Colored Stones Steal Spotlight at AGTA Awards

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, including artists who took multiple awards.  

Spectrum: Best of Show and First Place in Evening Wear

Cutting Edge: Best of Show, Best of Single Entries, and First Place in Pairs & Suites

Best Use of Pearls, Gem DIVA, and Third Place in Classical

First Place in Bridal Wear, and Best Use of Platinum Crown

Best Use of Color, and Platinum Innovation: Classical

Editor’s Choice: Spectrum

Editor’s Choice: Cutting Edge

Main image: The Niveet Nagpal platinum ring featuring a 15.22-carat black opal. (AGTA)