CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Events & AwardsJul 27, 2016
Demantoid Garnet Suite Takes Top Spectrum Honors
This is the second time in as many years that a Cutting Edge entry took home Best of Show honors in the AGTA’s annual design contest.
This suite of round brilliant demantoid garnets weighing 24.67 total carats won Best of Show in this year’s AGTA Spectrum Awards.
Dallas--For the second time in as many years, a Cutting Edge entry took home the Best of Show honors in the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Awards.
A suite of round brilliant Russian demantoid garnets weighing a total of 24.67 carats cut by Ruben Bindra of B&B Fine Gems was recognized with the design contest’s highest honor.
Last year, a suite of carved Paraiba tourmaline won Best of Show.
There has only been one other time a Cutting Edge entry has won the competition’s top honor--in 2004, Best of Show went to a sunstone, moldavite and diamond “Celestial City” carving.
Judging for this year’s Spectrum Awards took place Saturday and Sunday in New York. It was the first time that the competition was held in the summer rather than the fall.
This year’s judges were: Gail Brett-Levine of National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, Diane Garmendia of 33 Jewels at El Paseo, Jay Mednikow of J.H. Mednikow & Co., Inc. Victor Velyan of Victor-Christy Studios and Lew Wackler of Lew Wackler Gem Co.
The winners will receive their awards during the 2017 AGTA GemFair in Tucson, scheduled for Jan. 31 to Feb. 5 at the Tucson Convention Center. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and the award winners will be recognized during the Spectrum Awards Gala on Feb 4.
Winners of the 2016 Summer AGTA Spectrum Awards are as follows.
“Best of” Category
Best of Show: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Best Use of Color: Derek Katzenbach, Katzenbach Designs
Best Use of Pearls: Judy Evans, Oliver & Espig Gallery of Fine Arts
Best Use of Platinum and Color: Kathy Kinev, Jewel Creations Inc.
Fashion Forward: Lorenzo Chavez, Geogem-USA
Bridal Wear
First Place and Platinum Honors: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg Inc.
Second Place: Alexia Connellan, Alexia Connellan Luxury Jewelry
Third Place: Caroline Chartouni, Caroline C
Honorable Mention: Jessica Neiwert, Jessica Nei
Honorable Mention: Samuel Sulimanov, Samuel Sylvio Designs
Manufacturing Honors: Dennis de Jonghe, deJonghe Original Jewelry
Gem Diva Award: Heena Chheda Shah, Real Gems Inc.
Best of Show
Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems, with this suite of round, brilliant Russian demantoid garnets weighing 24.67 carats
Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems, with this suite of round, brilliant Russian demantoid garnets weighing 24.67 carats
Best Use of Color
Derek Katzenbach of Katzenbach Designs for this 14-karat white gold ring featuring a 4.97-carat bicolored tourmaline accented with tsavorite garnets, tourmalines and diamonds
Derek Katzenbach of Katzenbach Designs for this 14-karat white gold ring featuring a 4.97-carat bicolored tourmaline accented with tsavorite garnets, tourmalines and diamonds
Best Use of Pearls
Judy Evans, Oliver & Espig Gallery of Fine Arts for this platinum pendant featuring a 13.44 mm golden South Sea cultured pearl accented with diamonds
Judy Evans, Oliver & Espig Gallery of Fine Arts for this platinum pendant featuring a 13.44 mm golden South Sea cultured pearl accented with diamonds
Best Use of Platinum and Color
Kathy Kinev of Jewel Creations Inc. for this platinum “St. Chapelle” ring featuring rubies, sapphires, tsavorite garnets and blue and white diamonds
Kathy Kinev of Jewel Creations Inc. for this platinum “St. Chapelle” ring featuring rubies, sapphires, tsavorite garnets and blue and white diamonds
Fashion Forward
Lorenzo Chavez of Geogem-USA won for this platinum and 18-karat yellow and rose gold “Gift from the Abyss” pendant featuring a 124.73-carat carved kunzite accented with blue zircons and diamonds
Lorenzo Chavez of Geogem-USA won for this platinum and 18-karat yellow and rose gold “Gift from the Abyss” pendant featuring a 124.73-carat carved kunzite accented with blue zircons and diamonds
Bridal Wear
Ricardo Basta of E. Eichberg Inc. won First Place and Platinum Honors for this platinum “Royal Blue” ring featuring a 12-carat blue sapphire accented with diamonds. The ring also has a detachable 18-karat yellow gold “Quilt” jacket--creating a ring within a ring--featuring turquoise accented with diamonds and tsavorite garnets.
