#JWLV #WordlessWednesday Watching Boaz Kashi

• 
  
  The studio and shop are located in a beautiful corner of Neve Tzedek neighborhood ,Tel-Aviv, inviting in a wide range of clientele from tourists to Israelis , young and elder, women and men, who can shop and admire the designer collections
  aside pieces of art, antiques and vintage jewelry.
  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/BVwxxIiBxAt
  Facebook:   http://facebook.com/bkashijewelry
  Website:      http://www.BoazKashi.com

The Organic Feel of this new Bereshit Collection is Enchanting and by far my favorite - but I love the Wire Collection also!!!

IT'S SPRING IN BOSTON WITH THE LAUNCH OF FABERGÉ'S LATEST EGG

from News released on Faberge.com

IT'S SPRING IN BOSTON WITH THE LAUNCH 

OF FABERGÉ'S LATEST EGG

Fabergé, the world’s most iconic artist jeweler, brings its high and fine jewelry including the Imperial and much-loved Heritage collections to Dorfman, Boston from October 2015.

Shoppers were stunned and surprised a week ago, when an armored car dropped off a #NEW Fabergé egg Wednesday morning.  The first in 99 years, the Spring Egg is one of a collection of four new Imperial-class Eggs called the Four Seasons, the collection can be had for a mere $2.96 million. 

#NEW Fabergé egg at Dorfman's in Boston jewel via CBS Boston.

Spring is made up of 138.36 karats of emeralds, 36 princess cut Paraiba tourmalines, and 5,638 round white diamonds, set in 18 karat rose and white gold.

According to an in depth article by Logan Sachon at JCK:  “Part of the mission of the company is to create Fabergé again as it was in the early 1900s, having that level of prestige,” Jon Omer,U.S. vice president in charge of wholesale for Fabergé tells JCK.“When Gemfields bought the brand, we say our project was to rescue it from a black hole, to re-create everything: image, design, marketing. And one of the last parts has been to begin creating the Imperial-class Eggs again.”

Fabergé was reintroduced as a prestige luxury brand, and the brand was realigned with the Fabergé family when Pallinghurst sold the majority of its stake to Gemfields in 2012.  It is a point of particular pride that members of the Fabergé family have endorsed the effort.

“Tatiana Fabergé and Sarah Fabergé, great granddaughters of Peter Carl Fabergé, are part of our board, they look at everything we are making and put their blessing on it, and when you purchase a piece from Fabergé, you receive a certificate of authenticity from the two sisters,” says Omer.

The first Imperial-class Egg under the new Fabergé regime was created in collaboration with, and purchased by, the pearl collector Hussain Al-Fardan and presented at Baselworld in February 2015. The Fabergé Pearl Egg featured 139 white pearls, 3,305 diamonds, carved rock crystal, and mother-of-pearl set on white and yellow gold. The “surprise” inside the egg, a hallmark of the original Fabergé Imperial Eggs, was a 12.17 ct. gray pearl. (In the Four Seasons collection, the buyers are invited to choose the surprise they want inside each egg, Omer says.)

“Once these eggs are sold, we will start on a new egg,” he says. “We will do what Carl did and produce a new egg each year.”

Each egg takes 25 artisans approximately one year to produce."

This teaser for one of the Four Seasons Eggs was published by the Jewellery Editor
What do you think? ...they changed their minds and decided on Green for Spring?
(Ruby egg, which when opened reveals a mechanically powered presentation podium)

With a history bridging three centuries and the richest of operatic narratives, intricately woven with romance, intrigue, opulence and the fall of an empire, Fabergé perfectly understands the importance of history, heritage, legend and legacy. Each Fabergé object today, an enduring heirloom, marks a moment in time that will last for generations to come.

Sean Gilbertson, Fabergé’s CEO, said:
“We are delighted to see Fabergé landing in Massachusetts’ capital. Boston played such an important part in the nation’s founding and with revolutions in both our histories we have something in common. We are excited to begin this new chapter in the USA. For nearly four decades, the Dorfman family has presided the premises at 24 Newbury Street. With Jonathan and Douglas, still overseeing the family’s salon, much like the original Fabergé brothers did, we are sure their local and international clientele will welcome Fabergé’s unique fusion of exceptional workmanship and design with beautiful gemstones.”

