With 100 more submissions than last year, the 2023 American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards made it clear that the decades-old competition was as popular as ever. The Spectrum Awards first took place in 1984, followed by Cutting Edge in 1992. From the get-go, the competition was renowned for its well-respected judges and stringent criteria, and it has always attracted the cream of the fine-jewelry crop.
This year continued that tradition, and the myriad one-of-a-kind designs captivated the judges, according to AGTA CEO John Ford. “The color green was a trend, and the judges did a fantastic job, especially given the increase in the number of pieces entered.”
The adjudicators were Allan Koo of New York-based A. Koo & Co.; Brent Malgarin of Elegant Gems in Edmonds, Washington; Christina Gandia Gambale from Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York; Lika Behar of New Jersey-based Lika Behar Jewelry; and C. Clayton Bromberg from Underwood’s Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida. They made their decisions over the last weekend in October, choosing winners based on craftsmanship, creativity, originality and quality.
Here are some of the highlights.
Best of Show: Cutting Edge
CAPTION UNDERNEATH IMAGE: Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp. A suite of four oval-shaped Paraiba-type tourmalines from Mozambique, totaling 31.01 carats. Also won first place in Pairs and Suites, and Best of Single Entries.
Best of Show: Spectrum
CAPTION UNDERNEATH IMAGE: Ring in platinum by Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé. Featuring a 15.22-carat black opal with 1.56 carats of diamonds, 0.72 carats of tourmaline, and 0.40 carats of tsavorite garnets. Also won first place for Evening Wear.
First Place: Bridal
CAPTION UNDERNEATH IMAGE: Platinum Fantasia ring by Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry.
Features a 12.24-carat aquamarine, 1 carat of diamond accents, and akoya pearls. Also won Best Use of Platinum Crown.
Gem Diva: Classical
CAPTION UNDERNEATH IMAGE: Birds Eye View ring by Fannie Thomas of Fannie Thomas Jewelry. Features a bird-shaped cultured Tahitian baroque pearl in 22-karat yellow gold. Also won Best Use of Pearls and third place in Classical.
Editor’s Choice: Spectrum
CAPTION UNDERNEATH IMAGE: Pendulum/I Spy pendant necklace by Ai Van Pham of Gem & Gold Creations. Features a fantasy-cut, 13.88-carat pink tourmaline, 14-karat yellow gold, black jade and opal inlay.
Editor’s Choice: Cutting Edge
CAPTION UNDERNEATH IMAGE: Bryan Lichtenstein of 3090 Gems. An emerald-cut, 12.85-carat, untreated bicolor blue and green zoisite. Also received an honorable mention in the All Other Cut Gemstones category.
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This article is from the November-December 2023 issue of Rapaport Magazine. View other articles here.
