Sourcing

2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

SourcingJun 25, 2025

2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
The deadline to qualify for early bird pricing for the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge awards is Sept. 26, and the final deadline is Oct. 10. Pictured is the 33-carat “The Montana Sun Sapphire” from John Dyer of John Dyer Gems that won Best of Show in the Cutting Edge division of last year’s contest.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced it is accepting entries for the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge awards.

The annual contest, created in 1984, recognizes design excellence in the world of colored gemstones and cultured pearls.

The winners of the awards set the standard for beauty and innovation, launch trends, and earn worldwide recognition, said AGTA.

They will receive mentions in the press and on social media and be recognized at the Spectrum & Cutting Edge awards gala during AGTA GemFair in Tucson next February.

Categories for the Spectrum awards for finished jewelry include bridal, business/day wear, evening wear, and men’s wear. 

For the Cutting Edge awards, entrants can submit loose goods and non-wearable gems to categories including pairs and suites, innovative faceting, and carvings, as well as “North American Mined Gemstones.”

A vetted panel of judges, comprising experts from various facets of the industry, will choose the winners in each category. 

This year’s retailer judges are Jerry Raine of Turgeon Raine in Seattle and Craig Underwood of Underwood’s Jewelers in Arkansas. Designer Erica Courtney is the designer judge. Blaine Lewis, owner and lead instructor of the New Approach School For Jewelers in Tennessee, is the manufacturing judge. Expert gemstone cutter Clay Zava is the lapidary judge.

AGTA spectrum judges 2025
At top (left to right) Blaine Lewis, Clay Zava, and Jerry Raine. At bottom, Craig Underwood (left) and Erica Courtney (right)


Four additional judges will select winners for the two sponsored awards:

AGTA spectrum sponsored award judges 2025
At top, Billie Norville (left) and Cher Norville (right), and at bottom, Patti Norville Spector (left) and Jenny Luker (right).


The Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award, sponsored by Allan Norville and family, highlights female designers and is open to women entering any of the Spectrum categories. One of these awards will be given in each Spectrum category. These entries will be judged separately.

The award was introduced last year to honor the late Alfie Norville, who helped to establish the annual Gem & Jewelry Exchange jewelry trade show in Tucson, Arizona.

The second designation, a Platinum Honors award sponsored by Platinum Guild International, highlights the use of platinum. One award will be given in each Spectrum category. The organization will also select one “Best Use of Platinum and Color” and one “Best Use of a Platinum Crown.”

The judges for these awards are Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International USA, along with Patti Norville Spector, Cher Norville, and Billie Norville—members of the Norville family. 

“Once again, AGTA is fortunate to have an incredible group of judges with vast industry experience for this year’s awards,” said John W. Ford, Sr., CEO of AGTA.  

“I encourage every designer and gem dealer, whether a seasoned veteran or someone waiting to be discovered, to send in your best. The media exposure you receive both by competing or winning a Spectrum or Cutting Edge Award can equally propel you and your business to new heights.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Judging will take place in October.

There are also the “Editor’s Choice Spectrum” and “Editor’s Choice Cutting Edge” categories, for which winners are chosen at an invitation-only event for media that will take place in the fall.

Next year, at GemFair Tucson 2026, buyers will vote on pieces for the “Buyer’s Choice” awards. One winner will be chosen in the Spectrum division and one in Cutting Edge.

“The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards have represented the highest standard of excellence in gemstones and jewelry design for over four decades,” said Bruce Bridges, AGTA board president and president of Bridges Tsavorite.

“The judging process is incredibly thorough, with each juror selected for their unique expertise and insight. Multiple safeguards have also been put into effect to ensure that any chance for favoritism is completely negated. The level of media attention from respected industry publications, bloggers, and influencers makes participation alone a valuable opportunity. In terms of long-term recognition and visibility, no other jewelry competition compares.”

The mail-in deadline to qualify for early bird pricing is Sept. 26. The first entry is $285, and all additional entries are $225 each.

The final deadline is Oct. 10. After the early bird pricing offer expires, it is $315 for the first entry and $245 for every additional entry.

All entries must be paid for and received by the AGTA office before this date.

The full list of eligibility requirements and judging criteria is available on AGTA’s website.

To submit an entry to the awards, click here

The Latest

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

×

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