Events & Awards

AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024

Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024

AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.

AGTA Spectrum winners
A platinum and 18-karat yellow gold brooch titled “Sophia D En Tremblant Butterfly” (left) from Joseph Dardashti of Joseph Dardashti Ltd. and Sophia D. featuring emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds won Best of Show honors in the Spectrum division, while a 33-carat Montana sapphire called “The Montana Sun Sapphire” from John Dyer of John Dyer Gems took home Best of Show honors in the Cutting Edge division.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association announced the winners of the 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards this week.

Judging for the contest, now in its 40th year, took place Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star in Dallas.

There were more than 375 entries, which AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. said was similar to the previous year and included a “substantial number” of first-time entrants.

Category distribution also was comparable to 2023.

“Every year the quality of our entries continues to get better and better,” said Ford.

The Evening Wear category had the most entries at 75, while Men’s Wear had 27 entries, a slight increase from last year.

A new category was introduced this year for engagement rings.

It had 21 entries, which Ford described as “an explosion of vibrant color” that “far outweighed my expectations.”

“We are thrilled to see artists’ colorful takes in an area that has traditionally been reserved for diamonds,” he said of the new category.

A new award also was introduced this year.

The Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards, sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family, were created to highlight female designers. The designation was given to one female entrant in each of the six Spectrum categories.

The 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards judges included Jean Francois Bibet, Cartier; Sherry Bender, The Goldsmith Ltd., Chicago; Susan Jacques, Gemological Institute of America; and Suzy Landa, Suzy Landa Fine Jewelry.

An additional judge, Peggy Grosz, formerly of Assael, withdrew due to a conflict.

“We have returned to Texas for a fourth time, and this may be our best year yet,” said Kimberly Collins, owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems and president of the AGTA board of directors.

“The caliber of the entries continues to increase annually, and the expertise of the judges wows us. I think everyone loved seeing the submissions in the new engagement ring category, as colored gems in bridal are a growing segment of the market.”

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, natural pearls and cultured pearls.

Cutting Edge awards honor excellence and creativity in the lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.

Many of the winning pieces will be on display during AGTA GemFair Tucson, slated for Feb. 3–9 in Tucson, Arizona.

Winners will be recognized at the AGTA Spectrum Gala, scheduled to take place Feb. 8 in the recent addition to the Tucson Convention Center.

Here they are.

“Best of” Awards
Best of Show–Spectrum: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd. and Sophia D.
Best of Show–Cutting Edge: John Dyer, John Dyer Gems
Best Use of Color: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Best Use of Pearl: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs LLC
Fashion Forward: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
Best of Single Entries–Cutting Edge: Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers LLC, with contributors Nicolai Medvedev (designer and fabricator), and Susan Helmich (gold work)
Best of Single Entries–Spectrum: Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, with contributors Lauren Tuggle (co-designer and hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), and Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler)
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry
Best Use of Platinum Crown: Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations LLC, with contributor Southern Diamond Jewelers (bench jeweler)

See: The “Best Of” Winners

Bridal Wear
First Place: Christina Penuel, Mark Loren Designs
Second Place: Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry (commissioned by Larry Rice)
Third Place: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc.
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award: Janine Castro, Janine Castro Jewelry, with contributors Steven DeLaVega (center stone source) and Juan Negron (jeweler)
Honorable Mention and Platinum Honors: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.

Business/Day Wear
First Place and Platinum Honors: Maia Carlson, Weber Goldsmith Gallery, with contributor Brad Weber
Second Place: Wolfgang Vaatz, Wolfgang Vaatz
Third Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award: Jutta Munsteiner, Somewhere In The Rainbow, with contributor Tom Munsteiner (cutter)
Honorable Mention: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Honorable Mention: Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs
Honorable Mention: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs LLC

Classical
First Place: Beatrix Laura Jessner, B & W Jewels LLC
Second Place: Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs
Third Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award: Mary van der Aa, Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels, with contributor Tucson Todd’s Gems (gemstone supplier)
Honorable Mention: Jutta Munsteiner, Munsteiner USA LLC
Platinum Honors: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, with contributor Cuprian & Co. (supplier)

