Events & Awards

Carved Paraiba suite takes Spectrum’s top honors

Events & AwardsMar 02, 2016

Carved Paraiba suite takes Spectrum’s top honors

A suite of Paraiba tourmaline carved in a nautilus shell shape from Allen Kleiman of A. Kleiman & Co. nabbed Best of Show honors at the AGTA’s annual Spectrum Design competition.

20151028-AGTA-Spectrum-Article.jpg
This suite of carved Paraiba tourmaline from Allen Kleiman of A. Kleiman&Co. took home both the Best of Show honors as well as first place in the Carving category of the Cutting Edge Awards.

Dallas--A suite of Paraiba tourmaline carved in a nautilus shell shape by Allen Kleiman took home Best of Show honors in the American Gem Trade Association’s 2016 Spectrum Awards, and snagged top honors in the Cutting Edge Awards as well.

This is the second time that a Cutting Edge entry has won Best of Show, according to AGTA. The last time that happened was when Dalan Hargrave won with a sunstone, moldavite and diamond “Celestial City” carving in the 2004 awards.

Judging for the 32nd edition of Spectrum took place in New York Saturday and Sunday, with the winners revealed Monday. This year’s judges were: Ronald Arends of Aires Jewelers; Stephen Avery, of Stephen M. Avery Inc.; Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Design; Lauren Kulchinsky-Levison of MayFair Rocks; and Aron Suna of Suna Bros. 

The winners will receive their awards during the 2016 AGTA GemFair Tucson, which is scheduled for Feb. 2 to 7. Winning entries will be displayed throughout the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards recipients will be recognized at the AGTA’s gala on Feb. 6.

Here is a complete list of the winners of the 2016 Spectrum Awards.

Best of Category
Best of Show: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Best Use of Color: Bella Campbell, Campbellian Collection
Best Use of Pearls: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Andrew Costen, Costen Catbalue
Best Use of Silver and Color: William Travis Kukovich, William Travis Jewelry
Fashion Forward: Brian Cook, Nature’s Geometry

Bridal Wear
First Place: Tony Nemyer, Grimball Jewelers
Second Place: Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx
Third Place: Caroline Chartouni, Caroline C
Entry Platinum Innovation: Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry
Gem Diva Award: Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney Inc.
Manufacturing Honors: Michael Jakubowski, Gem Fanatic
Platinum Honors: Kathy Kinev, Jewel Creations Inc.
Savor Silver Award: Hisano Shepherd, little h

Business/Day Wear
First Place: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg Inc.
Second Place: Heath London, Heath London Jewelry
Third Place: Kim Hurlbert-Sarosi, Sarosi by Timeless Gems
Entry Platinum Innovation: Heena Chheda-Shah, Valani
Gem Diva Award: Gurmit Kaur Campbell, SRW
Honorable Mention: Heath London, Heath London Jewelry
Manufacturing Honors: Stuller Inc.
Platinum Honors: Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry
Savor Silver Award: Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine

Classical
First Place: Brent Malgarin, Elegant Gems Ltd.
Second Place: Lindsay Jane, Ambassador Gems
Third Place: Gil, Gil Int’l
Entry Platinum Innovation: Lorenzo Chavez, Geogem-USA
Gem Diva Award: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs

Honorable Mention: Josette Patterson, Mark Patterson
Platinum Honors: Wick & Greene Jewelers
Savor Silver Award: William Travis Kukovich, William Travis Jewelry 

Evening Wear
First Place: Claudia Kretchmer, Somewhere in the Rainbow
Second Place: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg Inc.
Third Place: Randy Coffin, Somewhere in the Rainbow
Gem Diva Award: Lisa Linhardt, Linhardt Design
Honorable Mention: Alexia Connellan, Alexia Connellan LLC
Manufacturing Honors: Troels D. Larsen, Troels D. Larsen Jewelry
Platinum Honors: Eddie Sakamoto, Somewhere in the Rainbow
Savor Silver Award: Priyanka Murthy, Arya Esha

Men’s Wear
First Place: Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design
Second Place: Llyn L. Strelau, Jewels by Design
Third Place: Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design
Manufacturing Honors: Craig Slavens, Studio 247 Fine Jewelry
Platinum Honors: David Hines, Nvit Blanche
Savor Silver Award: William Travis Kukovich, William Travis Jewelry

And, the winners for the Cutting Edge Awards are as follows.

Carving
First Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Second Place: Glenn Lehrer, Lehrer Designs Inc.
Third Place: Rodney Rahmani, Brilliant Stars
Honorable Mention: Glenn Lehrer, Lehrer Designs Inc.

Classic Gemstone
First Place: Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.
Second Place: David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd.
Third Place: Sailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA Inc. 

Innovative Faceting
First Place: Dalan Hargrave, Sunstone Butte Mining
Second Place: Dalan Hargrave, B. Harju
Third Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.

Objects of Art
First Place: Ziad H. Noshie, Almaza Jewelers
Second Place: Ralph Wobito, Wobito Gems Ltd. 

Pairs & Suites
First Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Second Place: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s
Third Place: Ajay Bansal, Best In Gems 

Phenomenal
First Place: Robert Shapiro
Second Place: Sailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA Inc.
Third Place: Steve Wallner, Westview Gems 

All Other Faceted
First Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Second Place: Hemant Phophaliya, A G Color Inc.
Third Place: Darrell Jang

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

×

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