2012 AGTA Spectrum Award Winners Announced

By Erika W.

On October 24, the American Gem Trade Association announced the winners of the 2012 Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards celebrating innovation in jewelry design and lapidary arts. 454 entrants were judged at the annual competition, which was held October 22-23 in New York City.

Enjoy highlights from the 2012 Spectrum Awards. For a full list of winners, please visit: 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards

Best of Show: Todd Reed

Best of Show: Todd Reed – Palladium and 22K yellow gold locket featuring blue Moonstones, grey Diamonds (24.51 ctw.), blue Sapphires (17.34 ctw.) and white Diamonds (5.10 ctw.) opening to reveal a 76.03 ct. Moldavite Buddha.

Best Use of Color: Deirdre Featherstone

Best Use of Color: Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design –
Platinum earrings featuring removable Opal enhancers (15.64 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (3.27 ctw.), Tanzanites (3.53 ctw.), Paraiba Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) and Diamonds. (5.79 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear – Platinum Honors: Leon Mege

Business/Day Wear – Platinum Honors: Leon Mege –

Ring in platinum featuring a 16.76 ct. Paraiba tourmaline cabochon accented with antique cushion-cut diamonds and diamond melee. (3.10 cts. t.w.)

Bridal Wear – 2nd Place: Erica Courtney

Bridal Wear – 2nd Place: Erica Courtney – 18K yellow gold earrings featuring Diaspore (2.99 ctw.), demantoid
Garnets (2.71 ctw.) and Diamonds. (2.81 ctw.)

Bridal Wear – 1st Place: Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones

Bridal Wear – 1st Place:
Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones – Platinum “Lace” ring featuring a 4.10 ct. blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds. (.77 ctw.)

Best Use of Pearls: Anil Maloo, Baggins Inc.

Best Use of Pearls: Anil Maloo, Baggins Inc. –

18k white gold and black rhodium-plated earrings encrusted with light cognac diamonds (8.16 cts. t.w.) and 13.3 mm cultured South Seas pearls.

Classical – 1st Place: James Currens

Classical – 1st Place:
James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. – Platinum ring featuring a 14.25 ct. unheated Ruby cabochon accented with Diamonds. (7.97 ctw.)

Images courtesy of AGTA

For more information, including archives of previous winners, please visit: American Gem Trade Association

From AGTA: The Spectrum 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. Each piece is examined by hand with an eye for craftsmanship and quality of the materials used.