#DailyJewel - Spotlight on Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers at India Couture Week 2014

Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers at India Couture Week 2014 - Traditional Red Bridal Gown and stunning Jewels!  photo via Vogue India

#jwlv - Couture 2014 Sneak Peek

Jacquie Aiche

This year at Couture, the Jacquie AicheTribe is introducing the "Squash Blossom" collection. The above necklace is made of 14 karat rose gold, diamonds, lilac quartz, moonstone and cow bone, and perfectly embodies the designer's signature aesthetic. A go-to resource for stylists and luminaries alike, Jacquie Aiche adds an element of whimsy to all of her designs, giving them a sense of ethereal ease with just a hint of rebellion. 

Salon 126

Anne Sportun 

Toronto-based designer Anne Sportunexpresses nature's simplest form in her new "Stick Collection." Made of 18 karat gold and diamonds and featuring the designer's signature Stardust texture, this collection captures the beauty of organic asymmetry. As with all pieces hand-crafted in Anne's studio, this piece perfectly combines the precious with the everyday. 

Salon 607

Sarah Graham

The above "Colored Pebble Stacking Rings" by Sarah Graham Metalsmithing are made with 18 karat gold, oxidized cobalt chrome, various colored sapphires and white and cognac diamonds. The collection is textural and organic, with a subtle color palate that is decidedly feminine. Sarah's design inspiration comes from her life--from the beauty of nature that surrounds her, the intense love she has for her husband and son, and from every new opportunity to challenge herself and perfect her craft.

Salon 102

Samantha Louise Designs

Designer Samantha Louise believes that jewelry can serve as a constant reminder of who we are, where we came from, and where we're headed. The above earrings from the new "Leaf Collection" are inspired by the designer's love of gardening and its process of planting a seed, nurturing it, and watching it grow. Made of 18 karat rose gold and diamonds, the collection expresses a sense of earthy  sophistication and is a wearable classic. 

Next Wave 9

Astley Clarke London

Astley Clarke Londonintroduces a range of limited-edition London Blue Topaz pieces to her popular "Fao Collection." Created in-house in the company's London design studio, each gemstone in this collection has been specifically selected, hand cut in the company's signature rose cut, and set in a stunning molten pave diamond outline. This collection also includes a pendant, drop earrings and molten hoop earrings.

Salon 1108 

THANK YOU -  I want to say a HUGE Thank You to Michelle Orman, Last Word Communications, for these insightful previews of what is NEW at Couture this year!

#Couture #JWLV - Preview of Couture 2014

First I want to say a HUGE Thank You to Michelle Orman, Last Word Communications, for these insightful previews of what is NEW at Couture this year!

Moritz Glik

This year, Moritz Glik introduces his Kaleidoscope collection featuring rose cut diamonds, brilliant cut diamonds and 18 karat gold with blackened sterling silver. Ever since arriving in the U.S. from his native Brazil in 1991, Moritz has continued to push the boundaries of conventional fine jewelry. His ability to blend hand-crafted, old-world techniques with a modern sensibility has resulted in pieces that intrigue and enchant with a rich mosaic of color, proportion and movement. 

Salon 1005

Stephen Webster

Featured above is a collar necklace fromStephen Webster's Magnipheasant collection, which will be introduced at Couture. Amethyst, pink tourmaline, red garnet, blue topaz, peridot and citrine are surrounded by a border of black pave diamonds, emulating the pheasant's distinctive feathers. Earrings, bracelets and cocktail rings round out this unique collection. Stephen Webster's eponymous brand was built on the designer's foundation of technical excellence and today it is celebrated for the highest level of craftsmanship and its eternally chic and glamorous aesthetic.  

Mouton I

Irene Neuwirth

At Couture, Irene Neuwirth will be introducing this new 18 karat gold cuff bracelet with rose cut diamonds. Simple, clean lines lend this piece a sense of fluidity while maintaining a bold statement. Long known for her fascination with intense colors and raw, natural gemstones, at first glance this cuff appears to be a break from Irene's core brand aesthetic, and yet the raw beauty of the rose cut diamonds, along with the designer's distinctive sense of style and unique insight into what's trending in fashion combine in a way that is unmistakably Irene.

Salon 901 

Hans D. Krieger

Opals and 18 karat rose gold combine in this cuff bracelet by Hans D. Krieger to create a piece completely in keeping with the brand's reputation for high-quality materials and the finest craftsmanship. Since as early as 1720, the company became famous for their stone cutting and goldsmith work, and it was in 1964 that the design portion of the business was launched in order to showcase their fine gemstones and diamonds. The passion of the company's founders continues today with a commitment to classic yet modern beauty that is timeless in its beauty.

Salon 410

Sylvie Corbelin

At Couture this year, Parisian designer Sylvie Corbelin introduces the limited edition Geisha earrings from the Fuji Yama collection. To Sylvie, Geishas will always be a symbol of grace, beauty and femininity. Made of gold and silver, and accented with diamonds, turquoise and rubies, the highlight of these earrings is a very rare XIX Century enamel element. As with all pieces in her collection, Sylvie mingles an assertive warrior instinct with a sense of fragility, her definition of seduction.

