The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the winners of the 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, marking the competition’s 40th year.
Held from October 31 to November 1, 2024, at the Omni Frisco Hotel in Dallas, the event brought together 375 entries, showcasing a range of colored gemstones and design innovations across multiple categories.
Entry and Category Trends
John W. Ford Sr., AGTA’s CEO, noted that the Evening Wear category received the most submissions, with 75 entries, and Men’s Wear also saw an increase. A newly introduced Engagement Ring category drew 21 entries, indicating growing interest in colored gemstones for bridal jewelry. Tourmaline varieties such as Paraíba and rubellite, along with pink, purple, and orange gemstones, were notable trends. Many entries featured fantasy-cut stones and Moonstones, which appeared in both jewelry pieces and loose stone submissions.
Highlighted Awards and Standout Pieces
- Best of Show was awarded to Joseph Dardashti of Joseph Dardashti Ltd. for the “SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly” brooch, set with emeralds, rubies, spinels, and diamonds.
- Best Use of Color went to Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems, Inc. for a platinum ring featuring a 12.42-carat bicolor Tourmaline with accent stones.
- In the Cutting Edge Awards, John Dyer received Best of Show for the “Montana Sun Sapphire,” a 33-carat Rock Creek Sapphire. Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corp took 1st Place in the All Other Cut Gemstones category with a 27.42-carat Paraíba Tourmaline.
Introduction of the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards
This year also marked the debut of the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards, which recognize female designers across the six Spectrum categories. Sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family, these awards reflect AGTA’s aim to foster diversity in the colored gemstone sector.
Judging Criteria and Sponsors
The Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards honor exceptional beauty, craftsmanship, design innovation, and the ability of pieces to promote colored gemstones and cultured pearls. Judges included industry professionals Jean Francois Bibet, Sherry Bender, and others. AGTA sponsors, including Platinum Guild International and the Omni Frisco Hotel, supported the event.
Winning pieces will be displayed at the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson, scheduled for February 3–9, 2025. The AGTA Spectrum Gala will take place on February 8.
For more details, visit www.agta.org or contact AGTA directly.