DORFMAN
24 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
+1 617 536 2022

For more information, visit: www.dorfmanjewelers.com
Fabergé collections are available online or in the international boutiques.

#JWLV JCK's Evening of Design Honors Top Retailers and Exhibitors

JCK's Evening of Design Honors Top Retailers and Exhibitors

Event Features NEW Design Center Editor's Choice Awards

JCK Events announced the Design Center's Top 50 Retailers and named the recipient of the new Design Center Editor's Choice award in a fittingly titled ceremony on Friday in Las Vegas. The Evening of Design event drew supporters of the Design Center, which features up and coming and established jewelry artisans, design retailers and fashion-forward consumer and trade media. Held at JCK's exclusive Wine(d) Down bar, Evening of Design began with an address from Lars Parker-Myers, JCK's Manager of Strategic Accounts, and went on to name the Top 50 Designer Retailers. Parker-Myers, in introducing the program, said "these are the retailers who support this area of the market-the unique, the innovative, the exceptionally well crafted-like no other." The winner of the 2015 Top 50 Designer Retailer Award went to Gallery of Jewels from San Francisco, CA.

The Top 10 of the 50 retailers, who were called to the stage for recognition, include: G. Thrapp from Indianapolis, IN, Greenwich Jewelers from New York, NY, Jewels That Dance from Asheville, NC, I. Gorman Jewelers from Washington, DC, Charde Jewelers from Houston, TX, Aaron Faber Gallery from New York, NY, Cursive from Brooklyn, NY, The Clay Pot from Brooklyn, NY, and last year's winner, Z Folio Gallery from Solvang, CA. View the full top 50 list here. To close out the evening, W Magazine's Claudia Mata took the stage to announce the winner of the Design Center Editor's Choice Award, a first time endeavor for JCK. The award recognized a designer who breaks the boundaries of innovation and originality, while combining new trends and classic ideas, celebrates imagination, and excels at craftsmanship. Votes were cast over the course of two days after editors viewed the top three finalists which included: Arya Esha, Anita Sondore, and Marcia Budet. Top honor went to Marcia Budet. "Winning the first annual Editor's Choice Award means the world to me. This is my first big show and, as a JCK Rising Star, it feels incredible that my point of view as a designer is being acknowledged. I will never forget how special this felt." said Marcia Budet.

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About JCK: JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education, and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing, or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK Magazine - the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visitjckonline.com.

#DesignerSpotlight Introducing E. Shaw Jewels #DailyJewel

Recently...on the opposite end of the country there was a Press Preview 

for E. Shaw Jewels...I just wanted to make sure that my DJ readers are informed

even though it is a bit of a trek to get to events in NYC!

E.Shaw Jewels. Designed by mother-daughter duo, Eva and Elizabeth Shaw, is precious gemstone, one-of-a-kind jewelry handcrafted in New York City. 

Eva and Elizabeth create thoughtful, precious and uniquely meaningful jewelry designs steeped in the tradition of adornment. 

E.Shaw Jewels has a variety of gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings in elegant and modern styles sold at their boutique in Soho (107 Sullivan Street) and online at www.eshawjewels.com. 

Their "lifestyle" shots are fabulous and will appeal to so many working women....

One of my FAVORITES....this bracelet from their Bridal Collection. 

The PERFECT Gift to the Bride on her Wedding Day 

Sapphire & Pearls with a Cameo - handknotted on silk

...and you can assure that she remembers her "Something Blue"!

#DailyJewel - My #LatestObsession - Lauren Harper!

Lauren Harper travels to the corners of the earth to find gemstones of perfect color and distinctiveness. Stones from exotic destinations like Namibia, Botswana, Laos, South Africa, Cambodia, Thailand & India give each piece in the collection a unique sensibility, and a one of a kind story. Harper uses warm 18kt yellow gold blends and studs them with brightly colored, always changing combinations of precious gemstones such as Moonstones, Peruvian Opals, Black Diamonds, Thai Sapphires, and of course, brilliant white Diamonds. She finds her inspiration by blending the individual characteristics of each stone with the art, architecture and culture of the places she visits. From ancient Egyptian and Byzantine designs, to Khmer ruins, her muse is the world at large. For more information, please visit www.laurenharperdesigns.com

#JWLV - #LUXURY - A Walk Through The Elite Enclave...

The Elite Enclave is a curated group of recognized designers and companies that are housed in the most romantic setting.  Each year the room has a new theme - this year it is the "Year of the Horse" and it is resplendent in black & red lacquer with a Horse feature and Chinese symbols...

Andreoli  Booth # LUXEE2

Detail for Andreoli  Booth# LUXEE2

Stroili Italian Jewels  Booth LUXEE1

Hulchi Belluni  Booth# LUXEE11

V-TSE    Booth# LUXEE13

CASSIS  Booth# LUXEE6

CASSIS  Booth#  LUXEE6

LUXE INTELLIGENCE   Booth # LUXEE3   

Italian Design  Booth#  LUXEE10

                                  Detail for Italian Design  Booth#  LUXEE10

Lori & Loris Paris   Booth#  LUXEE14

TAKAT   Booth# LUXEE7

TAKAT   Booth# LUXEE7

TAKAT   Booth# LUXEE7

All of that luxury amid the lush Orient of "The Year of the Horse"

CELEBRITIES VISITED STYLELAB’S SUITE - BORROW MILLIONS IN JEWELRY FOR THE RED CARPET

CELEBRITIES VISITED STYLELAB’S SUITE DURING ACADEMY AWARDS WEEK TO BORROW MILLIONS IN JEWELRY FOR THE RED CARPET

Style Expert Michael O’Connor Curated a Collection of the Most Exclusive Baubles

Los Angeles, CA (March 2, 2014) – This past week, celebrities including Ashley Fink (“Glee”), Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Stefanie Scott (“A.N.T.”), Christine Bently (“Ballers”), Dot Marie Jones (“Glee”), Melisa Wallack (Oscar nominee Writing Original Screenplay “Dallas Buyer’s Club”), Kristine Belson (Oscar nominee Animated Feature Film “The Croods”), Robin Mathews (Oscar nominee Best Makeup “Dallas Buyer’s Club”), Adruitha Lee (Oscar nominee Best Hair Styling “Dallas Buyer’s Club”), Alan Baumgarten (Oscar nominee Film Editing “American Hustle”), Chris Munro (Double Oscar nominee Sound Mixing “Gravity” and “Captain Phillips”), Peter del Vecho (Oscar nominee Producer Best Animated Feature Film “Frozen”), Maitland Ward (“Girl Meets World”), Kate Linder (“The Young & the Restless”), Nick Eversman (“Get on Up”), model Carissa Rosario, James Anderson (Chicago Bears), and others as well as top wardrobe stylists/costume designers, got a coveted appointment at StyleLab’s Jewelry Suite taking place during Academy Awards Week. Guests had the opportunity to borrow from over $30 million worth of jewelry for the Academy Awards and related parties.

Michael O’Connor, leading style expert and television personality, curated a selection of baubles from world-renowned brands such as Farah Khan, Kallati™, Mastoloni, Takat, The American Gem Trade Association, the Diamonds with a Story^TM collection, the Fashion of Diamonds collection, The Leo Diamond collection by Leo Schachter, and Uneek, among others.

Here’s the scoop on what celebrities and their stylists were eyeing for the Academy Awards, and surrounding red carpet parties.

Joan Rivers’ stylist Cary Fetman, gravitated towards a necklace from Farah Khan, priced at $63,977. It’s comprised of golden beryl, emerald and diamonds, at a total carat weight of over 171-carats.

Amma Asante couldn't wait to try on the “Drop Wave” earrings from Kallati, priced at $24,999. This beautiful design contains 4.25-carats of pave set brilliant white diamonds.

Gayle Ridley, wife of Oscar nominee John Ridley (Best Original Screenplay“12 Years a Slave”) stacked the “Bamboo” and “Fluted” cuffs by Mastoloni, priced at $11,000 and $19,400 respectively. They featured Tahitian pearls and brilliant cut white diamonds.

Christine Bently favored the fancy color diamond earrings from Takat, priced at $17,708. These spectacular earrings include over 12-carats of diamonds.

Melisa Wallack was a big fan of the earrings from Howard Donsky for the American Gem Trade Association. These stunning earrings feature two pear-shaped tanzanite slabs, emerald slabs, moonstones, and diamonds, at a total carat weight of over 64 carats.

