Key takeaways
• The 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards experienced a 21% increase in total competition entries from last year.
• Best of Show honors went to Lezlie Slavens (Spectrum) for a Medusa-carved Paraiba Tourmaline pendant and Allen Kleiman (Cutting Edge) for a suite of 11 rainbow cabochon Moonstones.
• Highlights included a 33% rise in finished jewelry entries by female designers and 16% participation from first-time entrants.
(DALLAS) – The American Gem Trade Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. This year’s competition saw a 21% increase in entries from last year.
Top: “Can’t Look Away” pendant in platinum featuring a 101.34 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline carved in the motif of Medusa accented by Diamonds (2.32 ctw.) and Tourmalines, on a platinum and Diamond necklace (27.21 ctw.), Best of Show, Spectrum; Lezlie Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry, in collaboration with Craig Slavens, Nancy Rice, David Palazyan, Arsen Melkumyan, and Garo Missaelin. Bottom: a suite of 11 rainbow cabochon Moonstones (90.12 ctw.), Best of Show, Cutting Edge; Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. Photo: Jeff Mason Photography
AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. thanked this year’s entrants, sponsors, and judges. “This substantial increase in participation is evidence of the growing popularity of natural colored gemstones,” he said. “The enthusiasm for the Awards signals strong momentum for colored gems in the marketplace, a positive development for the industry as a whole.”
Bruce Bridges, President of the AGTA Board of Directors and President of Bridges Tsavorite, also thanked everyone who took part in the competition.
“I believe this is one of the most extraordinary collections of submissions in the history of the Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards,” Bridges said. “With approximately 400 exceptional entries and remarkably close scores, this year’s competition represented an unparalleled level of artistry, innovation and excellence.”
Bridges also congratulated the winners: “Each of you should take immense pride in this achievement, knowing that you have earned one of the jewelry industry’s most prestigious and sought-after honors.”
The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards took place at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star, which once again served as a sponsor.
Industry leaders Stuller, Inc., Platinum Guild International, and Allan Norville and family (Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards) also served as sponsors.
“This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards winners show just how exciting colored gemstones can be,” said Jon Gad, Spectrum Committee Chairman. “Colored stones are more popular than ever, and as Chair, I was especially pleased to see so many new entrants this year. Thank you to everyone who entered and gave us the chance to recognize the talent and hard work behind these pieces.”
Best of Show Winners
Best of Show – Cutting Edge
Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – Suite of 11 rainbow cabochon Moonstones (90.12 ctw.)
Best of Show – Spectrum
Lezlie Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry, in collaboration with Craig Slavens, Nancy Rice, David Palazyan, Arsen Melkumyan, and Garo Missaelin – “Can’t Look Away” pendant showcasing a 101.34 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline carved in the motif of Medusa accented by Diamonds (2.32 ctw.) and Tourmalines, on a platinum and Diamond necklace (27.21 ctw.), and illuminated by a magnet-activated LED light source.
See the full list of 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Award winners below.
Key Trends and Stats
In addition to a 21% increase in entries overall, finished jewelry entries submitted by female jewelry designers rose 33%, and 16% of all entries came from first-time participants. Eight of these first-time participants went on to receive AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Award recognitions in various categories, including 1st Place wins in the Engagement Rings and Cutting Edge Phenomenal Gemstones categories.
The competition’s standout trends include:
Something Blue
At this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, blue hues were the leading color story, with submissions highlighting extraordinary examples of stones such as Apatite, Aquamarine, Azurite, blue Topaz, Chalcedony, Sapphire, Spinel, Turquoise, Zircons, and more. The trend also crossed over into the blue-green zone, with a strong showing of Paraiba and indicolite Tourmalines.
Mixed Not Matched
Many entries combined unexpected colors and gem types in a single piece. One necklace, for example, incorporated Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Heliodor, Kunzite, Scapolite, Sphene, Spinel, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, and Diamonds. Some pieces played with contrast, such as a ring centering a Chalcedony with orange-pink Spinel accent stones or a pair of earrings combining Pearls, Topaz, rubellite Tourmalines, and Sapphires.
