Events & AwardsAug 03, 2023
See the 2023 CASE Award WinnersEvents & AwardsNov 02, 2023
Two Entries Named ‘Best Of Show’ in 2023 AGTA Spectrum Awards
AGTA CEO John Ford said it was one of the design competition’s best years ever.
A platinum ring from Niveet Nagpal at Omi Privé featuring a 15.22-carat black opal won AGTA Spectrum Awards’ Best of Show honor in the Spectrum division. This suite of four oval Paraíba-type tourmalines (31.01 total carats) from Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp took home Best of Show honors in the Cutting Edge division.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association has announced the winners of the 2023 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
The competition again took place in Dallas on Oct. 24-25 at the Omni Frisco Hotel, which was a sponsor for the event along with Platinum Guild International, and the Women’s Jewelry Association.
“This year’s awards are one of our best ever,” said AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr.
“We had an additional 100 entries this year over last, and many of them had stunning green and blue-green gems. The Omni hotels are the new home of the awards for the next few years, and we hope to take the competition national, to other Omni venues.”
The judges this year were: Allan Koo, A. Koo & Co.; Brent Malgarin, Elegant Gems Ltd.; Christina Gandia Gambale, Greenwich St. Jewelers; Lika Behar, Lika Behar Jewelry; and Clayton Bromberg, Underwood’s Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida.
“The 2023 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards have a new home and a new vibe,” said Kimberly Collins, owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems and president of the AGTA board of directors.
“Our judges were amazing and worked so well together. They seemed to be extremely on the same page with the selections they made. As always, the integrity of the judging competition is of the upmost importance. I felt the winners had a classic, timeless aesthetic this year. I’m so proud to be part of a judging competition that holds itself to the most stringent standards.”
Spectrum award entries are judged on overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad‐based consumer appeal and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones.
Cutting Edge awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.
Many of the winning pieces will be on display at the 2024 AGTA GemFair Tucson, slated for Jan. 30–Feb. 4 in Tucson, Arizona.
Winners will be recognized at the organization’s Spectrum gala on Feb. 3, 2024 in the newly built addition to the Tucson Convention Center.
Here they are.
“Best of” Awards
Best of Show – Spectrum: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Best of Show – Cutting Edge (and Best of Single Entries – Cutting Edge): Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Best of Single Entries – Spectrum: Joseph Campanelli, Campanelli & Pear
Best Use of Color: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Best Use of Pearl: Fannie Thomas, Fannie Thomas Jewelry
Fashion Forward: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, in collaboration with Tucson Todd’s Gems (gem cutter and supplier)
Best Use of Platinum Crown: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
See: The Competition’s “Best Of” Winners
The competition again took place in Dallas on Oct. 24-25 at the Omni Frisco Hotel, which was a sponsor for the event along with Platinum Guild International, and the Women’s Jewelry Association.
“This year’s awards are one of our best ever,” said AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr.
“We had an additional 100 entries this year over last, and many of them had stunning green and blue-green gems. The Omni hotels are the new home of the awards for the next few years, and we hope to take the competition national, to other Omni venues.”
The judges this year were: Allan Koo, A. Koo & Co.; Brent Malgarin, Elegant Gems Ltd.; Christina Gandia Gambale, Greenwich St. Jewelers; Lika Behar, Lika Behar Jewelry; and Clayton Bromberg, Underwood’s Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida.
“The 2023 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards have a new home and a new vibe,” said Kimberly Collins, owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems and president of the AGTA board of directors.
“Our judges were amazing and worked so well together. They seemed to be extremely on the same page with the selections they made. As always, the integrity of the judging competition is of the upmost importance. I felt the winners had a classic, timeless aesthetic this year. I’m so proud to be part of a judging competition that holds itself to the most stringent standards.”
Spectrum award entries are judged on overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad‐based consumer appeal and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones.
Cutting Edge awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.
Many of the winning pieces will be on display at the 2024 AGTA GemFair Tucson, slated for Jan. 30–Feb. 4 in Tucson, Arizona.
Winners will be recognized at the organization’s Spectrum gala on Feb. 3, 2024 in the newly built addition to the Tucson Convention Center.
Here they are.
