The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the winners of the 2024 Spectrum & Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice Awards.
Selected by AGTA GemFair Tucson attendees, the awards recognize standout jewelry and gemstone designs from the broader Spectrum and Cutting Edge Award winners. The results were revealed during the Spectrum Awards Gala on February 8, 2025, at the Tucson Convention Center.
2024 Buyer’s Choice Award Winners
AGTA GemFair Tucson attendees selected one winner from the Spectrum division and another from Cutting Edge.
Spectrum Buyer’s Choice Award Winner
Matthew Tuggle of Tuggle Designs received the Spectrum Buyer’s Choice Award for his piece, the “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin. The design, crafted in 18K rose and yellow gold and platinum, features an 18.23 ct. fantasy-cut Sunstone, accented with mixed teal Tourmaline (1.15 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.76 ctw.).
The lapel pin also won the Spectrum Best of Single Entries Award and secured second place in the Men’s Wear category.
Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice Award Winner
Ben Kho of Kho International was recognized with the Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice Award for his 12.88 ct. cushion Portuguese-cut Rhodochrosite, sourced from Colorado. The gemstone also received second place in the North American Mined Gemstones division of the Cutting Edge Awards.
Industry Recognition and Future Submissions
AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. acknowledged the buyers’ participation in the voting process.
“AGTA buyers carefully considered their selections, and these two pieces stood out,” said Ford. “With so many strong entries, we recognize the challenge in choosing winners.”
The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards are a well-regarded industry competition recognizing craftsmanship in jewelry and gemstone cutting. The next edition of the competition opens for entries at the end of June 2025.
For further inquiries about the awards, AGTA can be contacted at marketing@agta.org.