See: The Spectrum First-Place Winners

Engagement Rings
First Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Second Place: Nikki Swift, Nicole Mera LLC
Third Place: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs LLC with contributor Color Source Gems (sapphire supplier)
Honorable Mention: Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs
Platinum Honors: Underwoods Design Team, Underwoods Fine Jewelers

Evening Wear
First Place: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd. and Sophia D.
Second Place: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
Third Place: Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith Inc.
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award and Honorable Mention: Sonya Konstantinovsky, Sonya K.
Honorable Mention: Raja Mehta, AG Gems
Platinum Honors: Marie Fellhauer, Holly Hawks Curations LLC, with contributor Southern Diamond Jewelers (bench jeweler)

Men’s Wear
First Place and Platinum Honors: Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry
Second Place: Matthew Tuggle, Tuggle Designs, with contributors Lauren Tuggle (co-designer and hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), and Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler)
Third Place: Zoltan David, Somewhere In The Rainbow, with contributor Bruce Bridges (supplier and cutting)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award: Robin Callahan, Robin Callahan Designs LLC and Tom Munsteiner (lapidary artist)
Honorable Mention: Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars
Honorable Mention: Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs

Editors’ Choice Awards 

Spectrum: Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
Cutting Edge: Christopher Wolfsberg in collaboration with Nirinjan Kalsa 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Here are the winners of the 2024 Cutting Edge Awards.

All Other Cut Gemstones
First Place: Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Second Place: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s
Third Place: Nancy Attaway, High Country Gems
Honorable Mention: Ben Kho, Kho International
Honorable Mention: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s

Carving
First Place: Patrick Dreher, Dreher Carvings LLC
Second Place: Dalan Hargrave, GemStarz Jewelry, with contributor Don Buford (owner)
Third Place: Don Johnson, Obsessed Over Gems, with contributor Meg Berry
Honorable Mention: Robert Procop, Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels, with contributor Meg Berry (faceter)

Classic Gemstones
First Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Second Place: Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem
Third Place: William Hakimi, A. Hakimi & Sons
Honorable Mention: Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem

Innovative Faceting
First Place: Lee Haynes, LWH Gems
Second Place: Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars
Third Place: Justin Cruz, Red Deer’s Customs & Throwing Stones, with contributors Derek Katzenbach (cutter) and Rusty James (co-owner)
Honorable Mention: Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer
Honorable Mention: Steven Manchini, Steven Tyler the Designer, with contributor Doug Malby

See: The Cutting Edge First-Place Winners

North American Mined Gemstones
First Place: John Dyer, John Dyer Gems
Second Place: Ben Kho, Kho International
Third Place: Ben Kho, Kho International

Objects of Art
First Place: Philip Louer, North American Gem Carvers LLC
Second Place: Desmond Chan, Gem Arts International, with contributor Yan Ge (carver)
Third Place: Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars

Pairs & Suites
First Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Second Place: Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Third Place: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Honorable Mention: David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd., with contributor Kenneth Blount
Honorable Mention: Bruce Bridges, Somewhere In The Rainbow

Phenomenal
First Place: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Second Place: Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA LLC
Third Place: Adam Gil, Jerry Gil & Company
Honorable Mention: Itamar Pimenta, Pentagon Gem

Sponsor Platinum Guild International gives out the “Best Use of Platinum and Color” and “Best Use of Platinum Crown” awards.  

It also sponsors “Platinum Honors,” which recognizes the outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl jewelry in six Spectrum Awards categories.  

The Latest

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

41.82-carat rough blue diamond recovered from the Cullinan Mine
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South Africa

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Saks New York City holiday lights
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEO

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Rio Grande diamonds
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond Melee

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

MNQ FINAL - NJ web - 1872 x 1052 px.png
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the Podcast

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Lisa Manobal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden Globes

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Peter Yanzter, former executive director of AGS Labs
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

Macy’s New York Herald Square
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This Year

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Jewelers Mutual logo
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance Program

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

Wrapped holiday present boxes
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard Say

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Christie’s Kimberly Miller
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for Luxury

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

Lionheart Serenity Opal Amulet Charm
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal Charm

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy