2024 Competition Judges
The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards is considered the finest jewelry and gemstone competition in the world. The judging panel changes each year and consists of experts from different disciplines within the jewelry industry. Entries are judged on a solid criterion which includes overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad-base consumer appeal and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones. Each piece is examined by hand with an eye for craftsmanship and quality of the materials used.
Jean Francois Bibet | Retailer Judge
Jean Francois Bibet, a native of France, embarked on his journey in the jewelry manufacturing field in 1989 as an apprentice. With a strong foundation in manufacturing High Jewelry, stone setting, design, CAD, and management, Jean Francois honed his craft in the rich traditions of French jewelry making.
In 2001, he moved to the United States, bringing his expertise to a new market. By 2004, Jean Francois joined the esteemed Richemont group at Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA), where he further developed his skills and industry knowledge.
In 2008, he transitioned to Cartier, where he took on the role of Directing the NY jewelry workshop for after-sales service and production. His extensive experience and dedication have made him a key figure in maintaining the high standards of Cartier’s renowned craftsmanship.
Sherry Bender | Retailer Judge
One of my earliest jobs was engraving jewelry, and that gave me a glimpse into this dazzling world. From there I moved to THE GOLDSMITH LTD a jewelry store known for producing creative work. I found my niche. Sketching and visualizing was easy for me. I learned the basics from the jewelers at their benches. Intrigued by this business, I took some jewelry classes and over the years found that designing was my passion. It is so rewarding when a customer tells me their favorite piece of jewelry is one, I designed years ago. I’m always flattered when a customer sends friends and family members to me to design that special gift. Through the years I’ve won the DeBeers Diamond and the Spectrum awards. I crafted several pieces for Twenty Century Fox movies and currently have several jewelry pieces on display at the Driehaus Museum. I eventually purchased “THE GOLDSMITH LTD” some twenty-five years ago and never looked back. Someone once said “doing what you love is one of the greatest joys in life,” this is so true!
Susan Jacques | Lapidary Judge
Susan M. Jacques was appointed GIA’s president and CEO in January 2014. Before joining GIA, she served as president and CEO of Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, Nebraska for 20 years and reported directly to Warren Buffett. She served as the honorary chair of the Friends of the Diamond Development Initiative, as a trustee of the Ethical Alliance, as a member of the board of advisors to the Black In Jewelry Coalition and on the boards of Jewelers of America, Jewelers for Children, Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York and Jewelers of America.
She received the 2024 GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement, the 2023 Robert M. Shipley Award from the American Gem Society, the 2023 Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s 17th annual Industry Service Award, the 2020 Stanley Schechter Award from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 and was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1997. Ms. Jacques joined the GIA Board of Governors in May 1996 and served as chair from 2008 to 2013.
Our support for Special Olympics Arizona and the Officers Torch Run goes beyond monetary assistance. It reflects our deep-seated belief in the potential of each individual and our dedication to fostering a society that embraces everyone, regardless of their abilities. By actively engaging in the Officers Torch Run and other collaborative initiatives, we have sought to inspire others and set an example of how compassion and community involvement can truly make a difference. AGTA’s legacy of support is a testament to our collective conviction that together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world, where every individual has the opportunity to shine and reach their full potential.
Suzy Landa | Designer Judge
Suzy grew up in Los Angeles with a passion for making pretty things out of just about anything. A craft closet in her childhood home was packed with everything imaginable, from colorful ribbons, buttons, beads, paint, and wire to glitter, all of which could become a new piece of wearable art in her creative hands. Suzy turned her childhood passion for making pretty objects into a business at the end of 2003, leaving a career in the movie industry. She studied metalsmithing and debuted a small collection that earned her the label Rising Star at her first trade show, JCK Las Vegas in 2004. Her design DNA originates from minimalism and a love of mid-century design, art and architecture, and bold colors from her youth in the 1960s-70s. Symmetrically placed soft shapes, clean lines, and satin finishes pop with a wide variety of colored gemstones (she is a self-proclaimed “stone junkie”). Confident women who love bold looks and timeless statement pieces are the among the clientele for Suzy’s handcrafted, elegant, and fun-to-wear gemstone jewelry and Diamond designs in 18K gold.
AGTA’s involvement extended beyond shelter provision. Understanding the critical importance of equipping miners with the necessary knowledge and emergency response skills, AGTA dispatched a skilled team to Tanzania. This team offered comprehensive training and emergency equipment to dozens of local miners, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in crisis situations. Through these concerted efforts, AGTA played an integral role in aiding the Tanzanian mining community to rebuild and recover, showcasing the association’s commitment to fostering a safer and more sustainable gemstone industry.
Jenny Luker | Platinum Guild International USA (PGI) Judge
With nearly thirty years of experience devoted to working with jewelry designers, manufacturers and retailers, Jenny Luker holds the position of President of Platinum Guild International USA. In this role, Jenny is responsible for the strategic business development of the platinum jewelry industry in the US. She leads her team in developing innovative marketing and trade programs that create value for the jewelry industry and fosters new generations of consumers.
Jenny holds a BA from the University of Oklahoma and an MA from California State University at Fullerton, both in Sociology. Additionally, Jenny is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Past President of the Women’s Jewelry Association, Executive Board member of Jewelers for Children and member of the 24 Karat Club of New York.
AGTA’s support for the 2016 Diamond Council of America didn’t stop at financial contributions. By facilitating the student field trip to AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, AGTA played a crucial role in promoting a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the industry. The trip enabled students to interact with professionals, explore cutting-edge trends, and witness the latest advancements in gemstone technologies. It was a holistic educational experience that not only broadened their horizons but also inspired them to envision the future possibilities within the gem and jewelry realm. AGTA’s active involvement in this initiative highlighted their dedication to advancing the industry by investing in the education and development of young talents, making a lasting impact on the 2016 Diamond Council of America event.
Patti Norville Spector | Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards (ANW) Judge
Patti Norville Spector is the oldest daughter of Allan and Alfie Norville, real estate developers who founded the Gem & Jewelry Exchange (GJX) show in Tucson, Ariz., in 1994. Patti worked with her father for more than 25 years in land development, property management, leasing, bookkeeping, and office management, as well as the first year of GJX. Her mother, meanwhile, nurtured her love of gemstones and fine jewelry, which served as the impetus for establishing the show, which thousands attend each year. Patti runs GJX today, and enjoys visiting with both longtime and new exhibitors, buying jewelry, and helping VIPs find special pieces for their collections. Most recently she has been involved with the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, established in part to honor Alfie’s passion for jewelry and devotion to the industry.
The outcome of this endeavor was the creation of a comprehensive white paper. This document meticulously documented the findings and observations made by the task force during their journey through the gemstone mines and marketplaces of Burma. The white paper was not only a record of their discoveries but also a platform to present their recommendations and insights on improving industry practices. This valuable resource was shared and discussed in key locations, including Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon in Burma, as well as Washington DC, where AGTA members engaged with stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate for responsible and sustainable gemstone sourcing practices. AGTA’s efforts in 2016 highlighted their commitment to fostering transparency and ethical considerations within the global gemstone industry.
