A Carved Gemstone Won the 2022 AGTA Spectrum Awards’ Top Honor

It’s only the third time since 2003 that a carving has been named Best of Show.

Brecken Branstrator brecken.branstrator@nationaljeweler.com

This 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl from Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry received the AGTA Spectrum Awards’ Best of Show honor.

Dallas—The 2022 AGTA Spectrum Award winners have been unveiled, and they do not disappoint.

This year’s competition took place in Dallas again, with judging held Oct. 22 and 23.

The judges this year were: Susan Harrison, Jewelry Emporium; Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs; Sharon Khazzam, Sharon Khazzam Studio; Carter Malouf, Carter Malouf Private Jeweler; and Mark Patterson, Mark Patterson Fine Jewelry.

There were 10 percent more entries this year than last, AGTA confirmed.

There were several spinel pieces, and many sapphires and tourmalines, too. Step-cut gemstones and yellow gold were also trending, while rare stones like kornerupine and dumortierite also made appearances.

This year, a carved gemstone took the competition’s top award, which is only the third time that has happened since 2003, according to AGTA’s archives.

Many of the winning pieces will be on display at the AGTA GemFair Tucson, slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 5.

Winners will be recognized at the organization’s Spectrum Awards Gala on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Tucson Marriott University Park.

Here they are.

“Best of” Awards
Best of Show: Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry
Best Use of Color: Robert Galustian, Robert Guild Jewelry Corp.
Best Use of Pearl: Laurie Reid, LFR Studios
Fashion Forward: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Best of Single Entries–Cutting Edge: Robert Knupfer, Knupfer International Gems Inc.
Best of Single Entries–Spectrum: Buddy Austin, Third Eye Assembly
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa
Best Use of Platinum Crown: Brenda Smith, Brenda Smith Jewelry

See: The Competition’s “Best Of” Winners

<b>Best of Show.</b> Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl — **Best of Show.** Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl

<b>Best Use of Color. </b>Robert Galustian of Robert Guild Jewelry Corp.’s 18-karat gold QEII earrings featuring two cushion-cut mint green tourmalines (21.54 total carats) accented with two matching pair keystone-cut yellow sapphires, calf-cut kornerupines, 72 round amethysts, 66 round diamonds, and six marquise-cut green tourmalines — **Best Use of Color.** Robert Galustian of Robert Guild Jewelry Corp.’s 18-karat gold QEII earrings featuring two cushion-cut mint green tourmalines (21.54 total carats) accented with two matching pair keystone-cut yellow sapphires, calf-cut kornerupines, 72 round amethysts, 66 round diamonds, and six marquise-cut green tourmalines

<b>Best Use of Pearls.</b> Laurie Reid of LFR Studios’ 22-karat yellow gold ring featuring a 13.2 mm cultured golden South Sea pearl — **Best Use of Pearls.** Laurie Reid of LFR Studios’ 22-karat yellow gold ring featuring a 13.2 mm cultured golden South Sea pearl

<b>Fashion Forward.</b> Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s 18-karat yellow gold and black ceramic ring featuring a 4.03-carat natural fancy deep yellow diamond accented with 15 tsavorite garnets (0.17 total carats) — **Fashion Forward.** Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s 18-karat yellow gold and black ceramic ring featuring a 4.03-carat natural fancy deep yellow diamond accented with 15 tsavorite garnets (0.17 total carats)

<b>Best of Single Entries—Cutting Edge.</b> Robert Knupfer of Knupfer International Gems Inc.’s pair of blue/green briolette drop tourmalines (75.57 total carats) — **Best of Single Entries—Cutting Edge.** Robert Knupfer of Knupfer International Gems Inc.’s pair of blue/green briolette drop tourmalines (75.57 total carats)

<b>Best of Single Entries—Spectrum.</b> Buddy Austin of Third Eye Assembly’s 18-karat yellow gold, platinum, 22-karat rose and green gold, 24-karat yellow gold, and 18-karat white gold “Underworld” ring featuring a 1.62-carat black opal accented with tsavorite garnet, sapphire, and diamond — **Best of Single Entries—Spectrum.** Buddy Austin of Third Eye Assembly’s 18-karat yellow gold, platinum, 22-karat rose and green gold, 24-karat yellow gold, and 18-karat white gold “Underworld” ring featuring a 1.62-carat black opal accented with tsavorite garnet, sapphire, and diamond

<b>Best Use of Platinum and Color.</b> Mary van der Aa of Mary van der Aa’s platinum “Aria” ring featuring a 2.10-carat demantoid garnet accented with blue zircons (3 total carats) and diamonds — **Best Use of Platinum and Color.** Mary van der Aa of Mary van der Aa’s platinum “Aria” ring featuring a 2.10-carat demantoid garnet accented with blue zircons (3 total carats) and diamonds

<b>Best Use of Platinum Crown.</b> Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry’s platinum hand-fabricated ring featuring a 6.54 ct. trillion-cut tanzanite accented with round diamonds (1.25 total carats) — **Best Use of Platinum Crown.** Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry’s platinum hand-fabricated ring featuring a 6.54 ct. trillion-cut tanzanite accented with round diamonds (1.25 total carats)