Ricardo Basta of E. Eichberg Inc. won First Place and Platinum Honors for this platinum “Royal Blue” ring featuring a 12-carat blue sapphire accented with diamonds. The ring also has a detachable 18-karat yellow gold “Quilt” jacket--creating a ring within a ring--featuring turquoise accented with diamonds and tsavorite garnets.
Business/Day Wear
Ricardo Basta of E. Eichberg Inc. also won First Place in the Business/Day Wear category with this 18-karat yellow gold and platinum “Honey” ring featuring a 13.58-carat Heliodor accented with sapphires and diamonds.
Ricardo Basta of E. Eichberg Inc. also won First Place in the Business/Day Wear category with this 18-karat yellow gold and platinum “Honey” ring featuring a 13.58-carat Heliodor accented with sapphires and diamonds.
Classical
Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems won first place in Classical with this 18-karat rose gold ring featuring a 4.01-carat cushion-cut pink spinel accented with spinel and diamond melee and a 0.01-carat alexandrite.
Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems won first place in Classical with this 18-karat rose gold ring featuring a 4.01-carat cushion-cut pink spinel accented with spinel and diamond melee and a 0.01-carat alexandrite.
Evening Wear
The first place winner was David Gross of David Gross Group for this platinum necklace featuring 21 unheated Mozambique rubies weighing 29.33 total carats accented with 21.61 carats of diamonds.
The first place winner was David Gross of David Gross Group for this platinum necklace featuring 21 unheated Mozambique rubies weighing 29.33 total carats accented with 21.61 carats of diamonds.
Men’s Wear
Mark Schneider of Mark Schneider Design won First Place and Platinum honors for this platinum and 18-karat yellow gold ring featuring an 8.76-carat Maw Sit Sit accented with black, white and yellow diamonds and tsavorite garnets.
Mark Schneider of Mark Schneider Design won First Place and Platinum honors for this platinum and 18-karat yellow gold ring featuring an 8.76-carat Maw Sit Sit accented with black, white and yellow diamonds and tsavorite garnets.
Carving
Naomi Sarna of Naomi Sarna Designs’ hand-carved ametrine (297 total carats)
Naomi Sarna of Naomi Sarna Designs’ hand-carved ametrine (297 total carats)
Classic Gemstone
Ruben Bindra of B & B Fine Gems for this 10.11-carat Sri Lankan cushion-cut orange sapphire
Ruben Bindra of B & B Fine Gems for this 10.11-carat Sri Lankan cushion-cut orange sapphire
Innovative Faceting
John Dyer of John Dyer & Co. for this 80.29-carat specialty-cut ametrine
John Dyer of John Dyer & Co. for this 80.29-carat specialty-cut ametrine
Phenomenal
Gil International for this 5.56-carat untreated alexandrite
Gil International for this 5.56-carat untreated alexandrite
All Other Faceted
Jeffrey R. Hapeman of Earth’s Treasury for this 42.47-carat brilliant square cushion specialty cut apatite
Jeffrey R. Hapeman of Earth’s Treasury for this 42.47-carat brilliant square cushion specialty cut apatite
Business/Day Wear
First Place: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg Inc.
Second Place: T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelers
Third Place: Zoltan David, Zoltan David LLC
Honorable Mention: Shuang Feng, Fon Shon Jewellery Art & Design
Honorable Mention: Patrick King, Jewelsmith
Manufacturing Honors: Llyn Strong, Llyn Strong Fine Art Jewelry
Platinum Honors: John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford
Entry Platinum Innovation: Jill Maurer, Jill Maurer
Gem Diva Award: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs
Classical
First
Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Second Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Third Place: Alexia Connellan, Alexia Connellan Luxury Jewelry
Honorable Mention and Entry Platinum Innovation: Lindsay Jane, Lindsay Jane Designs
Honorable Mention and Gem Diva Award: Heena Chheda Shah, Real Gems Inc.
