic Gemstone

Classic Gemstone – 1st Place
CLASSIC GEMSTONE 1ST PLACE - DAVID NASSI, 15.30-CARAT UNHEATED CEYLON PINK SAPPHIRE
CLASSIC GEMSTONE 1ST PLACE – DAVID NASSI, 15.30-CARAT UNHEATED CEYLON PINK SAPPHIRE

David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. – 15.30 ct. unheated Ceylon pink Sapphire.

 

Classic Gemstone – 2nd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – 38.48 ct. unheated oval Madagascan blue Sapphire.

 

Classic Gemstone – 3rd Place

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. – 5.80 ct. untreated Colombian step-cut Emerald

 

Classic Gemstone – Honorable Mention

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. – 12.56 ct. unheated Ceylon oval Padparadscha Sapphire.

 

 

4. Innovative Faceting

Innovative Faceting – 1st Place
INNOVATIVE FACETING 1ST PLACE - CHRISTOPHER WOLFSBERG, 32.75-CARAT SPECIALTY CUT QUARTZ WITH CHRYSOPRASE AND OPAL
INNOVATIVE FACETING 1ST PLACE – CHRISTOPHER WOLFSBERG, 32.75-CARAT SPECIALTY CUT QUARTZ WITH CHRYSOPRASE AND OPAL

Christopher Wolfsberg, Chris Wolfsberg – 32.75 ct. specialty-cut Quartz with Chrysoprase and Opal.

 

Innovative Faceting – 2nd Place
INNOVATIVE FACETING 2ND PLACE, JOHN DYER, 21.58 CT. RED SPINEL HEXAGON
INNOVATIVE FACETING 2ND PLACE, JOHN DYER, 21.58 CT. RED SPINEL HEXAGON

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co. – 21.58 ct. red Spinel hexagon.

 

Innovative Faceting – 3rd Place
INNOVATIVE FACETING 3RD PLACE, JOHN DYER, 53.86 CT. SPECIALTY-CUT TOURMALINE
INNOVATIVE FACETING 3RD PLACE, JOHN DYER, 53.86 CT. SPECIALTY-CUT TOURMALINE

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co. – 63.86 ct. specialty-cut Tourmaline.

 

Innovative Faceting – Honorable Mention
INNOVATIVE FACETING HONORABLE MENTION, DALAN HARGRAVE, 32.98 CT. SPECIALTY CUT KUNZITE
INNOVATIVE FACETING HONORABLE MENTION, DALAN HARGRAVE, 32.98 CT. SPECIALTY CUT KUNZITE

Dalan Hargrave, Jewels From The Woods – 32.98 ct. specialty-cut Kunzite.

 

 

5. Objects of Art

Objects of Art – 1st Place
OBJECTS OF ART 1ST PLACE - COLORS OF MAINE KALEIDOSCOPE FEATURING MULTICOLORED MAINE TOURMALINES AND QUARTZ LENSES
OBJECTS OF ART 1ST PLACE – COLORS OF MAINE KALEIDOSCOPE FEATURING MULTICOLORED MAINE TOURMALINES AND QUARTZ LENSES

Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs –”Colors of Maine” kaleidoscope featuring multicolored Maine Tourmalines (71.74 ctw.) and Maine Quartz lenses (24.92 ctw.) set in 18K yellow and white gold.

VIEW INSIDE COLORS OF MAINE KALEIDOSCOPE BY DEREK KATZENBACH WITH IMAGES OF MULTICOLORED MAINE TOURMALINES AND MAINE QUARTZ
VIEW INSIDE COLORS OF MAINE KALEIDOSCOPE BY DEREK KATZENBACH WITH IMAGES OF MULTICOLORED MAINE TOURMALINES AND MAINE QUARTZ

A view inside the “Colors of Maine” kaleidoscope by Derek Katzenbach of Katzenbach Designs with the images made of multicolored Maine tourmalines and Maine quartz lenses

 

Objects of Art – 2nd Place

Susan Helmich, Somewhere in the Rainbow – “Straight on to Neverland” pendulum and brooch featuring a 14.01 ct. rubellite Tourmaline, an 8.94 ct. rubellite Tourmaline, a 4.08 ct. indicolite Tourmaline, a 13.8mm golden cultured Pearl and Diamonds (5.24 ctw.) on a carved frosted Quartz base.

 

Objects of Art – 3rd Place

Liam Powers, Liam Powers Jewelry, LLC – Sterling silver and multi-karat gold chalice featuring Diamonds, Alexandrites, Sapphires, Moldavites and Phenakites.

 

6. Pairs & Suites

Pairs & Suites – 1st Place and Best of Show
PAIRS & SUITES 1st PLACE AND BEST OF SHOW
PAIRS & SUITES 1st PLACE AND BEST OF SHOW

Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s – Pair of neon blue Tourmalines (53.56 ctw.)

 

Pairs & Suites – 2nd Place

Hemant Phophaliya, A G Color, Inc. – Pair of fancy pear-shaped Tanzanites (49.38 ctw.).

 

Pairs & Suites – 3rd Place

Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc. – Pair of black Opals (17.61 ctw.), titled “Tears of the Gods.”

 

Pairs & Suites – Honorable Mention

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. – Pair of unheated Pigeon Blood Burmese oval Rubies (4.08 ctw.).

 

Pairs & Suites – Honorable Mention
PAIRS & SUITES HONORABLE MENTION - PHILLIP YOUNGMAN, SUITE OF 36 SPECIALTY CUT ZIRCON - 140.27 CT. T. W.
PAIRS & SUITES HONORABLE MENTION – PHILLIP YOUNGMAN, SUITE OF 36 SPECIALTY CUT ZIRCON – 140.27 CT. T. W.

Phillip Youngman, Phillip Youngman – Suite of 36 specialty-cut Zircons (140.27 ctw.).

 

 

7. Phenomenal

Phenomenal – 1st Place
PHENOMENAL 1ST PLACE - JOEL PRICE 100.66 CT. HARLEQUIN PATTERN BLACK OPAL
PHENOMENAL 1ST PLACE – JOEL PRICE 100.66 CT. HARLEQUIN PATTERN BLACK OPAL

 

 

ANOTHER VIEW OF JOEL PRICE 100.66 CT. HARLEQUIN PATTERN BLACK OPAL
ANOTHER VIEW OF JOEL PRICE 100.66 CT. HARLEQUIN PATTERN BLACK OPAL

Joel Price, Joel Price – 100.66 ct. harlequin pattern black Opal.

 

Phenomenal – 2nd Place

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. – 7.31 ct. emerald-cut Brazilian Alexandrite.

 

Phenomenal – 3rd Place

Robert Shapiro, Robert Shapiro – 7.60 ct. boulder Opal.

 

Phenomenal – Honorable Mention

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems – 16.08 ct. round Sri Lankan unheated Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl.

 

Phenomenal – Honorable Mention

David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. – 21.56 ct. oval Opal.

 

According to the American Gem Trade Association, the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards will be presented during the 2018 AGTA GemFair Tucson to be held January 30 to February 4 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. The winning entries will be displayed during the show and the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards recipients will be recognized during the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards Gala, on Saturday, February 3. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.