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

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

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.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Kendra Scott
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 Stores

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell and COO Michael Fiddelke
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

Jewelers of America in Washington DC
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

Tiffany & Co. Pop Up at U.S. Open
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US Open

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.

Bellman’s Jewelers The Truthful Jeweler Alex Bellman
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes Off

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”

Stock image of police cars with lights flashing
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, Robbed

The latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.

Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II Watch
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster Restoration

The new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.

Jewelers for Children logo
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ Challenge

Participants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry Retail

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

MJSA Logo
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally Recognized

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Masaki Obu
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division Manager

Casio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.

Michael Barabash and husband Raymond Cuadrado
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58

Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.

John Hardy Dot Coil Necklace and Dot Hoop Earrings
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on Point

Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

×

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