“Best of” Awards
Best of Show – Spectrum: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Best of Show – Cutting Edge (and Best of Single Entries – Cutting Edge): Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Best of Single Entries – Spectrum: Joseph Campanelli, Campanelli & Pear
Best Use of Color: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Best Use of Pearl: Fannie Thomas, Fannie Thomas Jewelry
Fashion Forward: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, in collaboration with Tucson Todd’s Gems (gem cutter and supplier)
Best Use of Platinum Crown: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
See: The Competition’s “Best Of” Winners
Best of Show – Spectrum. Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé’s platinum ring featuring a 15.22-carat black opal accented with tourmaline (0.72 carats), tsavorite garnets (0.40 carats), and diamonds (1.56 carats)
Best of Show – Cutting Edge, and Best of Single Entries – Cutting Edge. Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp.’s suite of four oval Paraíba-type tourmalines (31.01 total carats)
Best Use of Color. Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s platinum “Ocean & Grass Wave” bracelet featuring sapphires (25.02 total carats) accented with demantoid garnets (7.87 total carats), yellow diamonds (1.14 total carats), and white diamonds (7.32 total carats)
Best Use of Pearl. Fannie Thomas of Fannie Thomas Jewelry’s 22-karat yellow gold “Birds Eye View” hand-carved ring featuring a cultured South Sea baroque pearl bird
Fashion Forward. Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s 18-karat yellow gold and black ceramic “Greek Key Fancy Diamond Perfection” bracelet featuring mixed fancy vivid diamonds (14.82 total carats) accented with tsavorite garnets (1.70 total carats)
Best of Single Entries – Spectrum. Joseph Campanelli of Campanelli & Pear’s 18-karat white gold “Something Blue” earrings featuring blue zircons (8.50 total carats) accented with diamonds (0.77 total carats)
Best Use of Platinum and Color. Mary van der Aa of Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels in collaboration with Tucson Todd’s Gems’ platinum and 18-karat “Garanatas: From Rough to Cut” two-piece necklace featuring various species of garnets (approximately 77.26 total carats)
Best Use of Platinum Crown. Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.’s platinum “Fantasia” ring featuring a 12.24-carat aquamarine accented with Akoya pearls and diamonds (1 total carat)
Bridal Wear
First Place (and Best Use of Platinum Crown): Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
Second Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Third Place: Benjamin Javaheri, Uneek Jewelry
Honorable Mention: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Manufacturing Honors: Bella Campbell, BHI/Campbellian Collection
Platinum Honors: Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs
Gem DIVA Award: Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney LLC
Business/Day Wear
First Place: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corp.
Second Place: Wolfgang Vaatz, Earth Terra Erde Inc.
Third Place: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corp.
Honorable Mention: Randy Coffin, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers
Platinum Honors: Raja Mehta, AG Gems
Gem DIVA Award: Svetlana Kayton, Svetlana Lazar, in collaboration with Paul Dragone
Classical
First Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Second Place: Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corp.
Third Place (and Best Use of Pearls, and Gem DIVA Award): Fannie Thomas, Fannie Thomas Jewelry
Platinum Innovation (and Best Use of Color): Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Honorable Mention: Kim Nel, Alpha Inc. /DBA Brian Gavin Diamonds, in collaboration with Brian Gavin as an adviser/mentor
Manufacturing Honors: Jenn Breznen, Mined + Found
Platinum Honors: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
See: The Spectrum First Place Winners
Bridal Wear, First Place. Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.’s platinum “Fantasia” ring featuring a 12.24-carat aquamarine accented with Akoya pearls and diamonds (1 total carat)
Business/Day Wear, First Place. Gabriel Angulo of Pompos Jewelry Corp.’s 18-karat yellow gold ring featuring a 2.39-carat Colombian emerald accented with round emeralds (0.18 total carats) and diamonds (1.52 total carats)
Classical, First Place. Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC’s platinum “Moi et Toi Perfection in Green & White” ring featuring a 3.49-carat unenhanced Colombian emerald and a 3.36-carat diamond accented with diamonds (0.43 carats)
Evening Wear, First Place. Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé’s platinum ring featuring a 15.22-carat black opal accented with tourmaline (0.72 carats), tsavorite garnets (0.40 carats), and diamonds (1.56 carats)
Men’s Wear, First Place. Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé’s platinum ring featuring a 2.35-carat oval cabochon alexandrite accented with alexandrite (3.07 total carats)
Evening Wear
First Place (and Best of Show): Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Second Place: Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels
Third Place: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc. in collaboration with gem cutter Stephen Avery
Platinum Innovation: Shawndria Aghjayan, Harout R LLC, in collaboration with gemstone setter Wilson Amores
Platinum Innovation: Shawndria Aghjayan, Harout R LLC
Honorable Mention: Nikki Swift, Nicole Mera
Manufacturing Honors: Marcia Budet, Marcia Budet
Platinum Honors: Helen Kim Currens, J.W. Currens Inc.
