SilverMark - Designers of Distinction

SilverMark has just announced the roll out of a new category on their SavorSilver website. Previously they announced their Designers of Distinction Gallery that promotes the silver line of twenty fine jewelry designers.

The website now supports Designers of Distinction from Mexico featuring 10 designers...if you are thinking traditional silver and turquoise, you will be disappointed.

Innovative and stunningly unique use of silver like the pieces from the SavorSilver site will keep the silver jewelry market trending!

The following Advertisement ran in National Jeweler:

Silver Promotion Service News

The Silver Promotion Service (SPS) recently announced a significant expansion of its Savor Silver Web site, SavorSilver.com. The enhanced site, which went live on October 15th, now includes a new section, “Designers of Distinction” from Mexico. Working with the Silver Information Center of Penoles Industries, 10 highly regarded Mexican silver jewelry designers have been identified for inclusion. Representative selections of their innovative designs and their design philosophy may now be seen on the site. The second initiative reflects the introduction of “SilverMark Manufacturers.” The four inaugural participants are bastian from Germany, Gabriel from the United States, Metalsmith Sterling from Canada and Sun Jewels from India. Visitors to the expanded site will also now have the option to view both the above additions, as well as all prior content, in Spanish. We could not be happier about the way in which the online portion of the overall SPS program has developed. These enhancements represent both the first steps towards further expansion and refinement of the categories of jewelry featured and the increasingly international focus of the overall program. As we approach the holiday season, it is time for all to Savor Silver. Best regards, Michael C. Barlerin Director

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.)

Tent Not Necessary! Jewelry Camp at F.I.T.!!

Lots of fun and networking will be mixed with an educational opportunity for appraisers and jewelers, from the Welcome Dinner sponsored by Bonham & Butterfields to a star studded list of Lectures and Seminars...to include:

Harrice Miller - Internationally Recognized Author & Jewelry Historian

Michael S. Coan, G.G. - Chair of Jewelry Design at FIT

Michael Burstein - VP of NY Flagship Salon for Harry Winston

Reema Keswani - Founder, Golconda Jewelry

and President of the American Society of Jewelry Historians

...but it's not all about history - this year Cindy Edelstein of JRB

shows you how to bring Estate pieces to the public using Modern Methods.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from @JewelryBizGuru Jan 23rd!

How to Grow Your Business & Connections Using Social Media
Everyone is twittering but how do you make sure you don't sound like a twit?

They're all on Facebook but who should you friend? And "like"?

And more importantly, who will friend you? And why?

From Sandy Lewand for Jewelry Camp, an institution for almost 35 years, offers education to jewelry enthusiasts on estate and antique jewelry as well as classes on new and current styles.
This special one day program will bring together noted speakers lecturing on topics such as the firms of Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels as well as subjects pertaining to the history of fine and costume jewelry.
The estate and antique markets are the new trends in the industry. Knowledge of these periods will serve as a springboard to attract new clients. In these uncertain times, jewelry, whether it is antique and estate or current designs, is not only a an alternative to traditional investments but the older pieces are also a remembrance of times gone by and the superb workmanship of artisans who labored to make jewelry. Many of these jewels are available at reasonable prices.
Jewelry Camp offers not only information about periods and designers but it is also a time for networking. There will be instructors who will teach how to identify, price and market jewelry as well as classes for the beginner to the advanced student.
The new one day program at FIT is the beginning of our effort to provide educational information to the trade and public so as to promote this trend in the industry. There will be other one day programs featured in cities around the country.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE http://www.jewelrycamp.org
VISIT OUR BLOG http://www.jewelrycamp.blogspot.com

AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™ "Cutting Edge" Winners

If you read yesterday's report on the AGTA announcement of the Winners of the 2011 Spectrum Awards™, you know that the announcement included the "Cutting Edge" Awards.

Unfortunately photos of the winners haven't been released yet - so I didn't add it to my post. Seriously - what good is a list of winners if you can't see them....

I want to give a HUGE thank you to the awesome John Dyer - Gem Artist ! We have John's winning entries! ...the Object of Art entries were announced with the Jewelry Awards.

