AGTA's 2014 Spectrum Awards™ - Winners Announced!

Winners Announced for AGTA's 2014 Spectrum Awards™ Competition

Winners have been named in the 2014 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition.

The competition was judged October 19-20 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2014 competition were retailer, Jennifer McCurry from Marissa Collections, fashion and beauty editor, Jennie Ma from The Knot, jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich from Barbara Heinrich Studio, lapidarist John Hatleberg, and manufacturer Jose Hess.

SPECTRUM AWARDS - Best of Category Winners:Best of Show!
James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).



Best Use of Color!

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring boulder Opals (22.84 ctw.) and fire Opals (2.62 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphires (1.75 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.70 ctw.).



Best Use of Platinum and Color!

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Coleman's Smokey Blues" earrings featuring cushion-cut blue Spinels (3.86 ctw.) and lavender Spinels (4.02 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires, Garnets, Tourmalines and Diamonds.

Best Use of Pearls!
Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).


1st Place Fashion Forward

Katey Brunini, K. Brunini Jewels - Sterling and 18K yellow gold "Robot Heart" necklace featuring a 1363.96 ct. Opal heart accented with Diamonds (1.53 ctw.). The heart lights up in several patterns.

2nd Place Fashion ForwardLydia Courteille, Meridian Jewelers - 18K oxidized white gold Seahorse cocktail ring featuring an Opal accented with Garnets, Sapphires and Amethysts.

3rd Place Fashion ForwardLauren Harper, Lauren Harper Collection - 18K yellow gold "Kryptonite Pyramid" necklace featuring Chrysoprase and Diamonds.

Category Winners
Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot:
Bridal Wear - 1st PlaceAnil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 2nd PlaceErica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold "Something Blue" earrings featuring blue Opal drops (29.99 ctw.) accented with Aquamarines (5.03 ctw.), grey Sapphires (.43 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.10 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 3rd PlaceCaysie van Bebber, CvB Inspired Design - Platinum "Aurora" ring featuring a 5.40 ct. unheated lavender Sapphire accented with Diamond melee (.80 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Platinum HonorsBella Campbell, Campbellian - Platinum earrings featuring Rubies (6.00 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.05 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum InnovationWilliam Travis, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum ring featuring a 1.38 ct. cushion-cut yellow Sapphire.

Bridal Wear - Gem Diva AwardDeirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Eternity" earrings featuring Moonstones (6.33 ctw.) accented with brilliant-cut Diamonds (5.76 ctw.) and gray Tahitian Pearls.

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing HonorsPhillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith - Platinum "Halo" ring featuring a 1.87 ct. Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.35 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Honorable MentionCynthia Bach, Cynthia Bach, Inc. - Platinum drop earrings featuring blue marquise, double-faceted Aquamarines (113.23 ctw.) accented with seed Pearls and Diamonds.

Business/ Day Wear:
Business/Day Wear - 1st PlaceJonathan Lee Rutledge, Jonathan Lee Rutledge, Inc. - 22K and 18K yellow gold "Blue Waters" necklace featuring Opal doublets and Diamonds (1.86 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 2nd PlaceErica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring boulder Opals (22.84 ctw.) and fire Opals (2.62 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphires (1.75 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.70 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 3rd PlaceGregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K white gold "Spring Time" earrings featuring Jade (24.20 ctw.), carved lemon Chrysoprase (17.80 ctw.) and Diamonds (.32 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum HonorsMichael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry - Platinum "Venus" ring featuring a 9.35 ct. rainbow Moonstone cabochon accented with Diamonds (.26 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Entry Platinum InnovationWilliam Travis, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum earrings featuring Agate (9.56 ctw.) drops accented with blue Sapphire briolettes (4.83 ctw.) and Lapis Lazuli beads (1.18 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Gem Diva AwardAnnie Fensterstock, Annie Fensterstock - 22K yellow gold and 18K white, pink, and yellow gold locket featuring a boulder Opal accented with white, pink and yellow Diamonds (2.55 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Manufacturing HonorsRicardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. - 18K rose and yellow gold ring with honeycomb ajour pierced out detail featuring round brilliant Rubies (3.97 ctw.) in a star-point setting.

Business/Day Wear - Honorable MentionMarina Mellinas, Metal Kinetics - 18K yellow and white gold "Swirling" ring featuring a carved 41.18 ct. white Jade, accented with Peridots (3.94 ctw.), Aquamarines (1.61 ctw), brown and white Diamonds (.52 ctw.).