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels
Gem Diva Award: Anita Agrawal, Jewels 4 Ever/Vartanian Jewellers, in collaboration with designer Anita Agrawal and Kevork Vartanian (CAD)
Men’s Wear
First Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Privé
Second Place: Carl Larson, AntiHero
Third Place: Marc Hollmuller, Somewhere In The Rainbow
Platinum Innovation: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Honorable Mention (and Manufacturing Honors): Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry
Platinum Honors: Inken Krause, Enhoerning Jewelry
Gem DIVA Award: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs LLC
Editors’ Choice Awards (photos not available as of press time)
Spectrum: Ai Van Pham, Gem & Gold Creations
Cutting Edge: Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems, LLC
Here are the winners of the 2023 Cutting Edge Awards.
Classic Gemstones
First Place: Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem
Second Place: Intercolor USA
Third Place: Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem
Honorable Mention: Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem
All Other Cut Gemstones
First Place: Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, in collaboration with gem cutter Joyce Wang and Scott Laborie (gem diagram designer)
Second Place: David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd.
Third Place: David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd.
Honorable Mention: Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems LLC
Honorable Mention: Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA
Carving
First Place: Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC
Second Place: Meg Berry, Milstead Gems LLC
Third Place: Brandon Messing, BM Gems
Honorable Mention: Meg Berry, Megagem
See: The Cutting Edge First Place Winners
Classic Gemstones, First Place. Ron Rahmanan of Sara Gem’s 20.21-carat unheated royal blue cushion-cut sapphire
All Other Cut Gemstones, First Place. Desmond Chan of Gem Arts International, cutter Joyce Wang and gem diagram designer Scott Laborie’s 9.49-carat peach Mahenge Malaya garnet titled “The Sparkle in Her Eye”
Carving, First Place. Patrick Dreher of Dreher Carvings LLC’s 515-carat heliodor carving called “The Green Jewel – Frog on Heliodor”
Innovative Faceting, First Place. Bryan D. Drummond of Drummond Gems & Jewelry’s 17.13-carat indigo precision-carved tanzanite titled “Nine of Diamonds”
North American Mined Gemstones, First Place. Ben Kho of Kho International’s 10.42-carat oval Portuguese-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado
Objects of Art, First Place. Patrick Dreher of Dreher Carvings LLC’s 457-gram Agate “Playtime” fish accented by 18-karat yellow gold, jasper, and rock crystal quartz
Pairs & Suites, First Place. Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp.’s suite of four oval Paraíba-type tourmalines (31.01 total carats) from Mozambique
Phenomenal, First Place. David Nassi of 100% Natural Ltd.’s 28.41-carat oval black opal.
Innovative Faceting
First Place: Bryan D. Drummond, Drummond Gems & Jewelry
Second Place: Lee Haynes, LWH Gems
Third Place: Christopher Wolfsberg, Fossilium/Roy Leggitt
Honorable Mention: Larry Woods, Gem Arts International
North American Mined Gemstones
First Place: Ben Kho, Kho International
Second Place: Dalan Hargrave, Somewhere In The Rainbow
Third Place: Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs Inc.
Honorable Mention: Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs Inc.
Objects of Art
First Place: Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC
Second Place: Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, in collaboration with gem carver Yan Ge
Third Place: Kent Raible, Raible Studios LLC
Honorable Mention: Ziad H. Noshie, Almaza Jewelers
Pairs and Suites
First Place (and Best of Single Entries Cutting Edge, and Best of Show): Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Second Place: Justin Zaroovabeli, The Rare Gem LLC
Third Place: Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem
Honorable Mention: Stephen M. Avery, Stephen M. Avery
Phenomenal
First Place: David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd.
Second Place: Bryan Lichtenstein, 3090 Gems LLC
Third Place: Bruce Furst, The Cutter’s Bench
Honorable Mention: Neal Hurni, Lewis and Clark Sapphires LLC
Sponsor Platinum Guild International (PGI) gives out the “Best Use of Platinum and Color” and “Best Use of Platinum Crown” awards.
It also sponsors “Platinum Honors,” which recognizes outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl jewelry in 11 Spectrum Awards categories, and the “Platinum Innovation” awards in the Bridal Wear, Business/Day Wear, Evening Wear, Classical, and Men’s categories.
WJA sponsors the WJA “Gem Diva” grants awards in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business/Day Wear categories. All women who enter the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition are eligible for this category.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
