2024 Spectrum & Cutting Edge Archive
Delve into our prestigious collection of past Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. Explore the timeless beauty, innovative designs, and groundbreaking trends that have shaped the colored gemstone and cultured pearl industries over the years. Images Courtesy of AGTA, Photographer Jeff Mason, Jeff Mason Photography.
2024 Competition Judges
Best of & Fashion Forward
Only the most brilliant, breathtaking pieces are worthy of the Best of Show trophy. Winning designs must possess beauty, mastery, and imagination beyond compare. Consideration for the Best of Show award is limited to first place winners in each category.
Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd., in collaboration with: Sophia D. Karmel (Co-founder) - Platinum and 18K yellow gold "SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly" brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Sapphires (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.)
John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 c. bi-color emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC - 14K white fold “Helix” cufflinks featuring two pairs of Keshi Pearls with blue overtones accented by black Diamonds (6.31 ctw.)
Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry - Platinum “Blue me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel set cabochon cat's eye blue Topaz accented by ombre blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)
Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations, LLC, in collaboration with: Drew Hadley, Southern Diamond Jewelers (bench jeweler) - Platinum “The Girl Can Fight” ring featuring a 32.0 ct. Morganite accented with pink and white Diamonds (1.72 ctw.)
Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, in collaboration with: Lauren Tuggle (co-designer & hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler) - 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin featuring an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone accented by mixed teal Tourmalines (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.)
Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC, in collaboration with: Nicolai Medvedev (designer & fabricator), Susan Helmich (gold work) - “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of sting ray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, Diamonds and Tourmalines (2.20 ctw.)
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanites (20.66 ctw.) and Garnets ( 23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanites (20.66 ctw.) and Garnets ( 23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Christopher Wolfsberg, Sun Crystal Mining, in collaboration with: Nirinjan - 18.82 ct. elongated concave pear-shaped Sunstone
Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, in collaboration with: Lauren Tuggle (co-designer & hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler) - 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin featuring an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone accented by mixed teal Tourmalines (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.)
Ben Kho, Kho International - 12.88 ct. cushion Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite from Colorado
Spectrum Awards
Bridal Wear
Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride herself, this category captures every look for walking down the aisle.
Christina Penuel, Mark Loren Designs - 14K yellow gold earrings featuring Yangtze Pearls accented by Sapphires (3.04 ctw.) and Amethyst (0.88 ctw.)
Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry, in collaboration with: Larry Rice (commissioned piece) - 18K white and yellow gold “Colorblind” earrings featuring Tourmalines and Rubellite (41.18 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.99 ctw.)
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Spector Gold, 18K yellow gold and 14K white gold “Olympia” cuff featuring a 76.82 ct. Santa Maria Aquamarine accented with Diamonds (8.06 ctw.) and Aquamarine (10.63 ctw.)
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum “MOONGLADE” ring featuring a 10.33 ct. faceted Moonstone accented by Tourmalines (0.46 ctw.) and orange Sapphires (0.33 ctw.)
Business / Day Wear
Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, in collaboration with: Brad Weber - Platinum "Mariana" ring featuring an 18.44 ct. concave-cut Aquamarine accented by step-cut Diamonds (1.55 ctw.) and pave' set Diamonds (.34 ctw.)
Wolfgang Vaatz, Wolfgang Vaatz - 18K gold sheet fused to sterling silver “Aspen Leaves Connecting to Earth After the Rain” cuff featuring bi-color Sapphires (2.86 ctw.) accented by Diamond melee (0.665 ctw.)
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 12.42 c. bi-color emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by Spinel (0.70 ctw.), demantoid Garnets (0.68 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.41 ctw.)
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC - 14k white gold “Deuce” convertible ring featuring a 14.87 mm purple blue Mabe Pearl on one side and a 9.91 ct. cabochon Chalcedony on the other side accented by Diamonds (2.147 ctw.)
Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs - 14K yellow gold “Meet me at the Plaza” reversible bangle featuring bright pink Sapphires (5.57 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (5.87 ctw.)
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum and ceramic ring featuring a 5.07 ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (0.18 ctw.)
Classical
Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels LLC - Platinum convertible ring or pendant featuring a 2.04 ct. Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (3.99 ctw.)
Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs - Platinum suite of ring, bracelet and necklace with an interchangeable centerpiece featuring an 8.29 ct. pink Spinel accented by pink and colorless Diamonds (9.99 ctw.)
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum bypass ring featuring a 5.00 ct. Sri Lankan Sapphire and a 4.45 ct. Tourmaline accented by Sapphire (0.84 ctw.), Tourmaline (1.08 ctw.), and Diamonds (0.85 ctw.)
Jutta Munsteiner, Munsteiner USA LLC - Platinum "Mantis" ring featuring a 23.25 ct. Tourmaline accented by Diamonds (0.68 ctw.)
Engagement Rings
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 10.08 ct. tsavorite Garnet accented by tsavorite Garnets (0.60 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.66 ctw.)
