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
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