(BTW - if you are a cutter that won an award in 2011 free to submit photos to my email at robynahawk at yahoo dot com)

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, other gem materials and objects of art. Categories included: Open Category - Classic Gemstone Division, Open Category – All Other Faceted Gemstones Division, Open Category – Phenomenal Gemstones Division, Pairs & Suites, Faceting, Carving, Combination and Objects of Art.

The 2011 Cutting Edge Awards Winners

Classic Cut Gemstones:

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone - 1st Place

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.: 8.04 ct. pigeon blood Ruby.

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone -2nd Place

Sailesh Lakhi, Lakhi Impex, Inc.: 43.42 ct. cushion-shape, step-cut blue Sapphire.

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone - 3rd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.: 6.66 ct. cushion-cut pink Sapphire.

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone - Honorable Mention

Gonen Abrahami, ABC Gems: 4.93 ct. emerald-cut Emerald.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - 1st Place

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems: 9.59 ct. trillion-cut red Spinel.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - 2nd Place

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems: 32.58 ct. oval-shape tsavorite Garnet.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - 3rd Place

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 12.91 ct. princess-cut Rhodochrosite.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - Honorable Mention

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 15.28 ct. ct. oval-cut Imperial Topaz.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - Honorable Mention

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC: 49.24 ct. Asscher-cut Aquamarine.

Phenomenal Gemstones

A3 - Open Category Phenomenal - 1st Place

Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc.: 36.73 ct. Mexican fire Opal cabochon.

A3 - Open Category Phenomenal - 2nd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.: Pair of oval Alexandrites (3.25 ctw.).

A3 - Open Category Phenomenal – 3rd Place

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC: 15.0 ct. oval cat's eye Chrysoberyl.

Pairs & Suites

B - Pairs & Suites - 1st Place

Clay Zava, Zava Mastercuts: Suite of pastel Cuprian Tourmalines (127.40 ctw.).

B - Pairs & Suites - 2nd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.: 15-piece round blue Sapphire necklace layout (68.75 ctw.).

B - Pairs & Suites - 3rd Place

Hemant Phophaliya, AG Color, Inc.: Pair of pear-shaped cabochon Tanzanites (41.62 ctw.).

B - Pairs & Suites - Honorable Mention

Darrell Jang, Darrell Jang: Aspen-shaped leaves cut from a 15.09 ct. Peridot and a 11.15 ct.

Heliodor

Faceting

C – Faceting - 1st Place

(Shown Left)

Jeff L. White, J.L. White Fine Gemstones:

48.83 ct. square, cushion-cut Morganite.

C – Faceting - 2nd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 14.43 ct. cushion-cut pink Tourmaline.

C – Faceting - 3rd Place

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 13.78 ct. sunburst-cut Sphalerite.

C – Faceting - Honorable Mention

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 50.20 ct. kaleidoscope-cut Kunzite.

Carving

D – Carving - 1st Place

Joseph August Voss, Joseph August Voss: 220.30 ct. crystal Quartz carving.

D – Carving - 2nd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 62.64 ct. "Golden Reflections" Beryl.

D – Carving - 3rd Place

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs: Carved white Opal sculpture (149 grams).

Combination

E – Combination - 1st Place

Thomas Trozzo, Trozzo: 66.48 ct. square, dimple, concaved, scissor-cut Aquamarine.

E – Combination - 2nd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 50.92 ct. trillion custom-cut Morganite.

E – Combination - 3rd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 9.50 ct. Umbalite Garnet.

Objects of Art

F - Objects of Art - 1st Place

Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers: Kokeshi Princess featuring white Opal (83.98 ctw.), Basinite (36.29 ctw.), rubellite Tourmalines (2.91 ctw.) and Diamonds (.72 ctw.) with 18K white gold and platinum on a base of silver, brass and wood.

F - Objects of Art - 2nd Place and Best Use of Pearls

Llyn L. Strelau, Jewels by Design: Sculpture titled "Who Are You" featuring two-tone gold and silver with freshwater baroque Pearls, South Sea keshi Pearls, akoya seed Pearls, demantoid Garnets (.25 ctw.), .20 ct. Ruby and cognac Diamonds (.03 ctw.) on a crystal Quartz base (242 ctw.).

F - Objects of Art - 3rd Place

Tigran Lementsyan, Repair Restoration Center: "Dandelion" featuring Quartz and Diamonds (.36 ctw.) with silver, 18K yellow gold and gold-plated leaves.

