SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategorySourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ Awards
The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Mimi So’s 18-karat rose gold “Cotton Candy” necklace set with kunzite, spinels, and imperial topaz won the “Buyer’s Choice” award in the Spectrum division, while Ben Kho’s 35.25-carat pink-purple octagonal-cut kunzite took home the honor in the Cutting Edge division.
Tucson, Ariz.—AGTA has announced the winners of its 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” awards.
The recipients were named on Feb. 5 at the Spectrum Awards Gala held at the Tucson Convention Center during the AGTA GemFair Tucson show.
The award winners were selected by the trade show’s attendees, who voted on their favorite pieces from the contest’s slate of award winners, which were revealed in November. The pieces were displayed in showcases throughout the show floor.
Mimi So, CEO and creative director of her eponymous brand, won the “Buyer’s Choice” award from the Spectrum division.
Her 18-karat rose gold “Cotton Candy” necklace, which also won the Honorable Mention award in Spectrum’s “Evening Wear” category, features a 16.71-carat pear-shape kunzite, a 4.05-carat vivid pink spinel, and a 5.65-carat imperial topaz accented with sapphires totaling 18.71 carats, spinels totaling 14.99 carats, tourmalines totaling 41.70 carats, and 8.71 carats of diamonds.
Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd. won the award from the Cutting Edge division for the second year in a row.
His 2025 entry, a 35.25-carat pink-purple octagonal-cut kunzite, also won first place in the “All Other Cut Gemstones” category.
Jewelry industry personality, trend watcher, and television personality Michael O’Connor served as the emcee for the gala.
“AGTA shoppers are known for their great taste, so their decisions on these two beautiful pieces—Mimi So’s necklace and Ben Kho’s kunzite—were a delight to see,” said John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA.
“It’s never an easy decision, because there are so many wonderful entries in the competition, so we are always appreciative when attendees take time out of their schedules to choose winners.”
The next edition of the Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards will open for entries at the end of June 2026 and will feature the debut of a brand new category.
Questions about the awards can be directed to marketing@agta.org.
Related stories will be right here …
The recipients were named on Feb. 5 at the Spectrum Awards Gala held at the Tucson Convention Center during the AGTA GemFair Tucson show.
The award winners were selected by the trade show’s attendees, who voted on their favorite pieces from the contest’s slate of award winners, which were revealed in November. The pieces were displayed in showcases throughout the show floor.
Mimi So, CEO and creative director of her eponymous brand, won the “Buyer’s Choice” award from the Spectrum division.
Her 18-karat rose gold “Cotton Candy” necklace, which also won the Honorable Mention award in Spectrum’s “Evening Wear” category, features a 16.71-carat pear-shape kunzite, a 4.05-carat vivid pink spinel, and a 5.65-carat imperial topaz accented with sapphires totaling 18.71 carats, spinels totaling 14.99 carats, tourmalines totaling 41.70 carats, and 8.71 carats of diamonds.
Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd. won the award from the Cutting Edge division for the second year in a row.
His 2025 entry, a 35.25-carat pink-purple octagonal-cut kunzite, also won first place in the “All Other Cut Gemstones” category.
Jewelry industry personality, trend watcher, and television personality Michael O’Connor served as the emcee for the gala.
“AGTA shoppers are known for their great taste, so their decisions on these two beautiful pieces—Mimi So’s necklace and Ben Kho’s kunzite—were a delight to see,” said John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA.
“It’s never an easy decision, because there are so many wonderful entries in the competition, so we are always appreciative when attendees take time out of their schedules to choose winners.”
The next edition of the Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards will open for entries at the end of June 2026 and will feature the debut of a brand new category.
Questions about the awards can be directed to marketing@agta.org.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