Endless Love
Romantic reds were reflected in a vibrant array of Rubies, Spinels, rhodolite Garnets, rubellite Tourmalines, and Rhodochrosite. Together, these gems evoked love and passion, with several submissions earning recognition in the new Stuller Color of the Year category for their exceptional interpretations of “Signature Red.”
The Judges
Judges this year included Jerry Raine, Turgeon Raine Jewelers; John Bachman, John M. Bachman, Inc.; Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs; John Bradshaw, John J. Bradshaw; and Zoltan David, Zoltan David.
Lauren Stuller and Charles Evans served as judges for the Stuller Color of the Year Award, a new category recognizing exceptional interpretations of “Signature Red,” Stuller’s designated color for 2026.
Jenny Luker, President of Platinum Guild International, served as the judge for the Platinum Honors Awards, given to one winner in each of the seven Spectrum categories as well as Best Use of Platinum and Color and Best Use of Platinum Crown.
This year marks the third time that winners were named in the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards (ANW), sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family, with Michelle Spector, Ben Norville, and Reena Norville serving as the category’s judges. ANW honors were given to one female entrant in each of the seven Spectrum categories, and all women who enter the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards are eligible.
Click here for more information about the judges.
Many of the winning pieces will be on display during the 2027 AGTA GemFair Tucson, Jan. 31–Feb. 4. The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Gala will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2027, in the Tucson Convention Center.
Professional images of all winners will be available soon. Kindly contact Alex Canas, AGTA Marketing Manager, at Alex@agta.org for assistance.
Photo credit: Jeff Mason Photography
Winners of the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards
Best of Single Entries, Spectrum
Alishan Halebian, Alishan – 18K yellow, rose/pink gold, & oxidized sterling silver “Nature’s Whisper” cuff featuring oval and pear-shaped pink Sapphire (2.64 ctw.) accented by Sapphire (0.55 ctw.), tsavorite Garnet (0.34 ctw.), Ruby (0.19 ctw.), and Diamond (1.38 ctw.)
Best of Single Entries, Cutting Edge
Stephen M. Avery, Stephen M. Avery – “Museum Series Portrait #7” suite of four minty Peridots (12.61 ctw.) and a 3.21 ct. pink Sapphire
Best Use of Color
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry – Titanium & 18K white gold “Trumpetta” earrings featuring green custom-cut tourmalines (67.00 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.11 ctw.)
Best Use of Pearls
Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – 18K white gold “Baabara” necklace featuring white Pearls accented by a 0.04 ct. pink Sapphire, Diamonds (1.71 ctw.), and tsavorite Garnets (0.13 ctw.)
Fashion Forward
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry – Titanium “The Flame Skimmer” brooch featuring a suite of six different Garnets (12.16 ctw.) accented by Diamonds
Editors’ Choice, Spectrum
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry – Titanium & 18K white gold “Trumpetta” earrings featuring green custom-cut tourmalines (67.00 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.11 ctw.)
Editors’ Choice, Cutting Edge
Ann Barker, Barker & Co. – “A Kaleidoscope of Cuprian” suite of multicolor Mozambique Paraiba and cuprian Tourmalines (98.61 ctw.)
AGTA Spectrum Division
Bridal Wear
- 1st Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum ring featuring a 5.32 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Tourmaline (1.05 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.69 ctw.)
- 2nd Place: Valaree Wahler, Elyzian Fine Jewelry – 18K yellow gold “Rose Aurea” ring featuring a 16mm cultured saltwater Pearl accented by Diamonds (2.73 ctw.) and Sapphires (14.71 ctw.)
- 3rd Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “JuneStones for June Brides” necklace featuring a 27.02 ct. blue sheen oval Moonstone accented by a 7.95 ct. natural conch Pearl, Alexandrites (3.23 ctw.), and Diamonds (10.36 ctw.)
Business/Day Wear
- 1st Place: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry – Titanium & 18K white gold “Trumpetta” earrings featuring green custom-cut tourmalines (67.00 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.11 ctw.)