Classical:
Classical - 1st PlaceJames Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).

Classical - 2nd PlaceMaurice Di Biaggio, Di Biaggio LLC - Sterling silver with 24K and 18K plated gold "Butterfly" brooch featuring Agate accented with Tourmalines, Citrines and cubic zirconias.

Classical - 3rd PlaceDeirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Coleman's Smokey Blues" earrings featuring cushion-cut blue Spinels (3.86 ctw.) and lavender Spinels (4.02 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires, Garnets, Tourmalines and Diamonds.

Classical - Platinum HonorsJohn Ford, John Ford Jewelers - Platinum ring featuring a 5.76 ct. black Opal accented with Diamonds (2.44 ctw.).

Classical - Entry Platinum InnovationRichard Nobrega, Bailey's Fine Jewelry - Platinum pendant featuring a 6.80 ct. cushion, brilliant-cut Citrine accented with Diamonds (.03 ctw.).

Classical - Gem Diva AwardErica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 5.08 ct. Alexandrite accented with round, marquise and half-moon Diamonds (2.53 ctw.).

Classical - Manufacturing HonorsJames Kaya, James Kaya - Platinum and 18K gold "Stardust" earrings featuring 14mm black Tahitian cultured Pearls, 12mm gold cultured Pearls and 10mm white cultured Pearls accented with Diamonds (1.55 ctw.).

Classical - Honorable MentionMark Patterson, Mark Patterson - 18K white gold "Zen Snake" earrings featuring two pear-shaped Kunzites (34.94 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.08 ctw.).

Evening Wear:
Evening Wear - 1st PlaceLeon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - Platinum and white gold "Blue Fin" ring featuring a 12.75 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline cabochon accented with Diamonds.

Evening Wear - 2nd PlaceCaroline Chartuni, Caroline C - 18K white gold earrings featuring Paraiba Tourmalines (14.10 ctw.), Emeralds (13.70 ctw.), Tanzanites (4.30 ctw.) and Diamonds (6.02 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 3rd PlaceGwennie By Michael John, Michael John Jewelry - 18K white gold ring featuring a Diamond (4.12 ctw.) polar bear jumping between Opal icebergs (33.77 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Platinum HonorsHoward Donsky, Jeffrey Howard, Inc. - Platinum earrings featuring two pear-shaped Tanzanite slabs (48.08 ctw.), Emerald slabs (11.44 ctw.) and Moonstones (2.43 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.84 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Gem Diva AwardJennifer Rabe Morin, Jennifer Joailliers - 18K white gold with black ruthenium plating ring with carved olive Jade and fire Agate, accented with green Garnets (1.07 ctw.), Amethysts (.33 ctw.) and Diamonds (.32 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Manufacturing HonorsHector Hassey, Hector Hassey - 18K white gold "The Octopus" necklace featuring 12-15mm black Tahitian Pearls accented with Diamonds (11.22 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Honorable MentionKerri Halpern, Madstone Design - 18K white gold with black rhodium plating drop earrings featuring pear-shaped Morganites (65.77 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (4.69 ctw.).

Men’s Wear:
Men's Wear - 1st PlaceMark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - 14K white and 18K yellow gold men's lapel pin featuring carved black Jade accented with white Diamonds (.28 ctw), Rubies (.04 ctw.), and cognac and yellow Diamonds (.99 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – 2nd PlaceLlyn Strelau, Jewels by Design – 18K yellow and 19K white gold “HEXactly” cufflinks featuring Emerald slices (11.80 ctw.) accented with blue Sapphires (1.0 ctw.) and Diamonds (.25 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 3rd PlaceErica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold cufflinks featuring carved Coral Buddhas (2.0 ctw.) accented with color-change Garnets (1.80 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.02 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Platinum HonorsDavid Hines, Nvit Blanche - Platinum "Bloody Knuckles" ring featuring mirror-set Rubies (1.00 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Honorable MentionRobin Rotenier, Rotenier, Ltd. - Blackened sterling silver cufflinks featuring tumbled Tanzanite pebbles (16.00 ctw.) accented with black Diamonds (.22 ctw.) and white Diamonds (.06 ctw.).



CUTTING EDGE AWARDS
Classic Cut Gemstones:

Classic Gemstone - 1st PlaceSailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc. - 20.98 ct. octagonal, step-cut unheated yellow Sapphire.

Classic Gemstone - 2nd PlaceDavid Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 24.69 ct. cushion cut pink Sapphire.

