SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2020
Here’s How AGTA Will Do Its Spectrum Awards This Year
The competition will move back to October, and there are two new categories in the mix.
AGTA has added two categories to its Spectrum Awards this year, including a new “Best of.” The 30.19-carat Tanzanian red spinel seen here, cut by David Nassi of 100% Natural Ltd., won “Best of Show” in 2019.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association will move forward with its scheduled Spectrum Awards competition this fall, with some additions.
This year, the event will take place in October in New York.
AGTA had already made the decision to move it back from August to its original timing, based on feedback from members that a longer lead time would be beneficial for design and production.
It will also introduce two more categories.
North American Gems will showcase gems mined in either the U.S. or Canada as part of the “Cutting Edge,” the division of the contest dedicated to lapidary arts.
Stones in this category will be evaluated on the quality of the lapidary work, technique, quality/rarity of the gem material and overall beauty.
The second category to be added this year is a new “Best of” award for Best of Single Entries. It will be chosen from applicants that submitted only one entry into the competition.
Best of Single Entries awards will be given in both Spectrum and Cutting Edge.
To reflect the new date change, AGTA also will relax the rule requiring entries to have been created within the past 12 months.
The mail-in deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 25, and the New York drop-off date is Tuesday, Oct. 6. Call for entries will be sent out electronically later this month.
RELATED CONTENT: This 30-Carat Red Spinel is AGTA Spectrum’s ‘Best of Show’AGTA also will hold its Spectrum Awards Editors’ Event in New York City, which is an appointment-only event allowing qualified editors, influencers and journalists to look at all entries in person.
To be held on Monday, Oct. 26, the event’s format will allow the media to maintain whatever social distancing measures may be in place at the time.
“We’re thrilled to report that the AGTA Spectrum Awards is taking place as planned. In ongoing conversations with designers, lapidary artists, and gemstone dealers that traditionally enter Spectrum, we know that the creative process is currently in full swing,” AGTA CEO Douglas K. Hucker said.
“With so many industry events canceled through the fall, our competition and media event will be among the first opportunities within our industry for showcasing what we are confident will be an incredible outpouring of creativity, passion and inventiveness.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs for 2026The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals 2026-2027” and “Findings & Metals 2026-2027.”
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
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.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
