10 AGTA Spectrum Award Jewels I Loved

On Monday I attended the Editors’ Day event for the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards, and as usual, the entries did not disappoint. The gorgeous jewels entered each year provide me with a year-long editorial feast, writing about specific pieces—like a diamond ring from Mociun—or about the people (Gregore Morin) behind multiple wins. (To see the full list of the 2015 winners, click here).

This year, there were some new participants, as well as surprising omissions. For example, one of my fave designers, Suzanne Kalan entered one of her cleverly executed diamond baguette styles, which is included in the list below. I didn’t see anything from James Currens, who is typically a shoo-in for Best of Show (he took that title in 2010, 2013, and 2014). Instead, a Paraiba ring from Leon Megé earned that top spot this year. And Gregore Morin entered—and won—again, taking the title of Editor’s Choice for a pair of whimsical and delicate diamond and fire opal flake earrings. And while I love the Ionescu Design Pillow ring that took first place in Evening Wear in the 2012 Awards, I was surprised to see an awkward-looking turquoise and pearl sibling take home the Fashion Forward prize this year. To me, the piece lacked the polish and harmonious composition of shapes and colors of the original.

And for those of you with a long memory, know that there were no green horse heads this year! Instead, there were lots of pretty, wearable, and inventive pieces.

Suzanne Kalan diamond pendant took the Bridal Wear Gem Diva Award

This diamond pendant necklace by Suzanne Kalan took the Bridal Wear Gem Diva Award.

Gregore Morin fire opal and diamond earrings took the Editor's Choice award

Courtesy AGTA

Earrings with fire opal and diamond by Gregoré Morin, winner of the Editor’s Choice award

Midnight Lady ring with black moonstones and carved jade from Gregore Morin

Elizabeth Anne Bonanno Consulting

Midnight Lady ring with black moonstones and carved jade from Gregoré Morin


Ring with Trapiche emerald by Monica Rich Kosann

Photo courtesy Jeweler’s Resource Bureau

Ring with trapiche emerald by Monica Rich Kosann

 

Firefly ring with paraiba tourmaline, rubies, and diamonds by Caroline Chartuni

Firefly ring with paraiba tourmaline, rubies, and diamonds by Caroline C.

Venus bracelet with freshwater pearls and pink and green tourmalines by Crevoshay took Best Use of Color

SANDRO Art & Photography

The Venus bracelet with freshwater pearls and pink and green tourmalines by Crevoshay, which took Best Use of Color

Pearl strand with bezel-set gems by Hector Hassey

Pearl strand with bezel-set gems by Hector Hassey

 

Necklace with Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds by Bavna

Necklace with Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds by Bavna

 

Necklace with spinel, tourmaline, and padparadscha sapphires by Susan Wheeler Design

Necklace with spinel, tourmaline, and padparadscha sapphires by Susan Wheeler Design

 

Oncoming Storm belt buckle in silver and 18k gold with Pietersite and sapphires by Whiplash Design

Oncoming Storm belt buckle in silver and 18k gold with Pietersite and sapphires by Whiplash Design

The Style 360 blog is your editorial source for the newest jewelry, trends, market analysis, trade show insights, designer profiles, and more.

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