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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge AwardsSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
SurveysSep 18, 2025
Deloitte Thinks the Holidays Will Be Merry, PwC Isn’t So Sure In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in MarylandThe jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
CollectionsSep 18, 2025
Ashley Zhang Launches Garçon New YorkThe designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.
TechnologySep 18, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches AI Strategy ProgramThe 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’ The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in CarlsbadAt Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutSix people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule CollectionThe jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation ProgramBen Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy AwardsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says DeloitteIt’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald AuctionIt included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-ShopLocated in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatThe new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to AccountAs the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. HeadphonesJacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.