Nikki Swift, Nicole Mera LLC - Platinum and 18K rose gold “Sparkling Rosé” ring featuring a 2.05 ct. emerald-cut pink Spinel accented by round pink Sapphires (0.35 ctw.) and baguette Diamonds (1.38 ctw.)
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - Platinum "Hope Sapphire" ring featuring an 8.35 ct. no heat Burmese blue Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.01 ctw.)
Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs - Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 2.68 ct. pear-shaped Tourmaline accented by Tourmalines (2.97 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.14 ctw.)
Evening Wear
Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd., in collaboration with: Sophia D. Karmel (Co-founder) - Platinum and 18K yellow gold "SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly" brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Sapphires (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.)
Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc. - Titanium and 14K white gold “Cromatica” earrings featuring Tanzanites (20.66 ctw.) and Garnets ( 23.62 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith, Inc. - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 7.05 ct. green/blue emerald-cut Tourmaline accented by a 1.30 ct. red/orange cut-corner tapered baguette Fire Opal and orange round brilliant Sapphires (0.50 ctw.)
Raja Mehta, AG Gems - 18K yellow gold "Golden-Orchid" ring featuring a 3.71 ct. cushion-cut lilac Sapphire accented by pear-cut white Diamonds (0.94 ctw.), round white Diamonds (2.28 ctw.), and round fancy yellow Diamonds (0.35 ctw.)
Sonya Konstantinovsky, Sonya K. - 18K white gold ring featuring a 2.05 ct. Mozambican no heat "vibrant" red Ruby accented by marquis Diamonds (1.02 ctw.) and custom cut baguette Diamonds (2.73 ctw.)
Men’s Wear
Fine jewelry is the quintessence of the modern man. Entries in this category, ranging from rings to bracelets, cufflinks to belt buckles, express the myriad ways a gentleman can express himself.
Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry - Platinum “Blue me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel set cabochon cat's eye blue Topaz accented by ombre blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)
Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, in collaboration with: Lauren Tuggle (co-designer & hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler) - 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin featuring an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone accented by mixed teal Tourmalines (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.)
Zoltan David, Somewhere In The Rainbow, in collaboration with: Bruce Bridges (supplier & cutting) - Black Knight steel, 24K and 18K yellow gold "Legend of Campbell Bridges" ring featuring a 4.90 ct. round faceted tsavorite Garnet accented by faceted tsavorite Garnets (0.96 ctw.)
Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs - 14K white gold “Sceptre” pin/brooch featuring a 5.15 pear-shaped Tanzanite accented by square-cut tsavorite Garnets (.40 ctw.) and round Diamonds (2.01 ctw.)
Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars - 18K rose and white gold ring featuring an 8.03 ct. unheated fancy Sapphire accented by round Diamonds (0.62 ctw.) and princess-cut Diamonds (0.46 ctw.)
Cutting Edge Awards
All Other Cut Gemstones
Open to any extraordinary cut gemstone featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - 27.42 ct. cushion-cut Paraiba Tourmaline
Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 21ct. vivid pink Topaz
Nancy Attaway, High Country Gems - 26.99 ct. twelve-sided round brilliant "Dreaming in Orange" Opal
Ben Kho, Kho International - 50.52 ct. custom cushion-cut seafoam green Beryl
Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 32.31ct. neon blue emerald-cut Tourmaline
Carving
Open to any natural gem material carved in any style.
Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC - "The Encounter" carving featuring an 1105 gram Agate geode with Calcite and Geothite inside accented by Onyx
Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry, in collaboration with: Don Buford (Owner) - 37.54 ct. “Puzzle Piece” Sunstone
Don Johnson, Obsessed Over Gems, in collaboration with: Meg Berry - 140 ct. Aquamarine titled “Aqua Ma Dream”
Robert Procop, Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, in collaboration with: Meg Berry (faceter) - 225.05 ct. natural pink Sapphire titled “The Pink Flame Sapphire”
Classic Gemstones
Open to outstanding examples of Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. - 8.33 ct. emerald-cut Brazilian no oil Emerald
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - 9.35 ct. Sri Lankan pink Sapphire
William Hakimi, A. Hakimi & Sons - 10.28 ct. Ruby from Mozambique
Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem - 10.67 ct. blue no heat Ceylon Sapphire
Innovative Faceting
Lee Haynes, LWH Gems - 54 ct. mixed-cut wave pavilion with nouveau deco crown Aquamarine titled "Deco Nouveau"
Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars - 2.33 ct. snowflake-shaped Tanzanite
Justin Cruz, Red Deer’s Customs & Throwing Stones, in collaboration with: Derek Katzenbach (cutter), Rusty James (Co-owner) - 73.89 ct. Phenakite titled "Southern Storm"
Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer, in collaboration with: Doug Malby - 33.46 ct. “Ornamental Shield” Sunstone, Sunstone Butte Mine, Oregon
Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer - 10.25 ct.”Meraki Cut” deep blue Tanzanite
North American Mined Gemstones
John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct. Rock Creek, Montana Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”
Ben Kho, Kho International - 12.88 ct. cushion Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite from Colorado
Ben Kho, Kho International - 109.92 ct. trilliant-cut ocean Fluorite from New Hampshire
Objects of Art
Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers, LLC, in collaboration with: Nicolai Medvedev (designer & fabricator), Susan Helmich (gold work) - “Blue Boy” intarsia box featuring a 22K gold carving of sting ray accented by Australian Opal, Virgin Valley Opal, Maw Sit Sit, Nevada Turquoise, golden Quartz, Sugilite, Malachite, dinosaur bone, Diamonds and Tourmalines (2.20 ctw.)
Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, in collaboration with: Yan Ge (carver) - 310 gram 9 dragons blue Jadeite carving titled “2024 Year of the Dragon “
Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars - 117 grams hand carved Coral crocodile statuette
Pairs and Suites
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Suite of Sri Lankan cushion-cut blue Sapphires (114.89 ctw.)
Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp. - Pair of cushion-cut Paraiba Tourmalines (31.36 ctw.)
Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems - Suite of Sapphires, Spinels, Tourmalines, Garnets, Chrysoberyls, Morganites, and Aquamarines (113.57 ctw.) titled "Rainbow Dream Suite"
Bruce Bridges, Somewhere In The Rainbow - Pair of natural oval mixed-cut tsavorite Garnets (22.39 ctw.) titled “Unparalleled”
David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd., in collaboration with: Kenneth Blount - Suite of 20 trillion-cut spessartite Garnets (48.05 ctw.)
Phenomenal Gemstones
Open to any phenomenal gemstone featuring an optical gemological effect, such as asterism, chatoyance, play of color, adularescence, aventurescence or color change.
Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems - 10.15 ct. round cabochon Australian Black Opal
Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA - 15.76 ct. mint cushion-cut Garnet with fluorescence under UV light
Adam Gil, Jerry Gil & Company - 33.89 ct. untreated Sphene
Itamar Pimenta, Pentagon Gem - 13.08 ct. cat’s eye Emerald from Brazil
Other Awards & Honors
Platinum Honors™
Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum “MOONGLADE” ring featuring a 10.33 ct. faceted Moonstone accented by Tourmalines (0.46 ctw.) and orange Sapphires (0.33 ctw.)
Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, in collaboration with: Brad Weber - Platinum "Mariana" ring featuring an 18.44 ct. concave-cut Aquamarine accented by step-cut Diamonds (1.55 ctw.) and pave' set Diamonds (.34 ctw.)
Underwood Design Team, Underwood's Fine Jeweler's - Platinum ring featuring a 4.16 ct. round blue Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.26 ctw.)
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC, in collaboration with: Cuprian & Co. (supplier) - Platinum "Paraiba Perfection" pendant featuring a 3.84 ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline and a 7.06 ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline accented by Alexandrites (1.11 ctw.) and Diamonds
Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations, LLC, in collaboration with: Drew Hadley, Southern Diamond Jewelers (bench jeweler) - Platinum “The Girl Can Fight” ring featuring a 32.0 ct. Morganite accented with pink and white Diamonds (1.72 ctw.)
Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry - Platinum “Blue me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel set cabochon cat's eye blue Topaz accented by ombre blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards
Sponsored by Allan Norville & family, the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards honor women designers in the Bridal Wear, Classical, Engagement Rings, Evening Wear, Business/Day Wear and Men’s Wear categories. The Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards are open to all women entering these categories who indicate eligibility on their Entry Form.
Janine Castro, Janine Castro Jewelry, in collaboration with: Steven DeLaVega (center stone source), Juan Negron (Jeweler) - Platinum ring featuring a 1.86 ct. trillion spessartite Garnet accented by Diamonds (0.395 ctw.)
Jutta Munsteiner, Somewhere In The Rainbow, in collaboration with: Tom Munsteiner-(cutter) - 18K yellow and white gold “Whiskey & Stone” pendant featuring a 26.06 ct. triangle-cut Citrine and a 83 x 30 mm Agate accented by a 0.20 ct. Diamond
Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, in collaboration with: Tucson Todd's Gems (gemstone supplier) - Platinum “LA FEMME SPINELLE” ring featuring a 5.97 ct. red Spinel accented by blue Sapphires (1.00 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.50 ctw.)
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with: Color Source Gems (Sapphire supplier) - Platinum bridal set featuring a 4.55 ct. vivid blue pear-shaped Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.75 ctw.)
Sonya Konstantinovsky, Sonya K. - 18K white gold ring featuring a 2.05 ct. Mozambican no heat "vibrant" red Ruby accented by marquis Diamonds (1.02 ctw.) and custom cut baguette Diamonds (2.73 ctw.)
Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, in collaboration with: Tom Munsteiner (lapidary artist) - 14K white gold “Varden” cufflinks featuring fantasy-cut Peridots (11.75 ctw.) and princess-cut Peridots accented by Diamonds (2.10 ctw.)
