﻿{"id":1784,"date":"2014-11-02T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-02T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/?guid=8129e318565934291e5cb485e9170d95"},"modified":"2014-11-02T18:00:15","modified_gmt":"2014-11-02T18:00:15","slug":"agta-announces-winners-of-2015-agta-spectrum-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/2014\/11\/02\/agta-announces-winners-of-2015-agta-spectrum-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"#AGTA Announces Winners of 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;\"><b>AGTA Announces Winners&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;\"><b>of 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The American Gem Trade Association announced the winners of the prestigious AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 today. The design competition, in its 31st year, was held in New York, October 25th and 26th. The distinguished panel of judges were: Jerrold Green, of Reginald C. Miller; Myriam Gumuchian of Gumuchian; Joseph Mardkha of ColorMasters; Tim McClelland of McTiegue &amp; McClellan; Larry Pelzel of Neiman Marcus; and Dr. Jeffrey Post, Smithsonian Institution.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were thrilled with the variety of entries at this year\u2019s AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 competition,\u201d enthused Douglas K. Hucker, CEO, AGTA. \u201cI did not envy the decisions that our judges had to make, yet I was pleased to see how carefully they deliberated over each and every decision they made, resulting in this year\u2019s amazing list of winners,\u201d<\/p>\n<p><b><i>And the winners of the 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 are\u2026.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Best of &#8230; Winners:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Best of Show<\/b><br \/><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"298\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 4.71 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.31 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Best Use of Color<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-okKcACReJMo\/VE5zoJC3u5I\/AAAAAAAAwEk\/9OPWEYKRGUA\/s1600\/paulacrevoshay.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-okKcACReJMo\/VE5zoJC3u5I\/AAAAAAAAwEk\/9OPWEYKRGUA\/s1600\/paulacrevoshay.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"213\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Paula Crevoshay, Crevoshay &#8211; 18K yellow gold &#8220;The Venus Bracelet&#8221; featuring freshwater baroque cultured Pearls (91.43 ctw.) accented with pink and green Tourmalines (29.32 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Best Use of Platinum and Color<\/b><br \/><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"262\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Anemone&#8221; earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) Paraiba Tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Best Use of Pearls<\/b><br \/><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Yw32HEIT1rk\/VE5znoTluII\/AAAAAAAAwEc\/Fa3O80I5b_8\/s1600\/naomisarna.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Yw32HEIT1rk\/VE5znoTluII\/AAAAAAAAwEc\/Fa3O80I5b_8\/s1600\/naomisarna.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"206\" width=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs &#8211; 18K rose gold necklace featuring white cultured Pearls accented with pink Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div><b>Fashion Forward Honors:<\/b>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><b><i>This award recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and\/or cultured pearl in artful,&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 competition automatically qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kcI53cWNYSo\/VE5zjWq2F0I\/AAAAAAAAwD4\/lp81OMdatPw\/s1600\/ionescu.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kcI53cWNYSo\/VE5zjWq2F0I\/AAAAAAAAwD4\/lp81OMdatPw\/s1600\/ionescu.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"315\" width=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Ion Ionescu, Ionescu Design, Inc. &#8211; 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 36 ct. Turquoise accented with a 9.2mm Tahitian silver cultured Pearl, Paraiba Tourmalines (.32 ctw.) and Diamonds (.43 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b>Category Winners:<\/b><\/p>\n<div>AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 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 colored gemstones.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>AGTA Cutting Edge Awards\u2122 honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials. &nbsp;(the Cutting Edge Awards are covered in a separate post)<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot:<\/b><\/div>\n<div><i><b>Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride, herself, this category captures all looks coming down the aisle. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tiaras were considered.&nbsp;<\/b><\/i><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"262\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Anemone&#8221; earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) Paraiba Tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; 2nd Place and Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx &#8211; 18K rose and white gold ring featuring a .80 ct. golden Beryl accented with orange Citrines, orange Sapphires and Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; 3rd Place and Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry &#8211; Platinum earrings featuring Diamond slices (7.07 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.67 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Honorable Mention<\/b><br \/>Bella Campbell, Campbellian &#8211; Platinum earrings featuring Aquamarines (5.61 ctw.) and grossular Garnets (3.51 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.56 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Platinum Honors:&nbsp;<\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>Once again awarded with the support of Platinum Guild International. All entries whose primary metal was platinum were eligible in this category.