Bridal Wear
First Place: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Second Place: Bella Campbell, Campbellian Collection/BHI
Third Place: Samuel Getz, Samuel Getz Designs
Honorable Mention: Bella Campbell, Campbellian Collection/BHI
Manufacturing Honors: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Platinum Honors: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa
Entry Platinum Innovation: Michael Endlich, Pavé Fine Jewelry
Gem Diva Award: Bella Campbell, Campbellian Collection/BHI

Business/Day Wear
First Place: Zoltan David, Zoltan David
Second Place: Timothy W. Foster, T. Foster & Company
Third Place: Michael Endlich, Pavé Fine Jewelry
Honorable Mention: Joseph DeBella, DeBella Collectibles
Manufacturing Honors: Lika Behar, Lika Behar Collection
Entry Platinum Innovation: Dennis deJonghe, deJonghe Original Jewelry
Platinum Honors: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Gem Diva Award: Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince & Co.

Classical
First Place: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Second Place: Michael Tope, Raintree LLC
Third Place: Ian Delucca, Khobe Delucca
Honorable Mention: Jeremy Dunn, Dunn & Co.
Platinum Honors: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa
Gem Diva Award: Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince & Co.
Manufacturing Honors: Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels LLC

See: The Spectrum First Place Winners

<b>Bridal Wear, First Place.</b> Gabriel Angulo of Pompos Jewelry Corporation’s platinum ring featuring a 2.55-carat rectangular emerald-cut Colombian emerald accented with 24 round emeralds (0.31 total carats), 22 custom-cut baguette diamonds (2.77 total carats), and 62 round brilliant diamonds (0.22 total carats) — **Bridal Wear, First Place.** Gabriel Angulo of Pompos Jewelry Corporation’s platinum ring featuring a 2.55-carat rectangular emerald-cut Colombian emerald accented with 24 round emeralds (0.31 total carats), 22 custom-cut baguette diamonds (2.77 total carats), and 62 round brilliant diamonds (0.22 total carats)

<b>Business/Day Wear, First Place.</b> Zoltan David of Zoltan David’s high polished steel, iridescent blue and purple steel, platinum, 18-karat gold and 24-karat gold inlay “Into the Mystic” cuff bracelet featuring round and marquise-shaped tsavorite garnets (5.60 total carats) accented with blue sapphires (0.48 total carats) and diamonds (1.20 total carats) — **Business/Day Wear, First Place.** Zoltan David of Zoltan David’s high polished steel, iridescent blue and purple steel, platinum, 18-karat gold and 24-karat gold inlay “Into the Mystic” cuff bracelet featuring round and marquise-shaped tsavorite garnets (5.60 total carats) accented with blue sapphires (0.48 total carats) and diamonds (1.20 total carats)

<b>Classical, First Place.</b> Gabriel Angulo of Pompos Jewelry Corporation’s platinum ring featuring a 6.29-carat blue Ceylon sapphire accented with 14 custom-cut baguette diamonds (2.27 total carats), 10 princess-cut sapphires (1.79 total carats), 30 round sapphires (0.44 total carats), and 58 round brilliant diamonds (0.29 total carats) — **Classical, First Place.** Gabriel Angulo of Pompos Jewelry Corporation’s platinum ring featuring a 6.29-carat blue Ceylon sapphire accented with 14 custom-cut baguette diamonds (2.27 total carats), 10 princess-cut sapphires (1.79 total carats), 30 round sapphires (0.44 total carats), and 58 round brilliant diamonds (0.29 total carats)

<b>Evening Wear, First Place.</b> Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s 18-karat yellow gold and black ceramic ring featuring a 4.03-carat natural fancy deep yellow diamond accented with 15 tsavorite garnets (0.17 total carats) — **Evening Wear, First Place.** Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s 18-karat yellow gold and black ceramic ring featuring a 4.03-carat natural fancy deep yellow diamond accented with 15 tsavorite garnets (0.17 total carats)

<b>Men’s Wear, First Place.</b> Zoltan David for Somewhere In The Rainbow’s knight steel and 24-karat yellow gold “The Kings” ring featuring a 29.09-carat purple-red cabochon tourmaline accented with 10 red spinels (0.15 total carats), diamonds (0.02 total carats), and patent inlay bead gold — **Men’s Wear, First Place.** Zoltan David for Somewhere In The Rainbow’s knight steel and 24-karat yellow gold “The Kings” ring featuring a 29.09-carat purple-red cabochon tourmaline accented with 10 red spinels (0.15 total carats), diamonds (0.02 total carats), and patent inlay bead gold

<b>Editor’s Choice—Spectrum.</b> Ian Delucca of Khobe Delucca’s 18-karat yellow gold and ruthenium plated Art Deco ring featuring blue emerald-cut tourmaline (4.84 total carats), round tourmaline (0.38 total carats), and diamonds (0.42 total carats) — **Editor’s Choice—Spectrum.** Ian Delucca of Khobe Delucca’s 18-karat yellow gold and ruthenium plated Art Deco ring featuring blue emerald-cut tourmaline (4.84 total carats), round tourmaline (0.38 total carats), and diamonds (0.42 total carats)

