AGTA Spectrum Awards™ "Platinum Honors" Winnners #AGTA15

Earlier I introduced you to the winning entries in the Summer AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards™ - now we have the photos for all the winners. Enjoy!

PLATINUM HONORS

Platinum Honors™, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes 

outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five 

Spectrum Awards categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum. 

Platinum Honors™ has added: 

Entry Platinum Honors – Bridal Wear under $2,500 (semi-mount only), 

Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 

and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.     All prices retail.

Platinum Honors

Bridal Wear

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 should be considered.

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc.  

Century City, CA
Platinum "Royal Blue" ring featuring a 12.00 ct. blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (2.59 ctw.). The ring features a detachable 18K yellow gold "Quilt" jacket featuring Turquoise accented with Diamonds (.43 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (.16 ctw.). 

Entry Platinum Innovation
Bridal Wear

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 should be considered.

William Travis, William Travis Jewelry,  

Chapel Hill, NC
Platinum band featuring blue Sapphires (.54 ctw.), cognac Diamonds (.18 ctw.) and colorless Diamonds (.18 ctw.). 

Platinum Honors
Business/Day Wear

Stylish, yet practical jewelry, for work, shopping or play. Entries should have simple elegance for a woman on the move.

John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John FordGalveston, TX
Platinum "Mirror" ring featuring a 3.65 ct. black Opal accented with Diamonds (.69 ctw.). 

Entry Platinum Innovation
Business/Day Wear

Stylish, yet practical jewelry, for work, shopping or play. Entries should have simple elegance for a woman on the move.
Jill Maurer, Jill MaurerRaleigh, NC
Platinum "Verge" ring featuring a 11.19 ct. golden Zircon accented with natural colored Diamonds (1.23 ctw.). 

Platinum Honors
Classical

Traditional looks and timeless designs prove superior here. References to consider might be your grandmother’s pearls, a three-stone ring or an elegant pendant – all with a fresh twist for modern-day beauty.

Zoltan David, Zoltan David, LLCAustin, TX
Platinum pendant featuring a 35.63 ct. marquis Moonstone cabochon set in blue patina bronze on a strand of cabochon Moonstones (18.20 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.20 ctw.). 

Entry Platinum Innovation
Classical

Traditional looks and timeless designs prove superior here. References to consider might be your grandmother’s pearls, a three-stone ring or an elegant pendant – all with a fresh twist for modern-day beauty.

Lindsay Jane, Lindsay Jane DesignsPaso Robles, CA
Platinum ring featuring a 7.77 ct. Moonstone accented with purple and blue Sapphires (0.97 ctw.). and Diamonds (0.52 ctw.). 

Platinum Honors
Evening Wear

Jewelry in this category should fall nothing less of spectacular. Whether brazenly bold or softly subtle, each submission should strive for red carpet fabulous, stunningly chic or delicately delicious all with exceptional color.

John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John FordGalveston, TX
Platinum "Electric Blue" necklace featuring black Opal (197 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (6.27 ctw.). 

Platinum Honors
Men's Wear

Men’s fashion is heightened by the savvy style of the modern man who sports jewelry. Rings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks, tie and lapel pins, stud sets and belt buckles are just a few of the ways a strong man can express himself.

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider DesignLong Beach, CA
Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 8.76 ct. Maw Sit Sit accented with black, white and yellow Diamonds (2.27 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (.93 ctw.). 

AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is an annual natural colored gemstone & cultured pearl jewelry design competition. Here are the winners from the 2016 Summer AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition.


http://www.agta.org/awards/2016Summer-winners.htm

PHOTO CREDIT: All AGTA Spectrum Awards™ and Cutting Edge Award Winner photos by Brian Moghadam Photography.

Platinum Honors at the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™

PGI-USA Awards Eight Jewelry Designers with ‘Platinum Honors’ for Outstanding Work in Platinum at the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™

Platinum once again took center stage at the 28^th annual AGTA Spectrum Awards, a competition hosted by the American Gem TradeAssociation that celebrates outstanding design using colored gemstones. An impressive array of platinum entries were submitted in this year’s competition, nine of which were recognized in the Platinum Honors™ category sponsored by Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA). The Platinum Honors™ winners were chosen from each of the five Spectrum Awards categories as well as Best Use of Color and Platinum, and new entry price-pointed categories Entry Platinum Honors in Bridal Wear and Platinum Innovation in Classical and Day Wear designs.