- 2nd Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “Turquoise Charm” ring featuring an 8.71 ct. freeform sugarloaf Turquoise accented by Diamonds (0.75 ctw.) and white ceramic
- 3rd Place: Alishan Halebian, Alishan – 18K yellow, rose/pink gold, & oxidized sterling silver “Nature’s Whisper” cuff featuring oval and pear-shaped pink Sapphire (2.64 ctw.) accented by Sapphire (0.55 ctw.), tsavorite Garnet (0.34 ctw.), Ruby (0.19 ctw.), and Diamond (1.38 ctw.)
- Honorable Mention: Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, in collaboration with Brad Weber – Platinum “Luminere de Paraiba” ring featuring a 2.84 ct. oval Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Tourmaline (0.69 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.63 ctw.)
Classical
- 1st Place: Lezlie Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry, in collaboration with Craig Slavens, Nancy Rice, David Palazyan, Arsen Melkumyan, and Garo Missaelin – “Can’t Look Away” pendant showcasing a 101.34 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline carved in the motif of Medusa, accented by Diamonds (2.32 ctw.) and Tourmalines, on a platinum and Diamond necklace (27.21 ctw.), and illuminated by a magnet-activated LED light source
- 2nd Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – 18K yellow gold & platinum “Neuvelle Moi et Toi Forever” ring featuring a 6.21 ct. unheated red Mahenge Spinel and a 3.06 ct. Diamond accented by Diamonds (1.32 ctw.)
- 3rd Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum ring featuring a 3.11 ct. oval cobalt Spinel accented by Diamonds (1.32 ctw.) and Hauyne (0.26 ctw.)
- Honorable Mention: Lauren Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, in collaboration with Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem, Tuggle Designs, Lauren & Matthew Tuggle (co-designers, goldsmith), Kyle Forgey & Leif Henry (contributing goldsmiths) – 18K yellow gold & platinum “Out of the Blue” ring with removable guard featuring a 10.91 ct. unheated cornflower blue octagonal step-cut sapphire from Madagascar accented by Diamonds (2.56 ctw.), Sapphires (2.74 ctw.), Rubies (0.87 ctw.), and Turquoise
- Honorable Mention: Harry Tutunjian, Somewhere In The Rainbow Gem & Jewelry Collection, in collaboration with Shelly Sergent – 18K white gold “Magnitude in Motion” ring featuring an indicolite Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (5.90 ctw.)
Engagement Rings
- 1st Place: Shelby Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems, in collaboration with 3090 Gems (rough supplier) – Platinum “Something New, Something Blue” ring featuring a 4.50 ct. blue emerald-cut zircon accented by Diamonds (0.26 ctw.)
- 2nd Place: Shelby Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems, in collaboration with 3090 Gems (rough supplier) – 18K yellow & white gold “Diana’s Envy” ring featuring a 4.92 ct. yellowish orange Ceylon Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.17 ctw.)
- 3rd Place: Underwood Design Team, Underwood’s Fine Jewelers – Platinum ring featuring a 3.66 ct. cushion-shaped sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.22 ctw.)
Evening Wear
- 1st Place: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum & 18K yellow gold “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet featuring Rubies (5.90 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.75 ctw.), and Emeralds (0.70 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (6.50 ctw.) and Onyx (0.75 ctw.)
- 2nd Place: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum & 18K yellow gold “Emerald Tide” bracelet featuring Emeralds (4.90 ctw.) accented by Sapphires (7.20 ctw.) and Diamonds (5.61 ctw.)
- 3rd Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. – Platinum necklace featuring a 10.86 ct. Lightning Ridge black Opal accented by tsavorite Garnet (8.80 ctw.), Hauyne (0.15 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.73 ctw.)
- Honorable Mention: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC, in collaboration with Dalan Hargrave (carver extraordinaire) – Platinum “Glorious Betta” brooch featuring a 42.38 ct. jelly Opal accented by Sapphires (1.51 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.50 ctw.), Apatites (0.77 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.01 ctw.)
- Honorable Mention: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum “Gone Fishing” brooch featuring a 20.39 ct. freeform Opal accented by a 1.10 ct. carved fish Ruby, Rubies (0.79 ctw.), Emeralds (0.31 ctw.), Sapphires (0.43 ctw.), and Diamonds (2.74 ctw.)
