Events & AwardsNov 02, 2022
And the Nominees for the 2023 Gem Awards Are …Events & AwardsNov 14, 2022
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.
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
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
Best of Show. Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl
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
Best Use of Pearls. Laurie Reid of LFR Studios’ 22-karat yellow gold ring featuring a 13.2 mm cultured golden South Sea pearl
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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
Classic Gemstones, First Place. Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp.’s 4.43-carat no oil emerald-cut Colombian emerald
All Other Cut Gemstones, First Place. Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd.’s 32.50-carat sunburst-cut kunzite
Carving, First Place. Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 210.55-carat ballerina carving in green beryl
Innovative Faceting, First Place. John Dyer for Somewhere in the Rainbow’s 147.96-carat orange golden citrine titled “Crescendo”
North American Mined Gemstones, First Place. Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd.’s 11.46-carat antique cushion-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado
Objects of Art, First Place. Dalan Hargrave of GemStarz Jewelry’s 900-carat ametrine accented with citrine and chrome diopside essence bottle
Pairs & Suites, First Place. Robert Knupfer of Knupfer International Gems Inc.’s pair of blue/green briolette drop tourmalines (75.57 total carats)
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