PGI-USA Senior Vice President, Jenny Luker notes, “We were thrilled to see so many stunning platinum submissions at this year’s awards, especially because platinum’s natural white color makes it an ideal setting for showcasing gemstones. Designers truly outdid themselves by creating breath-taking platinum designs that ranged from dainty and elegant to bold and innovative.”

PGI-USA’s participation in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is an integral part of their continued effort to support up and coming, as well as established designers and manufacturers and inspire them to work in platinum.

Winners of the Platinum Honors™ category are awarded with a generous prize package valued at more than $15,000 including several high profile publicity opportunities, professional photography of the winning piece featured on PGI-USA’s consumer website PreciousPlatinum.com and a customized poster of the winning piece featured in a trade advertisement – all of which aims to generate national brand awareness and desire for the winning designer.

The 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition was held in New York City on October 22-23.  

Platinum Honors™ 2012 Winners:

Best Use of Platinum and Color

Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry: Platinum ring featuring a 19.05 ct. cushion-cut Aquamarine with pave-set Diamonds (.41 ctw.).

Bridal Wear

James W. Currens, J.W. Currens Inc.: Platinum ring featuring a 16.80 ct. sugarloaf Ruby accented with Diamaonds (4.54 ctw.).

Bridal Wear – Entry Platinum Innovation

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design: Platinum ring featuring a 1.81 ct. round blue Sapphire accented with white Diamonds (.14 ctw.).

Day Wear

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc.: Platinum Ring featuring a 16.76 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline cabachon accented with antique cushion-cut Diamonds and Diamond melee (3.10 ctw.). 

Day Wear – Entry Platinum Innovation

Susan Drake, Spectrum Art & Jewelry: Platinum and yellow gold ring featuring a 1.08 ct. emerald-cut red Spinel accented with Diamonds (.18 ctw.).

Evening Wear

Evelyn Clothier, Evelyn Clothier Jewelry: Platinum butterfly brooch featuring brown diamond slices (104.42 ctw.) accented with a 5.06 ct. brown Diamond and white Diamonds )3.04 ctw.).

Classical

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney: Platinum ring featuring an 11.19 ct. Imperial pink Topaz accentedwith Diamonds. 

Men's Wear

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Deisgn: Platinum ring featuring a 15.0 ct. shield-cut rubellite Tourmaline accented with white Diamonds (.90 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (.22ctw.).

In addition to the Platinum Honors™ winners, The American Gem Trade Association recognized the following platinum designs:

Best Use of Color

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design: Platinum earrings featuring removable Opal enhancers (15.64 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (3.27 ctw.), Tanzanites (3.53 ctw.), Paraiba Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) and Diamonds (5.79 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 1st Place

Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones - Platinum "Lace" ring featuring a 4.10 ct. blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.77 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 3rd Place

Craig Slavens, AuRTWORK Jewelry - Platinum and 18K yellow gold pendant featuring a 3.92 ct. rose-cut black Diamond accented with black and white Diamond melee (.52 ctw.) on an 18K white gold chain set with black and white Diamonds (.71 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - Platinum earrings featuring 12mm black Tahitian Pearls and 8mm cultured freshwater Pearls accented with white Diamonds (.99 ctw.) and black Diamonds (.53 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Honorable Mention

Leonard McCue, L.A.M. Goldsmiths - Platinum "Hearts and Arrows" ring featuring a 19.0 ct. pear-shaped Moonstone accented with Diamonds (2.37 ctw.).

Classical - 1st Place 

James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 14.25 ct. unheated Ruby cabochon accented with Diamonds (7.97 ctw.).

Classical - 2nd Place 

Ashok Sancheti, Pioneer Gems - Platinum earrings featuring Emerald cabochon drops (18.45 ctw.) accented with Emeralds (18.21 ctw.) and Diamonds (4.81 ctw.).

Classical - 3rd Place

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum pendant featuring an 11.80 ct. pear-shaped Morganite accented with fancy-colored and white Diamonds (7.09 ctw.).

Classical - Honorable Mention

Christo Kiffer, Sissy's Log Cabin - Platinum art-deco ring featuring a 4.84 ct. oval black Opal cabochon accented with Emeralds (1.0 ctw.), blue Sapphire melee (.88 ctw.) and Diamonds (.93 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 1st Place  

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - Platinum engraved ring featuring channel-set Ruby melee (.59 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (.115 ctw.).