Evening Wear
- 1st Place: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – 18K white gold “Baabara” necklace featuring white Pearls accented by a 0.04 ct. pink Sapphire, Diamonds (1.71 ctw.), and tsavorite Garnets (0.13 ctw.)
- 2nd Place: Dennis deJonghe, DeJonghe Original Jewelry – 18K yellow gold, oxidized silver, & platinum “All the Buzz” pin featuring a black Pearl and a 1.75 ct. rainbow Moonstone accented by Alexandrites (0.07 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.0 ctw.)
- 3rd Place: Wolfgang Vaatz, Wolfgang Vaatz – 18K yellow & 14K white gold fused to sterling silver “Raindrops on Water Surface” cuff featuring blue Sapphires (2.24 ctw.)
- Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Wahler, Elyzian Fine Jewelry – 14K yellow gold “Pluma Noire” convertible feather earrings that transform into an articulated bracelet, featuring black Onyx (38.28 ctw.) accented by Emeralds (2.91 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.45 ctw.)
Men’s Wear
- 1st Place: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry – Titanium “The Flame Skimmer” brooch featuring a suite of six different Garnets (12.16 ctw.) accented by Diamonds
- 2nd Place: Jutta & Philipp Munsteiner, Munsteiner USA, LLC – Platinum “Metamorphosis” brooch/pin featuring a 16.84 ct. Tourmaline
- 3rd Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC, in collaboration with Cuprian & Co. – Platinum “Paraiba Jabot” pin featuring a 3.39 ct. blue Paraiba-type Tourmaline from Mozambique and a 4.87 ct. green oval Paraiba type Tourmaline from Mozambique accented by Alexandrites (1.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (5.47 ctw.)
- Honorable Mention: Richard B. Berberian, Elyse Fine Jewelers – Gemologist – 18K green, yellow, & white gold “Neptune” lapel pin featuring tsavorite Garnets (2.57 ctw.) accented by Tourmalines (0.40 ctw.), Sapphires (0.04 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)
AGTA Cutting Edge Division
All Other Cut Gemstones
- 1st Place: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s – 9.75 ct. natural cobalt blue oval Spinel from Vietnam
- 2nd Place: Rajeev Godha, Jaipur Trading Company, Inc. – 20.78 ct. natural mandarin Garnet
- 3rd Place: Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA – 20.83 ct. cushion-cut lagoon Tourmaline
- Honorable Mention: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – 40.24 ct. natural imperial pink oval Topaz
Carving
- 1st Place: Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems for Royal Touch Group – “Wings of Amazonia” carving featuring a pair of untreated bi/tricolor natural Paraiba Tourmalines (8.60 ctw.) from Brazil
- 2nd Place: Agostino Centobelli, Studio GL – “Beyond Value” carving featuring black nephrite Jade accented by Diamonds and Rubies set in 18K yellow gold
- 3rd Place: Gabi Klein, Somewhere In The Rainbow Gem & Jewelry Collection, in collaboration with Stephan Klein – “Barney of Borneo” carving featuring 2073.10 grams of Obsidian
- Honorable Mention: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with Aaron Sangenitto (lapidary artist) – “Tula” 77.45 ct. Sunstone
Classic Gemstones
- 1st Place: Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corporation – 41.05 ct. Unheated blue cushion-cut Ceylon Sapphire from Sri Lanka
- 2nd Place: Alan Afshin Hackman, Intercolor USA, in collaboration with David Hackman – 7.33 ct. Oval ruby from Madagascar
- 3rd Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – 21.20 ct. unheated yellow cushion-cut sapphire from Sri Lanka
- Honorable Mention: Oren Nhaissi, EMCO Gem, Inc., in collaboration with Yaron Nhaissi – 8.47 ct. elongated Emerald from Colombia
- Honorable Mention: Rajeev Godha, Jaipur Trading Company, Inc. – 11.99 ct. octagonal Ruby from Mozambique
Innovative Faceting