F - Objects of Art - Honorable Mention

Darryl Alexander, Alexander's Jewelers: "Got Paint?"- opalized wood with a sterling frame in a black marble base. The paint is Sugalite, Mookite, Turquoise & Onyx, with Quartz dish & sterling tube with Coral. The brushes are Onyx, Agate, Hematite, Quartz and multiple woods.

AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™ Winners Announced!

The Spectrum Awards™ competition is a 27 year tradition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association.

In a conversation reported by Jennifer Heebner for JCK, AGTA President Doug Hucker said that the response this year was up from last year and there were 35 new artist submissions for the 2011 event. "Trends among entries this year included blackened metals, black diamonds, diamond slices, and fewer moonstones than last year. “The overall quality of entries was up, and pieces in the men’s division were also a lot nicer,” he told JCK."

The competition was held October 23-24, in New York, NY at a penthouse studio in

Greenwich Village.

Judges for the 2011 competition included Tanya Dukes of Elite Traveler magazine, Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich Jewelers, Glenn Lehrer of Lehrer Designs, Mallary Marks of Mallary Marks, Inc., and Robin Rotenier of Rotenier, Ltd.

The annual AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Media Day was held October 25 and featured all of the jewelry and gemstone submissions. Attendees included top fashion/accessory

editors from the trade and consumer press, stylists, and bloggers. Publications represented included Vogue, W, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Women’s Wear Daily, Marie Claire, Essence, Smart Money, and many more.

(The photo of the Editors Event yesterday is from Cindy Edelstein's brilliant blog! ...as usual Cindy was on the scene.)

The complete list of winners follows - for more photos keep an eye on my AFlyOnTheWall Posterous!

SPECTRUM AWARDS

BEST OF CATEGORY Winners:

Best of Show:

Todd Reed, Todd Reed, Inc.

Palladium cuff bracelet featuring a 22.40 ct. Aquamarine accented with grey Diamonds (6.90 ctw.) and white

Diamonds (2.20 ctw.)

Best Use of Color:

Martin Key, Martin Key Co.

22K yellow gold "Frame" ring featuring a 1.50 ct. blue Tourmaline accented with four Mexican fire Opal baguettes (1.82 ctw.)

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.)

Best Use of Pearls:

Llyn L. Strelau, Jewels by Design

Sculpture titled "Who Are You" featuring Two-Tone Gold and Silver with Freshwater Baroque Pearls, South Sea Keshi Pearls, Akoya Seed Pearls, Demantoid Garnets (.25 ctw.), .20 ct. Ruby and Cognac Diamonds (.03 ctw.) on a Crystal Quartz base (242 ctw.)

Fashion Forward:

Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers

18K white and yellow gold earrings featuring lemon Chrysoprase (22.0 ctw.) accented with Garnets (2.38 ctw.)

Editor’s Choice:

Katey Brunini, K. Brunini Jewels

18K rose gold and silver ring featuring white Opal accented with blue Sapphires (3.26 ctw.), Diamonds (.13 ctw.) and Rubies (.06 ctw.)

Bridal Wear:

Bridal Wear - 1st Place

Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc.: Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 5.55 ct. oval tsavorite Garnet accented with fancy yellow Diamonds (.71 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - 2nd Place

Guilherme Ferreira, Vielle Jewelers, LLC: 18K yellow gold, palladium and titanium ring featuring a 3.14 ct. yellow Tourmaline accented with fancy-colored Diamonds (.74 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - 3rd Place

Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry: Platinum ring featuring a 10.08 ct. cushion-cut Spinel accented with Diamond baguettes (1.09 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - Honorable Mention

Ryan Roberts, Ryan Roberts, Ltd.; 18K white gold ring featuring a 3.02 ct. pink diamond, white diamonds (29.5 ctw.) and pink and brown diamonds (24.5 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.)

