Events & Awards

Here Are the 2021 Spectrum Award Winners

Events & AwardsDec 29, 2021

Here Are the 2021 Spectrum Award Winners

After a few years of loose stones taking top honors, the “Best Of” award went to a finished jewel this year.

20211223_1-Best-of-Show.jpg
These earrings from Adam Neeley won “Best of Show” honors as well as first place in the Evening Wear category in the 2021 AGTA Spectrum Awards.
Dallas—The winners of the American Gem Trade Association’s 2021 Spectrum Awards have been revealed.

The organization held the competition on Oct. 23 and 24 in Dallas, with the following judges choosing the winning designs: Judy Evans, Judy Evans Design Studio; Amber Gustafson, Amber’s Designs Fine Jewelry; Tony Logan, Jay Dean Winchester; Kelly Mitchell, Kelly Mitchell Fine Jewelry; and Matthew Trent, Matthew Trent.

The full list of winners is below.

“Best of” Awards
Best of Show: Adam Neeley (Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry)
Best Use of Color: Adam Neeley (Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry)
Best Use of Pearls: Michael Tope (Raintree LLC)
Fashion Forward: Stanislav Petrov (Stanislav Petrov Inc.)
Best of Single Entries—Cutting Edge: Misael Angel Rodriguez (Gem Arts International)
Best of Single Entries—Spectrum: Scott Keating (Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Llyn Strelau (Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Best Use of Platinum Crown: Lindsay Jane Chatham (K. Jons Jewelry Co.)

See: The Competition’s “Best Of” Winners

Bridal Wear
First Place and Platinum Honors: Suna Bros. (Suna Bros.)
Second Place: Susan Helmich (Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Third Place and Manufacturing Honors: Nikki Swift (Nicole Mera LLC)
Honorable Mention: Niveet Nagpal (Omi Prive)
Honorable Mention: Benjamin Javaheri (Uneek Jewelry)
Platinum Innovation: Michael Endlich (Pave Fine Jewelry)
WJA Gem Diva: Sherry Bender (The Goldsmith Ltd. of Chicago)

Business/Day Wear
First Place: Niveet Nagpal (Omi Prive)
Second Place: Stanislav Petrov (Stanislav Petrov Inc.)
Third Place: Llyn Strelau (Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Honorable Mention: Robin Callahan (Robin Callahan Designs LLC)
Manufacturing Honors: Timothy Foster (T. Foster & Company)
Platinum Honors and Platinum Innovation: Michael Endlich (Pave Fine Jewelry)
WJA Gem Diva: Rosa Van Parys (Rosa Van Parys Jewelry)

Classical
First Place: Llyn Strelau (Jewels by Design)
Second Place: Raja Mehta (A G Gems & Jewelry Inc.)
Third Place: Niveet Nagpal (Omi Prive)
Honorable Mention: Joseph Murawski (Joden World Resources LLC)
Platinum Honors: Craig Slavens (Luxe Fine Jewelry)
WJA Gem Diva: Beatrix Laura Jessner (B & W Jewels LLC)

See: The Spectrum First Place Winners

Evening Wear
First Place: Adam Neeley (Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry)
Second Place: Leon Mege (Leon Mege Inc.)
Third Place: Scott Keating (Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Honorable Mention: Paula Crevoshay (Mellika Inc.)
Honorable Mention: Tariq Riaz (Tariq Riaz LLC)
Manufacturing Honors: Tariq Riaz (Tariq Riaz LLC)
Platinum Honors: Robert Glenn (Geogem-USA)
WJA Gem Diva: Caroline Chartouni (Caroline C)

Men’s Wear
First Place: Rodney Rahmani (Brilliant Stars)
Second Place: Michael Endlich (Pave Fine Jewelry)
Third Place: Gaston Rives (Gaston Jewelry Studio Inc.)
Honorable Mention: Robert Pelliccia (J.R. Dunn Jewelers)
Manufacturing Honors: Llyn Strelau (Jewels by Design)
Platinum Honors: Lindsay Jane Chatham (K. Jons Jewelry Co.)

The winners of the AGTA Cutting Edge Awards, which recognize excellence in lapidary arts, are as follows.

Classic Gemstones
First Place: Allen Kleiman (A. Kleiman & Co.)
Second Place: Joseph Ambalu (Amba Gem Corp.)
Third Place: Allen Kleiman (A. Kleiman & Co.)

All Other Cut Gemstones
First Place: Sailesh Lakhi (Sparkles and Colors USA Inc.)
Second Place: David Nassi (100% Natural Ltd.)
Third Place: Joseph Ambalu (Amba Gem Corp.)
Honorable Mention: Kenneth Blount (100% Natural Ltd.)

Carving
First Place: Larry Woods (Gem Arts International)
Second Place: Desmond Chan (Gem Arts International)
Third Place: Meg Berry (Megagem)
Honorable Mention: Yanqing Zhang Asdurian (Yanqing Asdurian)

Innovative Faceting
First Place: Larry Woods (Gem Arts International)
Second Place: Brett Kosnar (Dudley Blauwet Gems)
Third Place: Dalan Hargrave (Robin Callahan Designs LLC)
Honorable Mention: John Burleyson (GemRite)

See: The Cutting Edge First Place Winners

North American Mined Gemstones
First Place: Brad Payne (Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Second Place: Derek Katzenbach (Katzenbach Designs)
Third Place: Joyce Wang (Obsessed Over Gems)
Honorable Mention: Dalan Hargrave (Robin Callahan Designs LLC)

Objects of Art
First Place: Yanqing Zhang Asdurian (Yanqing Asdurian)
Second Place: Christopher Wolfsberg (Christopher Wolfsberg)
Third Place: Sharon Khazzam (Sharon Khazzam Studio)
Honorable Mention: Dalan Hargrave (GemStarz Jewelry)

Pairs and Suites
First Place: Hemant Phophaliya (A G Color Inc.)
Second Place: Bryan Lichtenstein (3090 Gems LLC)
Third Place: Adam Neeley (Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry)
Honorable Mention: Joseph Ambalu (Amba Gem Corp.)
Honorable Mention: Hemant Phophaliya (A G Color Inc.)

Phenomenal
First Place: Misael Angel Rodriguez (Gem Arts International) 
Second Place: David Nassi (100% Natural Ltd.)
Third Place: Brett Kosnar (Dudley Blauwet Gems)        

The winning pieces will be showcased at the 2022 AGTA GemFair Tucson event, scheduled for Feb. 1-6 at the Tucson Convention Center. 

The Latest

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy