A ring featuring an untreated 7.16-carat Russian emerald took the top prize at the 2018 American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards, reported Rapaport. The piece was set in platinum and yellow gold, and accented with diamonds, the Best of Show award went to Joseph Ambalu, of New York-based Amba Gem Corp. Other awards go as follows:
The Best Use of Colour – Ricardo Basta of E. Eichberg, “Phoenix Rising” necklace (Mandarin garnets, Paraiba tourmalines, sapphires, rubies, fire opals, tsavorite garnets and turquoise, set in 18K yellow gold).
Best Use of Pearl – Avi Raz of A & Z Pearls, multicolored natural baroque freshwater-pearl necklace, with 14-karat rose, yellow and rhodium gold beads.
Best Use of Platinum and Colour accolade – Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Designs, platinum “Wonder Woman” cuff containing aquamarines, tanzanites, blue zircons, lavender spinels, tourmalines and star-set diamonds.
Best Use of a Platinum Crown prize- John Haynes of Schmitt Jewelers, platinum “Solar Blossom” ring featuring a 14.73-carat orange zircon accented with tsavorite, garnets and diamonds.
Fashion Forward honour – Patrick King of Jewelsmith, 14-karat white- and rose-gold pendant featuring a 13.31-carat sapphire and diamond necklace.
Editor’s Choice award – Caroline Chartouni of Caroline C, 18-karat white-gold and blue spinel ring accented with diamonds.
Bridal division – Zoltan David, 22-karat and 18-karat rose-gold necklace featuring a 46.12-carat opal accented with a 3.60-carat round opal and blue sapphires.
Business/Day Wear category – Designer Erica Courtney, 18-karat yellow gold “Emerald City” necklace, with a 105.99-carat pear-shaped emerald accented with diamonds.
Evening Wear – Gross & Currens of David Gross Group, platinum-and-yellow-sapphire ring with diamonds.
The Classical division top honor – Niveet Nagpal of Omi Prive, platinum ring featuring cuprian tourmaline, diamonds, Paraiba tourmalines and Alexandrite.
Classic Gemstone category – Kenneth Blount of 100% Natural, 91.36-carat unheated yellow Ceylon sapphire.
AGTA CEO Douglas Hucker noted the large number of new designers and first-time entrants, as well as a younger influx of contestants with a fresh design outlook.
Source: Rapaport