2012 Spectrum Awards - Now Accepting Entries

The American Gem Trade Association has announced that they are now accepting entries to the AGTA Spectrum Awards.  Some of the most respected awards in the Gem & Jewelry Industry, the Spectrum Awards have three distinct divisions.

The Spectrum Awards have 5 categories that range from Daywear to Men's to Bridal.  The Platinum Honors division is sponsored by the Platinum Guild International and consists of five categories. And, this being an awards program from the premier Colored Gemstone Association, there is also a "Cutting Edge" division.

All entries also qualify for two "Honors" categories and "Best of Show".

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

Manufacturing Honors recognizes outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities. All designs that qualify for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition will also automatically be qualified for Manufacturing Honors judging.

"The judging panel changes each year and consists of experts from different disciplines within the jewelry industry. Entries are judged on a solid criterion which includes 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. Each piece is examined by hand with an eye for craftsmanship and quality of the materials used."

So - why should you enter the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards?  the video gives you some really important reasons...exposure...placement...




Download the entry form at:  2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards Entry Form

Deadline for entry is Friday, September 23, 2011.  No exceptions will be made. Photos and Award descriptions from the AGTA Spectrum Award website

AGTA Spectrum Awards: Platinum Honors (Gallery)

As I reported a couple weeks ago...three new categories have been added to the Platinum Honors Division of the AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™.

We now have photos of ALL of the winners and as promised there is a complete photo gallery on Posterous at: http://aflyonthewall.posterous.com/

Special Divisions

Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five Spectrum Awards categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum. New for this year, Platinum Honors adds three new categories: Platinum Honors Innovation – Bridal Wear under $2,500, Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.

Best Use of Platinum and Color:

Judy Evans, Omi Gems, Inc.

Platinum "Princess of Ratnapura" bracelet featuring nine round Sapphires (14.0 ctw.) and round Diamonds (8.48 ctw.)

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

Alan Friedman, Alan Friedman: Platinum ring with a cushion-cut purple Spinel (6.62 ct.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors

Ralph Wobito, Zultanite Gems, LLC: Platinum earrings featuring Zultanite (Diaspore) briolettes (25.15 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (0.95 ctw.).

Classical - Platinum Honors

Christopher Olson, Molina Fine Jewelers: Platinum "Temple of the Sacred Heart" ring featuring a 10.05 ct. oval untreated Ruby accented with white Diamonds (7.18 ctw.) and Rubies (.22 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors

Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs: Platinum "Triad" ring featuring a 6.34 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white Diamonds (1.03 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Honors

Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers: Platinum ring featuring a 1.37 ct. round blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.46 ctw.) and blue Sapphires (.28 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones: Platinum "Wave" pendant featuring a 2.18 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (3.72 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Ron Lodholz, Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery: Platinum ring with a 1.41 ct. Aquamarine, Diamond Accent (.06 ctw.).

AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™ - Platinum Honors!

Three new categories have been added to the Platinum Honors Division of the AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™.

We have photos of four of the winners and as we receive photos we will add them.

There will be a complete photo gallery later on Posterous at: http://aflyonthewall.posterous.com/

Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five Spectrum Awards categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum. New for this year, Platinum Honors adds three new categories: Platinum Honors Innovation – Bridal Wear under $2,500, Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors

Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs: Platinum "Triad" ring featuring a 6.34 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white Diamonds (1.03 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Honors

Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers: Platinum ring featuring a 1.37 ct. round blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.46 ctw.) and blue Sapphires (.28 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones: Platinum "Wave" pendant featuring a 2.18 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (3.72 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Ron Lodholz, Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery: Platinum ring with a 1.41 ct. Aquamarine, Diamond Accent (.06 ctw.).

Classical - Platinum Honors

Christopher Olson, Molina Fine Jewelers: Platinum "Temple of the Sacred Heart" ring featuring a 10.05 ct. oval untreated Ruby accented with white Diamonds (7.18 ctw.) and Rubies (.22 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors (see photo above)

Ralph Wobito, Zultanite Gems, LLC: Platinum earrings featuring Zultanite (Diaspore) briolettes (25.15 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (0.95 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

Alan Friedman, Alan Friedman: Platinum ring with a cushion-cut purple Spinel (6.62 ct.).

...and the big one:

Best Use of Platinum and Color:

Judy Evans, Omi Gems, Inc.

Platinum "Princess of Ratnapura" bracelet featuring nine round Sapphires (14.0 ctw.) and round Diamonds (8.48 ctw.)