Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
EditorsOct 30, 2015
Five finds at Spectrum
A few days after the AGTA revealed the winners of its annual Spectrum Awards design contest, Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator highlights a few of her own favorites from the contest.
Attending the editor’s event that follows judging in the AGTA’s Spectrum Awards is hands-down one of my favorite things to do every year.
The event space and the wonderful company alone would be enough, but then there are hundreds of pieces of amazing jewelry dedicated to colored stones put in front of us. I’m in heaven.
On Monday, National Jeweler’s editorial team hung out at the event for nearly two hours, enjoying the pieces and noting our favorites. And without fail, when it comes times to place our own votes, it’s always a struggle to pick.
There are pieces where design is kept simple because the stone is so stunning it needs no pizazz, and then there are pieces that find unique ways to complement the stone with innovative design. I appreciate both.
Here are five pieces from the Spectrum awards that caught my eye Monday afternoon. (Shout-out to my NJ team for being my models for most of these while I took the shots.)
These 18-karat white gold earrings with mint tourmaline, blue topaz and diamonds from Laurence Bruyninckx were in the bridal category and I love them. I can picture a modern, edgy bride rocking them on her big day, but I also love how versatile they are. I can see these being earrings worn out on any evening, and, with an interchangeable dangle, they can transition to just studs for daytime.
I know I’m not the only one at the event who loved this ring; I overheard a lot of enthusiasm for it from both my team and many other people at the AGTA’s editor’s event. And Jen Heebner over at JCK also included it in her ring roundup from the event. Lisa Linhardt of Linhardt Design’s Tempest sculptural duster ring in oxidized sterling silver with yellow sapphires won the Evening Wear Gem Diva Award.
The stones. The design. The overall look. I love everything about these 18-karat white gold Paraiba tourmaline, emerald and diamond earrings from Caroline Chartouni.
Patrick King of Jewelsmith created this double-finger ring, which I think is the perfect combination of being trendy and being subtle. Made in 14-karat rose and white gold, the two-finger features a 2.10-carat trillion sunstone and a 2.90-carat trillion tourmaline accented with diamonds.
A great tourmaline will always stop me in my tracks. This 18-karat rose gold “Victoria” bracelet from Alexia Connellan won honorable mention in the Evening Wear
category, and boasts a 16.06-carat purple-pink tourmaline accented with diamonds and purple tourmalines.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