Stefanie Scott was excited to wear a pair of glamorous two-tone drop earrings from the Diamonds with a Story™ collection featuring champagne and white diamonds, priced at $4,999. The trend-setting collection features diamonds ranging in shades from light champagne, to dark cognac natural color diamonds. All pieces are ethically and sustainably mined.

Maitland Ward was excited to wear the draped necklace by Fei Liu, crafted by Y&M Jewelry, for the Fashion of Diamonds collection, priced at $85,456. The collection includes one-of-a-kind pieces created by China’s top jewelry designers and manufacturers, using Argyle diamonds from Australia.

Robin Mathews was drawn to the diamond earrings from The Leo Diamond collection by Leo Schachter, priced at $350,000. These classic drop earrings contain a total diamond weight of 12-carats. They were handcrafted to be visibly brighter and make a dramatic statement.

Carissa Rosari admired the sparkling diamond cuff from Uneek, priced at $88,200. This gorgeous design contains 882 round diamonds, totaling 25-carats.

StyleLab's Golden Globes Suite Big Success Millions in Jewelry to Grace the Red Carpet!

CELEBRITIES VISITED STYLELAB’S SUITE DURING GOLDEN GLOBES WEEK TO BORROW MILLIONS IN JEWELRY FOR THE RED CARPET

Style Expert Michael O’Connor Curated a Collection of the Most Exclusive Baubles

This past week, celebrities including Betsy Brandt (“Breaking Bad”), Garcelle Beauvais (“Web Therapy”), Sherri Saum (“The Fosters”), Sandrine Holt (“House of Cards”), Ambyr Childers (“Ray Donovan”), Mollee Gray (“Teen Beach Movie”), Angela Kinsey (“The Office”), Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Kate Linder (“The Young & the Restless”) and others as well as top wardrobe stylists/costume designers, got a coveted appointment at StyleLab’s Jewelry Suite taking place during Golden Globes Week. Guests had the opportunity to borrow from over $30 million worth of jewelry for the Golden Globe Awards and related parties.

Michael O’Connor, leading style expert and television personality, curated a selection of baubles from world-renowned brands such as Dena Kemp, Diamonds With A Story™   Nature’s Beauty Collection of Sustainable Jewelry, Farah Khan, Fei Liu, Jewelry by Gail, Just Jules, Kallati™, Paula Crevoshay, and Takat, among others.

Here’s the scoop on what celebrities and their stylists were eyeing for the Golden Globe Awards, and surrounding red carpet parties.

Sherri Saum was a big fan of a bracelet from Dena Kemp featuring over 100 carats of diamonds and colored gemstones.

Angela Kinsey gravitated towards a two-tone bangle and ring from the Diamonds With A Story™ “Nature’s Beauty Collection of Sustainable Jewelry”. The collection is made of gold from the Kennecott Utah Copper mine in the US, with white and rare champagne diamonds from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia, also sustainably and ethically mined.

Betsy Brandt couldn’t wait to try on a pair of dangling earrings from Farah Khan with over 19 carats of diamonds, priced at $43,857. She also obsessed over the clover pendant from Kallati^™, which includes 4 carats of pave set brilliant white diamonds, priced at $15,000.

Garcelle Beauvais looked stunning in a pair of amethyst, pink sapphire, and diamond earrings from Fei Liu, priced at $12,000. These earrings are a fabulous way to wear the Pantone Color of the Year – “Radiant Orchid”.

Sandrine Holt loved the 5.5 carat diamond ring with perfectly matched rose-cut diamonds from Just Jules, priced at $6,820.

The “Floral Gem Garden” earrings from Jewelry by Gail captivated Ambyr Childers. Priced at $10,500, these earrings feature over 10 carats of Madeira citrine and diamonds. Ambyr was also drawn to a pair of earrings from Paula Crevoshay with over 21 carats of emeralds and diamonds, priced at $58,500.

Emerald was also the gemstone favored by Kate Flannery. She couldn’t take her eyes off a ring from Takat featuring a 13.05 carat emerald center surrounded by diamonds, priced at $87,053.

Post by Takat Gems.

 

Hollywood’s biggest stars selected many other designs featured in StyleLab’s Jewelry Suite for the Golden Globes and parties. Final jewelry confirmations will be disclosed following the red carpet on Sunday.

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.