- 1st Place: Stephen M. Avery, Stephen M. Avery – “Museum Series Portrait #7” suite of four minty Peridots (12.61 ctw.) and a 3.21 ct. pink Sapphire
- 2nd Place: Christopher Wolfsberg, Christopher Wolfsberg – 11.83 ct. oval fantasy-cut emerald
- 3rd Place: Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs, in collaboration with Jeffrey Hapeman and Joshua Hyman – 34.23 ct. natural fantasy cut imperial Topaz
- Honorable Mention: Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars – 45.21 ct. blue oval Topaz
North American Mined Gemstones
- 1st Place: Ben Kho, Kho International, Ltd. – 12.5 ct. radiant square Rhodochrosite from Colorado
- 2nd Place: Tim Condron, Inoro Gems, in collaboration with Tourmaline King Mining Company – “King’s Cross” 37.31 ct. 18 mm pink Tourmaline from California
- 3rd Place: Ben Kho, Kho International, Ltd. – 32.35 ct. pentagon-shaped Fluorite from New Hampshire
- Honorable Mention: Jeffrey R. Hapeman, Earth’s Treasury, Inc. – 5.68 ct. mint green natural Sapphire from Montana
Objects of Art
- 1st Place: Everett Walker Redus, Everett Walker Jewels – Hand-forged Damascus steel & 18K yellow gold dagger featuring knapped rainbow Obsidian accented by a 17.23 ct. Sapphire, Jadeite, red Spinel eyes, and Sapphires
- 2nd Place: Ralph Wobito, Wobito Gems, Ltd., in collaboration with Rudi Wobito – 18K white & rose gold bottle featuring a 174.0 ct. Aquamarine accented by Diamonds (0.20 ctw.)
- 3rd Place: Philip Louer, Jr., North American Gem Carvers, LLC, in collaboration with Gil Roberts – 18K yellow gold “Genie in a Bottle” perfume bottle featuring chartreuse Quartz accented by a hand-carved Sunstone and a Sugilite bullet
- Honorable Mention: Nicolai Medvedev, Nicolai Medvedev, in collaboration with Susan Helmich (gold fabrication) – “Stella Maris (Star of the Sea)” intarsia box featuring golden Quartz, Turquoise, Sugilite, Ma-Sit-Sit, and dinosaur bone accented by 22K yellow gold, Tiger’s Eye, Diamonds, tsavorite Garnets, Benitoite, and red Beryl
Pairs & Suites
- 1st Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – Suite of 11 rainbow cabochon Moonstones (90.12 ctw.)
- 2nd Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – Suite of three unheated oval Rubies (13.28 ctw.) from Mozambique
- 3rd Place: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s – Suite of 16 emerald cut Aquamarines (343.15 ctw.)
Phenomenal Gemstones
- 1st Place: Keegan Reeves, International Gem Co., in collaboration with Chris Starnes and Jason Brim – 9.575 ct. Natural color-change cobalt cushion Spinel from Tanzania
- 2nd Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – 5.53 ct. cushion-cut Alexandrite from Sri Lanka
- 3rd Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. – 40.09 ct. unheated oval star Sapphire from Sri Lanka
- Honorable Mention: Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems – “Phenomenal Velvet” 20.40 ct. velvety color change Zircon
Stuller Color of the Year Award
Cutting Edge
Alan Afshin Hackman, Intercolor USA, in collaboration with David Hackman – 7.33 ct. oval Ruby from Madagascar
Spectrum
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – 18K yellow gold & platinum “Neuvelle Moi et Toi Forever” ring featuring a 6.21 ct. unheated red Mahenge Spinel and a 3.06 ct. Diamond accented by Diamonds (1.32 ctw.)
Spectrum Runner-Up
Cindy Zhang, Cindy Lu LLC – 18K white gold “Bleeding Heart, Not Broken” brooch featuring an 8.63 ct. heart-cut rubellite Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (2.80 ctw.)
Best Use of Platinum and Color
Roland Krainz, Krainz Creations – Platinum “Ambrosia” necklace featuring Opals accented by Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, and tsavorite Garnets (140.80 ctw.)
Best Use of Platinum Crown
Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Everest” ring featuring a 9.70 ct. cushion-cut Tanzanite accented by Diamonds (1.67 ctw.)
