The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the judging panel for the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, following the official opening of competition entries.
The panel includes five professionals from various areas of the jewelry industry, chosen for their experience in retail, design, manufacturing, and lapidary.
“Once again, AGTA is fortunate to have a group of judges with extensive industry experience for this year’s Awards,” said John W. Ford, Sr., CEO of AGTA. “I encourage every designer and gem dealer, regardless of experience level, to participate. The competition offers opportunities for increased visibility within the industry.”
AGTA Board President Bruce Bridges added: “The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards have been a leading platform for coloured gemstones and jewelry design for over four decades. The judging process is comprehensive, with jurors chosen for their specific expertise. Measures are in place to ensure impartiality. Participation can result in increased industry exposure.”
2025 Judge Panel
Jerry Raine | Retailer Judge
Founder of Turgeon Raine Jewelers in Seattle, Jerry Raine has over four decades of experience in coloured gemstone retail and custom jewelry. He has been actively involved in the Tucson gem shows since the early 1980s.
Craig Underwood | Retailer Judge
Craig Underwood is President of Underwood’s Jewelers in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A second-generation jeweler, he has held leadership roles with the American Gem Society and has received recognition for both design and industry service.
Erica Courtney | Designer Judge
Erica Courtney is a jewelry designer with more than 40 years in the trade. She is known for her work with a wide range of gemstones and custom designs. Her pieces have been featured in fashion publications and on red carpets.
Blaine Lewis | Manufacturing Judge
Blaine Lewis is the founder and lead instructor of the New Approach School for Jewelers in Tennessee. He has nearly 30 years of experience in jeweler education, focusing on stone setting, metalsmithing, and bench skills.
Clay Zava | Lapidary Judge
Clay Zava, owner of Zava Mastercuts, has worked in gemstone cutting for over 40 years. His one-of-a-kind pieces have been featured in multiple AGTA award-winning designs, and his company specializes in precision lapidary work.
Sponsored Category Judges
Judging panels for sponsored awards include:
- Patti Norville Spector, Cher Norville, and Billie Norville for the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards.
- Jenny Luker, President of Platinum Guild International USA, for the PGI-sponsored category.
Key Dates
- Early Bird Mail-In Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Final Mail-In Deadline: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Judging: Late October 2025 in Dallas, Texas
- Awards Gala: Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Tucson Convention Center
The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards continue to serve as a recognised venue for coloured gemstone jewelry and lapidary design within the trade. For entry information, contact AGTA at marketing@agta.org. Or visit here.