Salon 1209

Pinar Oner Design Atelier at The Couture Show, May 29 – June 2, 2014

Pinar Oner Design Atelier - Fabulous Show Special 

at The Couture Show, May 29 – June 2, 2014

Luxury Turkish jewelry designer Pinar Oner of Pinar Oner Design Atelier is offering an incredible show special to qualified buyers at The Couture Show to be held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas May 29 – June 2, 2014.

Wanting to share the lavish richness of Istanbul with their buyers and distributors who purchase $15,000 or more in Pinar’s jewels, Pinar Oner Design Atelier will host two people at 5 Star hotel accommodations in Istanbul, Turkey for 6 days and 5 nights. Promotion includes hotel, transfers and a city tour for two people. (Air fare not included, other terms and conditions apply).

Fairy Tale Ring from the Byzantine Collection

“My designs are deeply influenced by the historical and iconic motifs of the Byzantine, Ottoman and Seljuk empires,” states Pinar Oner. “We believe our buyers appreciation of these cultures, and ultimately my luxury jewels, will be greatly enhanced by experiencing Istanbul firsthand.”

Echoes from the Ottoman Collection

A trained graphic designer with a BA from Bilkent University in Turkey and further education from the Parsons The New School of Design in New York, Pinar Oner is influenced by the history and heritage of the Anatolian region of Turkey. She draws inspiration from the folklore, artifacts and diverse religious influences of the area to create unique and fresh design elements and stylistic motifs. Creating her jewels in high karat gold, her collections glow with the vibrant colors of gemstones and intricate enameling accent work.  

The company, Pinar Oner Design Atelier, was launched in March of 2010, and has already garnered international acclaim as a winner of one of the coveted 2013 Couture Design
Awards. (Second runner-up in the Bridal category, Fairy Tale Ring Above).

Pinar Oner will be exhibiting at the Couture Show, Booth nextWAVE 14, in the LaTache ballroom, May 29 – June 2, 2014, Las Vegas.

US Antique Shows Returns To Los Angeles For The 2nd LA Antique Jewelry & Watch Show - March 21-23, 2014

U.S. Antique Shows Presents Elite Global Brands at the LA Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

The Show Returns to Los Angeles for a Second Year, March 21-23, 2014

Just minutes from the largest jewelry district in the country, U.S. Antique Shows returns to Los Angeles to mark the second year of the LA Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. The event will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Beverly Hills on March 21-23, 2014.

“After the positive response we received from both dealers and attendees last year, we’re thrilled to return the west coast,” says Dan Darby, GLM vice president and group show director. “Los Angeles is certainly a pivotal place for the jewelry business and we can guarantee that our show will have a stellar array of merchandise that our dealers have collected from all over the world.”

Named the highest attended launch in U.S. Antique Shows’ history, this year’s LA Antique Jewelry & Watch Show will bring even more one-of-a-kind treasures to the City of Angels. Famous global brands, such as Cartier, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Harry Winston and more, will be featured by 100 world renowned dealers. In addition, signature and distinctive pieces previously owned by celebrities, musicians and socialites will be showcased alongside collections of antique and estate jewelry, watches and precious stones.

Emerald Ear Pendants
from Yafa Signed Jewels

Jeff Josephson of Raymond Lee Jewelers is excited about the selection of antique jewelry and watches he’ll be displaying at this year’s show. "We’ll be showcasing an all pave diamond ladies Patek Philippe 24, our most extensive collection of large, important GIA diamonds ranging from 3 carats to 10, a rare Rolex 18078 with a bloodstone dial, several large, GIA certified fancy yellow diamonds, and a large selection of vintage and antique designer jewelry including a platinum and diamond pin custom made by Van Cleef & Arpels."

Illinois based Jeff Cohen of N. Green and Sons is looking forward to participating in this west coast event. “We plan on bringing vintage watches, Rolex watches in particular. We will also have a few pieces of celebrity owned jewelry from Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Pickford, Bob Hope and Audrey Meadows, among others. We specialize in Art Deco and Art Nouveau, so we will be showcasing a large collection of estate jewelry from those design periods.”

Show times are Friday, March 21 to Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is $20 to attend all three days. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, call 239.732.6642 or visit www.LAAntiqueJewelry.com.

About U.S. Antique Shows

The LA Antique Jewelry & Watch Show is produced by U.S. Antique Shows, a division of GLM. U.S. Antique Shows, the world’s largest producer of indoor antique shows, focuses on presenting a wide range of antiques as well as antique, vintage and estate jewelry and watches to 50,000 consumers annually. The company is the only producer that serves the unique needs of the antique and antique jewelry industry supporting sales in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Miami Beach and New York. Their shows host internationally recognized dealers promoting the purchase of rare and unusual historic merchandise to antiques collectors, novice enthusiasts,  socialites and celebrities. U.S. Antique Shows draws more than 3,000 dealers from 22 countries worldwide exhibiting their signature collections in 400,000 net square feet across nine shows.

