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
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