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Neda Benham, Diamonds For A Cure: 18K rose gold ring with a 3.80 ct. emerald-shaped, rough-cut pink Diamond and round Diamonds (0.88 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear:

Business/Day Wear - 1st Place and Best of Show

Todd Reed, Todd Reed, Inc.: Palladium cuff bracelet featuring a 22.40 ct. Aquamarine accented with grey Diamonds (6.90 ctw.) and white Diamonds (2.20 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 2nd Place and Fashion Forward

Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers: 18K white and yellow gold earrings featuring lemon Chrysoprase (22.0 ctw.) accented with Garnets (2.38 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear - 3rd Place and Best Use of Color

Martin Key, Martin Key Co.: 22K yellow gold "Frame" ring featuring a 1.50 ct. blue Tourmaline accented with four Mexican fire Opal baguettes (1.82 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Honorable Mention

Eva Cheng, Elite Import: 18K rose gold pendant/brooch featuring a freeform rose Quartz set with a .70 ct. round Diamond and accented with 178 Diamonds (1.20 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 featuring a 1.41 ct. Aquamarine accented with Diamonds (.06 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Alan Friedman, Alan Friedman: 14K white and rose gold ring featuring a 12.59 ct. emerald-cut Aquamarine.

Classical:

Classical - 1st Place

Samuel Getz, Samuel Getz Designs: Platinum and 18K yellow gold necklace featuring yellow Sapphires (68.77 ctw.), blue Sapphires (24.34 ctw.), red Spinels (24.20 ctw.) and Diamonds (22.38 ctw.).

Classical - 2nd Place

Sean Ryan, Schmitt Jewelers: 18K white and rose gold "Just Peachy" ring featuring a 4.50 ct. oval padparadscha Sapphire accented with white micropave Diamonds (1.13 ctw.).

Classical - 3rd Place

Patricia Van Wagoner, Beija Flor: 22K yellow gold necklace featuring a 17.17 ct. Rhodochrosite briolette and a 3.58 ct. Rhodochrosite kite accented with Paraiba Tourmalines (.45 ctw.).

Classical - Honorable Mention

Frederic Sage, Frederic Sage: 18K white gold "Modern Deco" cufflinks featuring seafoam green

Tourmalines (4.48 ctw.) and Diamonds (.56 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.).

Classical - Manufacturing Honors

Christopher Duquet, Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry Design : 14K white gold ring featuring a 12.5mm South Sea black Pearl.

Evening Wear:

Evening Wear - 1st Place

Cynthia Renee Zava, Cynthia Renee, Inc.: Palladium necklace featuring a suite of green Tourmalines (75.89 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 2nd Place

Evelyn Clothier, Evelyn Clothier Jewelry: 18K yellow gold earrings featuring Aquamarine briolettes (50.95 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (9.29 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 3rd Place

Samuel Getz, Samuel Getz Designs: 18K white gold ring featuring a 43.05 ct. spherical black Opal accented with tsavorite Garnets (2.70 ctw.), blue Sapphires (2.51 ctw.), Iolites (1.53 ctw.), Paraiba Tourmalines (.71 ctw.) and Diamonds (.63 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Honorable Mention

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney: 18K yellow gold earrings featuring Tanzanites (77.99 ctw.) and Diamonds (3.38 ctw.).

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.).

Evening Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Laura Jackowski-Dickson, LJD Designs: 18K white gold cuff featuring two South Sea cultured Pearls (14.8mm and 11.3mm) and four freshwater pink cultured Pearls accented with Diamonds.

Men's Wear:

Men's Wear - 1st Place

Mark Lauer, Mark Michael Designs: 18K yellow gold cufflinks featuring Jasper Agate and Lapis Lazuli composite accented with 2mm spessartite Garnets and Sapphires.

Men's Wear – 2nd Place

Eddie Sakamoto, Schmitt Jewelers: Platinum "Suspense" ring featuring a 14.49 ct. blue star Sapphire accented with Diamond baguettes (3.60 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 3rd Place

Ron Lodholz, Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery: 18K yellow and rose gold cufflinks featuring cone-cut Garnets (10.96 ctw.) with platinum suspensions.

Men's Wear - Honorable Mention

Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry: 22K yellow gold ring featuring an 8.01 ct. purple star Sapphire cabochon.

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

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

Men's Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Oliver Smith, Oliver Smith Jeweler: Sterling silver and rose gold ring featuring Madagascar Ocean Jasper.

...the "Cutting Edge Awards" were also announced - I will be posting as soon as I get my photos together.