<b>Editor’s Choice—Cutting Edge.</b> Jaimeen Shah of Prima Gems USA’s suite of 23 multicolored Portuguese-cut zircons (228.64 total carats) — **Editor’s Choice—Cutting Edge.** Jaimeen Shah of Prima Gems USA’s suite of 23 multicolored Portuguese-cut zircons (228.64 total carats)

Evening Wear
First Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Second Place: Laurie Reid, LFR Studios
Third Place: Michael Tope, Raintree LLC
Honorable Mention: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Manufacturing Honors: Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers
Platinum Honors: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Gem Diva Award: Llyn Strong, Llyn Strong Fine Art Jewelry

Men’s Wear
First Place: Zoltan David, Somewhere In The Rainbow
Second Place: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry
Third Place: Buddy Austin, Third Eye Assembly
Honorable Mention: Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs
Platinum Honors: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry
Gem Diva Award: Lindsay Jane Chatham, K. Jons Jewelry Co.
Manufacturing Honors: Buddy Austin, Third Eye Assembly

Editors’ Choice Awards
Spectrum: Ian Delucca, Khobe Delucca
Cutting Edge: Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA

And here are the winners of the 2022 Cutting Edge Awards.

Classic Gemstones
First Place: Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Second Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Third Place: John Bachman, John M. Bachman Inc.

All Other Cut Gemstones
First Place: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.
Second Place: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.
Third Place: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.
Honorable Mention: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.

Carving
First Place (and Best of Show): Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry
Second Place: Dalan Hargrave, Geogem-USA
Third Place: Meg Berry, Megagem
Honorable Mention: Meg Berry, 3090 Gems

See: The Cutting Edge First Place Winners

<b>Classic Gemstones, First Place.</b> Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp.’s 4.43-carat no oil emerald-cut Colombian emerald — **Classic Gemstones, First Place.** Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp.’s 4.43-carat no oil emerald-cut Colombian emerald

<b>All Other Cut Gemstones, First Place.</b> Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd.’s 32.50-carat sunburst-cut kunzite — **All Other Cut Gemstones, First Place.** Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd.’s 32.50-carat sunburst-cut kunzite

<b>Carving, First Place.</b> Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl — **Carving, First Place.** Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl

<b>Innovative Faceting, First Place.</b> John Dyer for Somewhere in the Rainbow’s 147.96-carat orange golden citrine titled “Crescendo” — **Innovative Faceting, First Place.** John Dyer for Somewhere in the Rainbow’s 147.96-carat orange golden citrine titled “Crescendo”

<b>North American Mined Gemstones, First Place.</b> Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd.’s 11.46-carat antique cushion-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado — **North American Mined Gemstones, First Place.** Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd.’s 11.46-carat antique cushion-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado

<b>Objects of Art, First Place.</b> Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 900-carat ametrine accented with citrine and chrome diopside essence bottle — **Objects of Art, First Place.** Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 900-carat ametrine accented with citrine and chrome diopside essence bottle

<b>Pairs & Suites, First Place.</b> Robert Knupfer of Knupfer International Gems Inc.’s pair of blue/green briolette drop tourmalines (75.57 total carats) — **Pairs & Suites, First Place.** Robert Knupfer of Knupfer International Gems Inc.’s pair of blue/green briolette drop tourmalines (75.57 total carats)

<b>Phenomenal, First Place.</b> Desmond Chan of Gem Arts International’s 14.90-carat hot pink to purple color-change modified round brilliant pyrope garnet titled “Cosmic Kaleidoscope” — **Phenomenal, First Place.** Desmond Chan of Gem Arts International’s 14.90-carat hot pink to purple color-change modified round brilliant pyrope garnet titled “Cosmic Kaleidoscope”

Innovative Faceting
First Place: John Dyer, Somewhere In The Rainbow
Second Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Third Place: Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International
Honorable Mention: Lee Haynes, LWH Gems
Honorable Mention: Mark Gronlund, Mark Gronlund

North American Mined Gemstones
First Place: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.
Second Place: Jeffrey R. Hapeman, Earth’s Treasury
Third Place: Jeffrey R. Hapeman, Somewhere In The Rainbow
Honorable Mention: Nick Alexander, Somewhere In The Rainbow

Objects of Art
First Place: Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry
Second Place: Llyn L. Strelau, Jewels by Design
Third Place: Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars
Honorable Mention: Ziad H. Noshie, Almaza Jewelers

Pairs and Suites
First Place: Robert Knupfer, Knupfer International Gems Inc
Second Place: Brenda Smith, Brenda Smith Jewelry
Third Place: Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA
Honorable Mention: Davey Thomas, Gem Arts International

Phenomenal
First Place: Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International
Second Place: Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems LLC
Third Place: David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd.
Honorable Mention: David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd.