Winners Announced for AGTA's Spectrum Awards Competition

Winners Announced for AGTA's 2013 Spectrum Awards CompetitionDallas, TX - October 22, 2012: Winners have been named in the 2013 AGTA SpectrumAwards competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. This year marks the29 th anniversary of the competition.The competition was judged October 20-21 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2013 competitionwere Candace Edelman of Alex Sepkus, Jennifer Heebner of JCK Magazine, fine jewelry buyerAbby Huhtanen of Bergdorf Goodman, lapidarist Kiwon Jang, and designer Kimberly McDonald.The annual AGTA Spectrum Awards Media Day was held October 22 and featured all of thejewelry and gemstone submissions. Attendees included top fashion/accessory editors from thetrade and consumer press, stylists, and bloggers. Publications represented included Vogue, W,Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Women’s Wear Daily, Marie Claire, Essence, NY TimesMagazine, and many more.SPECTRUM AWARDSBest of Category Winners:Best of Show:James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc.Platinum "Lava" ring featuring a 12.99 ct. Ruby cabochon accented with marquis-cut Diamonds (1.47 ctw.) andDiamond melee (7.40 ctw.).Best Use of Color:Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney18K yellow gold earrings featuring Opals (36.70 ctw.), Apatite (5.92 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (1.76 ctw.).1

Best Use of Platinum and Color:Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone DesignPlatinum "Shangri-La" earrings featuring Opals (15.86 ctw.) and Tanzanite cabochon drops (48.54 ctw.) accentedwith purple and blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.), Tourmalines (4.53 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (.29 ctw.), Diamonds (.86ctw.)and Turquoise briolettes.Best Use of Palladium & Color:Cynthia Renee, Cynthia Renee, Inc.Palladium and stainless steel "Owl Queen" brooch featuring a carved petrified palm owl, accented with Mother ofPearl on a 42.57 ct. green Tourmaline crystal and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).Best Use of Pearls:Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc.14K white gold earrings featuring 8.5mm Akoya Pearls, 9mm white South Sea Pearls, 10-11mm Tahitian Pearls andaccented with Diamonds (2.42 ctw.).2

Fashion Forward:Jennifer Dawes, Dawes Design18K yellow gold necklace featuring Aquamarines (14.45 ctw.), Emeralds (7.45 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).Editor’s Choice:Parul Kuki Seth, Parulina (Zaq, Inc.) - 18K yellow gold "Two Finger Glam" ring featuring three Emerald cabochons(19.62 ctw.) accented with round Emeralds (9.54 ctw.).Category Winners:Bridal Wear:Bridal Wear - 1st PlaceRobert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers - Platinum ring featuring a 4.08 ct. pink Sapphire with half-moon Diamonds (.34ctw.) and round Diamonds (.56ctw.).Bridal Wear - 2nd PlaceBella Campbell, Campbellian - 18K white gold earrings featuring royal blue Moonstones (13.00 ctw.) accented withDiamonds (2.00 ctw.).Bridal Wear - 3rd PlaceGiraux Fine Jewelry, Giraux Fine Jewelry - 18K white gold "Rain Drop" earrings featuring pink Spinels (4.29 ctw.) andaccented with heart, marquise and cushion shaped Diamonds (1.55 ctw.).Bridal Wear - Platinum HonorsDeirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Scheherazade" earrings featuring silver and white Tahitianbaroque Pearls accented with Diamonds (2.21 ctw.).Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum InnovationJake Wosinski, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum hand-engraved ring featuring a 1.25 ct. round blue Sapphireaccented with Diamonds (.04 ctw.).Bridal Wear - Palladium Prestige AwardDarryl Alexander, Alexander's Jewelers - Palladium "Purple Passion" ring featuring a 14mm pink freshwater Pearlaccented with purple Sapphires and Diamonds.Bridal Wear – Gem DivaPamela Froman, Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry - Palladium "Ice Princess" cuff featuring rainbow Moonstones (15.0ctw.) accented with Diamonds (3.01 ctw.).3

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing HonorsGiraux Fine Jewelry, Giraux Fine Jewelry - 18K white gold "Rain Drop" earrings featuring pink Spinels (4.29 ctw.) andaccented with heart, marquise and cushion shaped Diamonds (1.55 ctw.).Bridal Wear - Honorable MentionDarryl Alexander, Alexander's Jewelers - Palladium "Purple Passion" ring featuring a 14mm pink freshwater Pearlaccented with purple Sapphires and Diamonds.Business/Day Wear:Business/Day Wear - 1st PlaceGregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K white gold earrings featuring pink Opal (8.6 ctw.) Japanese plum blossomsaccented with black and white Diamonds (.87 ctw.).Business/Day Wear - 2nd PlaceGregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K white gold and black ruthenium ring featuring an Opal accented withDiamonds (.09 ctw.) and spessartite Garnets (1.01 ctw.).Business/Day Wear - 3rd PlaceGregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K white gold "Lady leaf" earrings featuring Jade leaf drops (53 ctw.) accentedwith Opal (5.5 ctw.), white Diamonds (.36 ctw.) and black Diamond ladybugs (.45 ctw.) .Business/Day Wear - Platinum HonorsAlishan Halebian, Alishan - Platinum pin/pendant featuring a 12.5mm Tahitian Pearl accented with Chrome Diopsidecabochons (2.40 ctw.) and Diamonds (.60 ctw.).Business/Day Wear - Entry Platinum InnovationMark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - Platinum earrings featuring 8 freshwater Pearls accented with Diamonds(.30 ctw.).Business/Day Wear - Palladium Prestige AwardSteph Farber, LeRoy Jewelers - Palladium pendant featuring blue Chalcedony and a Quartz carving accented with 161.2mm Sapphires and 60 1.0-1.3mm Diamonds.Business/Day Wear – Gem DivaCaroline Chartouni, Caroline C - 18K pink gold earrings featuring rose Quartz drops (56.37 ctw.) accented withDiamonds (1.99 ctw.).Business/Day Wear - Manufacturing HonorsAdeleh Petochi, Eclat Jewels, Inc. - 18K rose gold cuff featuring two Amethyst cabochons (118.13 ctw.) accented withDiamonds (5.39 ctw.).Business/Day Wear - Honorable MentionDevta Doolan, Devta Doolan Jewelry - 22K yellow gold pendant featuring a 36.0 ct. marquise-cut Jade cabochonaccented with rose-cut black Diamonds (8.50 ctw.).Classical:Classical - 1st PlaceJames Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Lava" ring featuring a 12.99 ct. Ruby cabochon accented withmarquis-cut Diamonds (1.47 ctw.) and Diamond melee (7.40 ctw.).Classical - 2nd PlaceGigi Vivian Fitzmorris, The Gigi Collection - 18K yellow gold and black rhodium bug pin featuring black Tahitiancultured Pearl accented with paraiba Tourmalines (6.00 ctw.), Diamonds (6.00 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.51 ctw.) andtsavorite Garnets (.95 ctw.).Classical - 3rd PlaceLilly Fitzgerald, Lilly Fitzgerald - Goldsmith - 22K yellow gold chain link necklace featuring suspended Labradoritecylinders.Classical - Platinum HonorsMaria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones - Platinum ring featuring a 3.22 ct. antique-cut Alexandrite accentedwith Diamonds (2.91 ctw.).Classical - Entry Platinum InnovationJoe Worley, Joe Worley Designs - Platinum art nouveau pendant featuring a .97 ct. pear-shaped spessartite Garnetaccented with a .20 ct Sunstone, Garnets (.11 ctw.) and Diamonds (.11 ctw.).4

Classical - Palladium Prestige AwardCynthia Renee, Cynthia Renee, Inc. - Palladium ring featuring oval tsavorite Garnet trio (9.63 ctw.).Classical – Gem DivaDallas Prince, Dallas Prince Designs - 14K rose gold "Twilight Blush" earrings featuring 2 cushion-cut Morganites(30.18 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (.72 ctw.) and black Diamonds (1.6 ctw.).Classical - Manufacturing HonorsMonica Rich Kosann, Monica Rich Kosann - 18K yellow gold "Secret" ring featuring a 3.19 ct. cushion-cut colorchangeAlexandrite accented with Diamonds.Classical - Honorable MentionCynthia Bach, Cynthia Bach, Inc. - 18K gold and platinum peacock brooch featuring a 73.50 ct. carved Labradorite,Coral, Tanzanites, paraiba Tourmalines and multi-colored Diamonds.Classical - Honorable MentionMonica Rich Kosann, Monica Rich Kosann - 18K yellow gold "Secret" ring featuring a 3.19 ct. cushion-cut colorchangeAlexandrite accented with Diamonds.Evening Wear:Evening Wear - 1st PlaceAnil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 14K white gold earrings featuring 8.5mm Akoya Pearls, 9mm white South Sea Pearls, 10-11mm Tahitian Pearls and accented with Diamonds (2.42 ctw.).Evening Wear - 2nd PlaceParul Kuki Seth, Parulina (Zaq, Inc.) - 18K yellow gold "Two Finger Glam" ring featuring three Emerald cabochons(19.62 ctw.) accented with round Emeralds (9.54 ctw.).Evening Wear - 3rd PlaceFrank Caballero, Frank Caballero - 18K white gold with black rhodium cocktail ring featuring a 47.28 ct. oval Peridotcabochon accented with Diamonds (3.26 ctw.).Evening Wear - Platinum HonorsCara Becker Lichtenstein, My Blue Heaven - Platinum and black enamel pendant/brooch featuring a 41.90 ct. blackOpal accented with round brilliant white Diamonds (4.55 ctw.).Evening Wear - Palladium Prestige AwardElizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine - Palladium spiral cocktail ring featuring a 35.50 ct. rose Quartz cabochonaccented with white Diamond melee (.25 ctw.).Evening Wear – Gem DivaAnnie Fensterstock, Annie Fensterstock - Blackened sterling silver and 22K yellow gold cuff featuring white andfancy-colored Diamonds (11.91 ctw.) and Sapphires (7.30 ctw.).Evening Wear - Manufacturing HonorsBrent Malgarin, Elegant Gems, Ltd. - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring multi-colored Sphalerite (14.87 ctw.)accented with Diamonds (.42 ctw.).Evening Wear - Honorable MentionLeon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 13.67 ct. purple Sapphire accented with Diamonds (3.35ctw.) and a .10 ct. Ruby cabochon.Evening Wear - Honorable MentionCaesar Azzam, Caesar's Designs - 18K rose gold "Printemps" ring featuring a 2.05 ct. pink Tourmaline, tsavoriteGarnets (1.63 ctw.) and 2.5mm white cultured Pearls.Men's Wear:Men's Wear - 1st PlaceNaomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Platinum cufflinks featuring baroque Pearls (21.06 ctw.) accented with multicoloredSapphires.Men's Wear - 2nd PlaceDaniel Allen, C. Kirk Root Designs - 18K white gold ring featuring Alexandrites (1.45 ctw.).Men's Wear - 3rd PlaceMark Schneider, Somewhere In The Rainbow - Palladium cufflinks featuring pink rough-cut Diamonds accented witha 1.94 ct. and a 2.13 ct. flower-cut color-change Garnet and white Diamonds (3.13 ctw.).5