For more information, visit www.USAntiqueShows.com, like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/LAAntiqueJewelryAndWatchShow, follow us on Twitter: @USAntiqueShows and explore our Pinterest:Pinterest.com/USAntiqueShows. Check out our new blog at www.USAntiqueShows.com/TheQuill.aspx

Celebrities Turn "Golden" Globes into Platinum Globes!

TOP MOVIE AND TELEVISION STARS WEAR PLATINUM JEWELRY TO

THE 71st ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

Hollywood’s biggest movie and television stars celebrated their achievements wearing platinum jewelry at the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards and related parties this evening.

From the large diamond stud earrings as seen on Reese Witherspoon, to Jennifer Lawrence’s black and white diamond bracelets, leading actresses chose to showcase their jewels in naturally white platinum settings that truly enhance the brilliance of diamonds and colored gemstones. Platinum is the precious metal that never changes color nor fades. It’s the ideal choice for life’s most unforgettable moments.

Following is a list of stars who celebrated tonight's achievements in PLATINUM:

Jennifer Lawrence in Platinum by Neil Lane

• Art Deco platinum chandelier earrings with black spinel, onyx, black diamonds, jade and coral
• 4 Platinum bracelets with white and black diamonds
• 2 platinum and diamond rings
• *Total value = $2.5 million

Julia Roberts in Platinum by Harry Winston

• Platinum and emerald cut diamond ear studs with micro pave
• Platinum and diamond cocktail ring

Reese Witherspoon in Platinum by Harry Winston

• Platinum and round diamond ear studs (4 carats)
• Platinum ring with a 10-carat emerald cut diamond
• 3 stacked platinum and diamond line bracelets

Louise Roe in Platinum by Chopard

• Platinum and diamond cluster earrings (12 carats)
• Platinum and diamond line bracelet (27 carats)
• Platinum and diamond Floral ring (8 carats)

Zosia Mamet in Platinum by Lorraine Schwartz

• Platinum earrings
• Platinum ring

Kerry Washington in Platinum by Fred Leighton

• Platinum and diamond earrings from the 1920's 
• Art Deco platinum brooch with rock crystal and diamonds
• Platinum ring from the 1920's with diamonds and onyx

Lena Dunham in Platinum by Harry Winston

• Platinum and diamond Riviera necklace
• Platinum and diamond ear studs

Greta Gerwig in Platinum by Fred Leighton

• Art Deco platinum ring with diamonds and aquamarine
• Art Deco platinum ring with diamonds and onyx

Zooey Deschanel in Platinum by Neil Lane

• Platinum flower earrings with diamonds, pearl, and citrine
• Platinum bracelet with diamonds and pearl
• Platinum ring with diamonds and pearl

Sarah Hyland in Platinum by Lorraine Schwartz

• Platinum stud earrings
• Platinum bracelet
• Platinum ring

Emma Roberts in Platinum by Neil Lane

• Platinum chandelier earrings with turquoise

FOR MORE OF THE BLING AND GLAMOUR...CHECK OUT THE "CELEBRITY JEWEL" TUMBLR BLOG!

http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/

About Platinum JewelryPlatinum is the ideal choice for red carpet jewelry because it holds diamonds and precious gemstones more securely than any other metal. It is not only the highest quality metal, but its density makes it one of the most durable and enduring precious metals. Platinum is also naturally white, unlike white gold, which means it will not cast any tint onto a diamond or gemstone, allowing the stone's genuine color to sparkle brightly.

For more information, please visit Platinum Guild International USA’s sites:
Consumer website: www.preciousplatinum.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jewelryplatinum
Twitter page: www.twitter.com/ptjewelry

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.

India's Bridal Fashion Week to go International in 2014

For the next few weeks we will be seeing India's Bridal Week from such exotic local as Mumbai and this year in the nation's capital Delhi. However, 2014 will see a huge change...Vijay Singh, managing director, Fashion One International, is reported to have announced that in 2014 they will take the show International.

"We're going to London next year. I believe that any specific industry requires a new market. If you look at the Indian fashion industry, every designer is a name in outside countries as well. So why not (go international)," Singh said at the recent event.
Now - why would that be important to a Jewelry blog? Jewelry has traditionally featured heavily in the Indian Bridal look...so we are excited to see which jewelry houses are selected by the Bridal Fashion Lines for this first International Exhibit!!!

According to a report by the Times of India, this year's event in Delhi will be extravagant and include both Bridal and Couture houses.

"Participating designers at the six-day event are JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Shantanu and Nikhil, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, Ashima Leena, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Adarsh Gill, Jyotsana Tiwari and Rina Dhaka.

While Valaya is the opening designer, Tahiliani will present the closing collection.

There will also be a bridal expo - The Bridal Luxury Couture Exposition - which will run simultaneous with the IBFW. It will feature 65 top designers and creative wedding planners who will interact directly with the customers."