Manufacturing Honors: Dominique Israileff, ASBA USA Inc.
Platinum Honors: Zoltan David, Zoltan David LLC
Evening Wear
First Place: David Gross, David Gross Groups
Second Place: Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith
Third Place: Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers
Honorable Mention: Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney Inc.
Honorable Mention: Sinork Agdere, Lord Jewelry
Manufacturing Honors: Llyn Strong, Llyn Strong Fine Art Jewelry
Platinum Honors: John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford
Gem Diva Award: Alexia Connellan, Alexia Connellan
Men’s Wear
First Place and Platinum Honors: Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design
Second Place: William Travis, William Travis Jewelry
Third Place: Craig Slavens, Studio 247 Fine Jewelry
Honorable Mention and Entry Platinum Innovation: William Travis, William Travis Jewelry
The winners for the Cutting Edge Awards are as follows.
Carving
First Place: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs
Second Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Third Place: Meg Berry, Mega Gem
Honorable Mention: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs
Classic Gemstone
First Place: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Second Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Third Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Honorable Mention: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Innovative Faceting
First Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Second Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Third Place: Ryan Joseph Anderson, Ryan Joseph Gems
Honorable Mention: Glenn Wm. Lehrer, Lehrer Designs Inc.
Objects of Art
Honorable Mention: Brenda Smith, Brenda Smith Jewelry
Honorable Mention: Neda Behnam, Samuel B. Collection
Pairs & Suites
First Place and Best of Show: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Second Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Third Place: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.
Honorable Mention: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Phenomenal
First Place: Gil International
Second Place: Robert Shapiro, Robert Shapiro
Third Place: Manu Nichani, Blue Moon Ent.
Honorable Mention: Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals Inc.
All Other Faceted
First Place: Jeffrey R. Hapeman, Earth’s Treasury LLC
Second Place: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s
Third Place: Ambassador Gems
Honorable Mention: Hemant Phophaliya, AG Color Inc.
Second Place: Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems Inc.
Third Place: Alexia Connellan, Alexia Connellan Luxury Jewelry
Honorable Mention and Entry Platinum Innovation: Lindsay Jane, Lindsay Jane Designs
Honorable Mention and Gem Diva Award: Heena Chheda Shah, Real Gems Inc.
Manufacturing Honors: Dominique Israileff, ASBA USA Inc.
Platinum Honors: Zoltan David, Zoltan David LLC
Evening Wear
First Place: David Gross, David Gross Groups
Second Place: Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith
Third Place: Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers
Honorable Mention: Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney Inc.
Honorable Mention: Sinork Agdere, Lord Jewelry
Manufacturing Honors: Llyn Strong, Llyn Strong Fine Art Jewelry
Platinum Honors: John Ford, Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford
Gem Diva Award: Alexia Connellan, Alexia Connellan
Men’s Wear
First Place and Platinum Honors: Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design
Second Place: William Travis, William Travis Jewelry
Third Place: Craig Slavens, Studio 247 Fine Jewelry
Honorable Mention and Entry Platinum Innovation: William Travis, William Travis Jewelry
The winners for the Cutting Edge Awards are as follows.
Carving
First Place: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs
Second Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Third Place: Meg Berry, Mega Gem
Honorable Mention: Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs
Classic Gemstone
First Place: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Second Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Third Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Honorable Mention: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Innovative Faceting
First Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Second Place: John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.
Third Place: Ryan Joseph Anderson, Ryan Joseph Gems
Honorable Mention: Glenn Wm. Lehrer, Lehrer Designs Inc.
Objects of Art
Honorable Mention: Brenda Smith, Brenda Smith Jewelry
Honorable Mention: Neda Behnam, Samuel B. Collection
Pairs & Suites
First Place and Best of Show: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems
Second Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Third Place: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd.
Honorable Mention: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.
Phenomenal
First Place: Gil International
Second Place: Robert Shapiro, Robert Shapiro
Third Place: Manu Nichani, Blue Moon Ent.
Honorable Mention: Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals Inc.
All Other Faceted
First Place: Jeffrey R. Hapeman, Earth’s Treasury LLC
Second Place: Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad’s
Third Place: Ambassador Gems
Honorable Mention: Hemant Phophaliya, AG Color Inc.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