Men's Wear - Platinum HonorsAndrew Costen, Costen Catbalue - Platinum "Meteoric Sapphire" men's ring featuring a 34.50 ct. Gibeon Meteoriteand 4.03 ct. trillion blue Sapphire.Men's Wear - Palladium Prestige AwardMark Schneider, Somewhere In The Rainbow - Palladium cufflinks featuring pink rough-cut Diamonds accented witha 1.94 ct. and a 2.13 ct. flower-cut color-change Garnet and white Diamonds (3.13 ctw.).Men's Wear - Manufacturing HonorsJack Bigio, Basser & Bigio, LLC - 22K yellow gold cufflinks featuring paraiba Tourmaline cabochons (20.00 ctw.).CUTTING EDGE AWARDSClassic Cut Gemstones:Classic Gemstones- 1st PlaceStephen Kotlowski, Uniquely K Custom Gem's - 3.46 ct. magenta custom-mixed oval/marquee Sapphire.Classic Gemstones - 2nd PlaceRay Zajicek, Equatorian Imports - 3.08 ct. round natural Colombian Emerald.Classic Gemstones - 3rd PlaceSailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc. - 21.91 ct. oval blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka.Classic Gemstone - Honorable MentionSailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc. - 70.08 ct. unheated oval yellow Sapphire.All Other Faceted:All Other Faceted Gemstones - 1st PlaceBen Kho, Kho International, Inc. - 16.02 ct. "Galaxy" cushion-cut Rhodochrosite.All Other Faceted Gemstones - 2nd PlaceJohn Dyer, John Dyer & Co. - 7.89 ct. radiant-cut, marquise-shaped Imperial Topaz.All Other Faceted Gemstones - 3rd PlaceLisa Elser, Custom Cut Gems Co. - 14.24 ct. oval red Tourmaline.Phenomenal Gemstones:Phenomenal - 1st PlaceNaomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - 8.80 ct. fossil clam Opal.Phenomenal - 2nd PlaceBarbara Lawrence, Barbara Lawrence, Fine Gemstones - 9.84 ct. oval rainbow "Moonstone" Labradorite.Phenomenal - 3rd PlaceRobyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc. - 41.20 ct. Mexican fire Opal titled "The Rose."Phenomenal – Honorable MentionStephen Kotlowski, Uniquely K Custom Gem's - 5.94 ct. oval color-change natural Sapphire.Pairs & Suites:Pairs & Suites - 1st PlaceNandu Nichani, Temple Trading Co. - Graduated necklace, earring and ring suite of blue Moonstones in pear andheart-shaped cabochons (137.50 ctw.).Pairs & Suites - 2nd PlaceAllen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co. - Suite of 16 unheated pear-shaped and oval yellow Sapphires (91.58 ctw.).Pairs & Suites - 3rd PlaceAivan Pham, Somewhere in the Rainbow - "Dionysus Tears" 24 piece African Amethyst (236.33 ctw.) suite and pairs.Innovative Faceting:Innovative Faceting - 1st PlaceJean-Noel Soni, Top Notch Faceting - 7.7 ct. pink and gold bi-colored West African Tourmaline.Innovative Faceting - 2nd PlaceRichard Homer, Gems by Design, Inc. - 36.74 ct. antique, cushion-cut Topaz.6

Innovative Faceting - 3rd PlaceDarryl Alexander, Nirinjan - 94.5 ct. "Outa This World" diamond-shaped negative and bubble-faceted multi-coloredSunstone.Innovative Faceting - Honorable MentionLarry Woods, Jewels from the Woods - 74.59 ct. specialty-cut golden Beryl.Carving:Carving - 1st PlaceNaomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - "L'Heure Bleu" Tanzanite (725 ctw.) carving on a sterling silver base.Carving - 2nd PlaceNaomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Carved blue Topaz (147 grams) on a sterling silver base.Carving – 3rd PlaceDarryl Alexander, Doug Malby - 43.81 ct. "Under the Sea" carved and faceted multi-colored Sunstone.Objects of Art:Objects of Art - 1st PlaceGregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - "Aiko" - a Japanese "Kokeshi" sculpture featuring a 256 ct. green Opal accentedwith Coral, Ferro-Horn blende and Diamonds set in platinum atop a silver base.Objects of Art – 2nd PlaceMark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - "Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bar" featuring a 340 ct. natural Quartz coveredwith sterling silver with a brown patina, accented with a brushed and engraved 18K yellow gold "stick".This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards will be presented during the 2013 AGTA GemFairTucson to be held February 5 - 10 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona.Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards recipients willbe recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pmSaturday, February 9. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged.AGTA Spectrum Awards entries were judged on the basis of overall beauty and wearability,innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship,broad-base consumer appeal and potential to generate positive publicity for natural coloredgemstones.AGTA Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including naturalcolored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.Platinum Honors were once again awarded with the support of Platinum Guild International.All entries whose primary metal was platinum were eligible in this category.Palladium Prestige Awards were once again awarded with the support of Palladium AllianceInternational. All entries whose primary metal was palladium were eligible for these awards.WJA Gem Diva Awards debuted at this year’s Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, andwere presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business/Day Wearcategories. All women who entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for thiscategory simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form.All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered forManufacturing Honors. This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones andcultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or culturedpearl beads in artful, trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry thatqualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition automatically qualified forFashion Forward Honors judging.7

For further information on the 2013 AGTA GemFair Tucson or the AGTA Dinner Dance andAwards Gala, please call (800) 972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org. For inquiriesregarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition, please contact Adam Graham atadam@agta.org or (800) 972-1162.The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural coloredgemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as "TheAuthority In Color" and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.8