Platinum Honors
Bridal Wear: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “JuneStones for June Brides” necklace featuring a 27.02 ct. blue sheen oval Moonstone accented by a 7.95 ct. natural conch Pearl, Alexandrites (3.23 ctw.), and Diamonds (10.36 ctw.)
Business/Day Wear: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation – Platinum stretchable ring with titanium springs featuring a 5.42 ct. natural oval cabochon black Opal accented by Diamonds (5.15 ctw.) and Sapphires (3.28 ctw.)
Classical: Eve Streicker, Original Eve Designs, in collaboration with Rohan Agrawal (gemstones) – Platinum “Zellige” brooch featuring marquise-shaped Aquamarines (8.40 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (0.28 ctw.)
Engagement Rings: Underwood Design Team, Underwood’s Fine Jewelers – Platinum ring featuring a 3.66 ct. cushion-shaped sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.22 ctw.)
Evening Wear: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum & 18K yellow gold “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet featuring Rubies (5.90 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.75 ctw.), and Emeralds (0.70 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (6.50 ctw.) and Onyx (0.75 ctw.)
Innovative Design: Cari Goldman, Pieces by Cari, LLC, in collaboration with Alexsey Yarnikh (master jeweler) – Platinum “Love Spun” ring featuring marquise crystal Opals (2.24 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.0 ctw.)
Men’s Wear: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Siren’s Relic” ring featuring a 5.35 ct. emerald-cut Zoisite
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence
Bridal Wear: Valaree Wahler, Elyzian Fine Jewelry – 18K yellow gold “Rose Aurea” ring featuring a 16mm cultured saltwater Pearl accented by Diamonds (2.73 ctw.) and Sapphires (14.71 ctw.)
Business/Day Wear: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with Troy Richardson (lapidary artist) – 14K white gold “Rosette” ring featuring an 8.60 ct. pink Garnet accented by rhodolite Garnets (0.40 ctw.) and Diamonds (3.30 ctw.)
Classical: Vanessa Van Horssen, House of Vipera – Platinum “Noctura” ring featuring a 3.88 ct. untreated square cushion-cut Alexandrite from Brazil accented by Alexandrites (0.61 ctw.)
Engagement Rings: Limor Magidov, Jewelstar Group – 14K yellow gold “Touchstone Engagement Ring – Green Amethyst Lotus” featuring a 12 x 12 mm special-cut green Amethyst accented by Diamonds (1.0 ctw.)
Evening Wear: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with Dalan Hargrave (Citrine cutter) – 14K white gold “On Safari” pendant featuring a 120.35 ct. carved fantasy-cut citrine accented by Citrine (0.038 ct.) and tsavorite Garnet (0.040 ctw.)
Innovative Design: Brenda Smith, Brenda Smith Jewelry – 18K yellow gold “Something Blue” earrings featuring Azurites (30.0 ctw.) accented by Sapphires (0.98 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.42 ctw.)
Men’s Wear: Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, in collaboration with Brad Weber – 18K yellow gold & black rhodium “Xenomorph” lariat necklace featuring a 32.2 ct. blue sheen Moonstone accented by Sapphires (0.20 ctw.), Diamonds (0.14 ctw.), and Rubies (1.14 ctw.)
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Entries in the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards’ Spectrum division are judged on overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, gemstone quality, workmanship quality, broad consumer appeal, and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones and natural and cultured Pearls.
The Cutting Edge division honors excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and natural and cultured Pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.
The new Stuller Color of the Year Award, sponsored by Stuller, Inc., honors exceptional interpretations of Stuller’s Color of the Year within both the Spectrum and Cutting Edge divisions.
Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes the outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or natural and cultured Pearl jewelry in the Spectrum categories. PGI also awards Best Use of Platinum and Color and Best Use of Platinum Crown.
The Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award, sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family, grants awards to female entrants in the Spectrum categories. All women who enter the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards are eligible for this category.
For more information regarding the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, please contact Kimmie Petersen at 800-972-1162 or spectrum@agta.org. For further information regarding the 2027 AGTA GemFair Tucson or the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Gala, please call 800-972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org.
Media Contact:
Alex Canas, Alex@agta.org, 800-972-1162