Classic Gemstone - 3rd PlaceJeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - 38.60 ct. sugar loaf cabochon-cut unheated Sapphire.

Classic Gemstone - Honorable MentionSailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc. - 35.93 ct. octagonal, step-cut unheated yellow Sapphire.

All Other Faceted:

All Other Faceted - 1st PlaceMikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 20.42 ct. square, cushion-cut natural tsavorite Garnet.

All Other Faceted - 2nd PlaceJohn Dyer, John Dyer & Co. - 14.44 ct. regal radiant-cut "Lilac" pink Topaz.

All Other Faceted - 3rd PlaceBen Kho, Kho International, Inc. - 7.63 ct. starburst-cut Sphalerite.

All Other Faceted - Honorable MentionDavid Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 21.97 ct. cushion cut red Spinel.

Phenomenal Gemstones:

Phenomenal - 1st PlaceRobyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc. - 36.10 cabochon-cut Opal titled "Aurora Borealis in the Night Sky".

Phenomenal - 2nd PlaceRalph Wobito, The Courtney Collection - 88.49 ct. color-change Czarite.

Phenomenal - 3rd PlaceJean-Noel Soni, Top Notch Faceting - 24.12 ct. color-change Garnet.

Pairs and Suites:

Pairs & Suites - 1st PlaceAi Van Pham, Gem & Gold Creations - Bi-color Amethyst suite titled "Purple Champagne" (114.15 ctw.).

Pairs & Suites - 2nd PlaceNandu Nichani, Temple Trading Co. - Graduated blue Moonstone cabochon suite (124.15 ctw.).

Pairs & Suites - 3rd PlaceBen Kho, Kho International, Inc. - Suite of multi-colored princess-cut Beryl (122.39 ctw.).

Pairs & Suites - Honorable MentionMikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 16-piece suite of Aquamarines (106.35 ctw.).

Innovative Faceting:

Innovative Faceting - 1st PlaceStephen Avery, Stephen M. Avery - 32.68 ct. "Tsunami" Aquamarine.

Innovative Faceting - 2nd PlaceJohn Dyer, John Dyer & Co. - 10.22 ct. custom-cut, with an "inverse" pavilion Tanzanite, titled "Tanzanian Royal."

Innovative Faceting - 3rd PlaceJohn Dyer, Somewhere in the Rainbow - 86.53 ct. "SunKissed2" star-brite cut Citrine.

Carving:

Carving - 1st PlaceNaomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Amethyst carving with silver base.

Carving - 2nd PlaceDarryl Alexander, Nirinjan - 61.00 ct. "Loves Flame" carved Sunstone.

Carving - 3rd PlaceDarryl Alexander, Sunstone Butte Mining Co. - 93.5 ct. "Candy Twist" carved Sunstone.

Objects of Art:

Objects of Art - 1st PlaceDalan Hargrave, Dust Devil Mining - "Friendship" sculpture featuring Sunstone (57 ctw.), black Jade, Varasite and black, yellow and white Diamonds.

Objects of Art - 2nd PlaceLeon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - 18K gold and sterling silver "Maestro" gramophone ring featuring interchangeable records made of ebony wood with yellow Sapphires, Rubies, black and white Diamonds.

Objects of Art - 3rd PlaceJohn Caro, Jewelry by Design - "Sparkling Pagoda" carving features 48.76 ct. Quartz with Mother of Pearl and 45.97 ct. drusy Agate, and 40.27 ct. white Jadeite accented with Moonstones (2.46 ctw.), white Diamonds (.38 ctw.), yellow Diamonds (.21 ctw.), and Emerald (.04 ctw.).

Objects of Art - Honorable MentionNaomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Topaz carving with silver base.

This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards™ will be presented during the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson to be held February 4 - 9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards™ recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 8. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged.

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-base 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.

Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot is our newest sponsor this year! Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride, herself, this category captures all looks coming down the aisle. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tiaras were considered.  

Platinum Honors were once again awarded with the support of Platinum Guild International. All entries whose primary metal was platinum were eligible in this category. 

WJA Gem Diva Awards is in it’s second year with the Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, and were presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business/Day Wear categories. All women who entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form. 

All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered for Manufacturing Honors. This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.

Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl in artful, trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition automatically qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.

For further information on the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson or the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala, please call (800) 972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org. For inquiries regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition, please contact Danielle Pelletiere at danielle@agta.org or (800) 972-1162.

The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as "The Authority In Color" and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.