Color is one of the best ways to express your personality. Combine colored gemstones in unique jewelry designs and you’ve got a winner. That’s exactly what happened at the 32nd edition of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum AwardsTM competition, where colored gems were showcased in innovative designs. The judging for the competition took place in New York City, where Ronald W. Arends, Aires Jewelers; Stephen M. Avery, Stephen M. Avery, Inc.; Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design; Lauren Kulchinksy-Levison, Mayfair Rocks and Aron Suna, Suna Bros., gathered to evaluate the 492 entries. At the same time, the Cutting Edge Awards, which recognize excellence and creativity in lapidary work, were also being assessed. Once the winners were announced, the jewelry and gemstones were displayed during an editor’s event to promote colored gemstone jewelry to the media, stylists and other style influencers.

The Vibrant Legacy of Verdura and Its Charismatic Founder
The aristocratic designer left his mark on the jewelry world with his Maltese Cross masterpieces, Wrapped Heart brooches, and other signatures that are still in style at the New York maison.