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TXhj_U5tdow\/VE87rWWH5WI\/AAAAAAAAwFA\/sqbOOGVLifM\/s1600\/10420241_361147964048782_5033545641797463915_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TXhj_U5tdow\/VE87rWWH5WI\/AAAAAAAAwFA\/sqbOOGVLifM\/s1600\/10420241_361147964048782_5033545641797463915_n.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry &#8211; Platinum earrings featuring Diamond slices (7.07 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.67 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Entry Platinum Innovation<\/b><br \/>Susan Drake, Spectrum Art &amp; Jewelry &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Tilt-A-Whirl&#8221; ring featuring a 2.06 ct. Tanzanite accented with Diamonds (1.63 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Blooming&#8221; ring featuring a 21.40 ct. Opal accented with spessartite Garnets (1.35 ctw.) and Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Rex McClure, Sohn &amp; McClure Jewelers &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 4.16 ct. Emerald accented with white Diamond baguettes (1.20 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (.21 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Entry Platinum Innovation<\/b><br \/>Mimi Favre, Mimi Favre Studio &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Etude d&#8217;Vert&#8221; earrings featuring tapered drops of shades of green Tourmalines (15.50 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Cara Becker Lichtenstein, My Blue Heaven &#8211; Platinum bracelet featuring multicolored Tourmalines (7.26 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.29 ctw.).<\/p>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs &#8211; Platinum &#8220;His and His&#8221; rings featuring brown natural Diamonds (5.68 ctw.).<\/div>\n<p><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>WJA Gem Diva Awards:<\/b>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><b><i>Now in its third year with the Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, awards were presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business\/Day Wear categories. All women who&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VYvvjmqH2RM\/VE88BZ3fQdI\/AAAAAAAAwFI\/wDJTpfUdgtQ\/s1600\/kremkowcarol.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VYvvjmqH2RM\/VE88BZ3fQdI\/AAAAAAAAwFI\/wDJTpfUdgtQ\/s1600\/kremkowcarol.png\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"316\" \/><\/a>Suzanne Kalandjian, Suzanne Kalan &#8211; 18K white gold necklace featuring a 30mm white Topaz accented with white Diamonds (3.70 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/>Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine &#8211; 18K gold and sterling silver &#8220;Jewel&#8221; ring featuring a 24.6 ct. green Quartz accented with Diamonds (.23 ctw.).<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/>Caroline Chartuni, Caroline C &#8211; 18K white gold &#8220;Astra&#8221; ring featuring a 24.16 ct. star Sapphire accented with Diamonds (8.08 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/>Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. &#8211; Platinum and 20K pink gold bracelet featuring multi-colored natural Spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Manufacturing Honors:<\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered for Manufacturing Honors. &nbsp;This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><\/div>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx &#8211; 18K rose and white gold ring featuring a .80 ct. golden Beryl accented with orange Citrines, orange Sapphires and Diamonds.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Ryan Roberts, Ryan Roberts, Ltd. &#8211; 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 11.25 ct. Chrysocolla accented with tsavorite Garnets (.56 ctw.) and Diamonds (.62 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 5.81 ct. green Sapphire accented with Diamonds (3.87 ctw.).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Linda Quinn, Linda Quinn Designs &#8211; 14K white gold ring featuring a 6.11 ct. pink Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (1.24 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Business\/ Day Wear:<\/b><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--0ayaz_Mxr0\/VE5zkJtKSSI\/AAAAAAAAwEA\/eUGnFy9smrE\/s1600\/jenniferrabemorin.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--0ayaz_Mxr0\/VE5zkJtKSSI\/AAAAAAAAwEA\/eUGnFy9smrE\/s1600\/jenniferrabemorin.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"271\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Jennifer Rabe Morin, Gregore Joailliers &#8211; 18K rose gold ring featuring carved Turquoise (29.0 ctw.) accented with Amethyst cabochons (14.0 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; 2nd Place<\/b><br \/>Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine &#8211; 18K gold and sterling silver &#8220;Jewel&#8221; ring featuring a 24.6 ct. green Quartz accented with Diamonds (.23 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><br \/>Heath London, Heath London Jewelry &#8211; 18K yellow gold and copper &#8220;In The Swim&#8221; earrings featuring Paraiba Tourmalines (7.11 ctw.) accented with pink Tourmalines (2.23 ctw.) and Diamonds (.80 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical:<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"298\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 4.71 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.31 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical \u2013 2nd Place<\/b><br \/>Heena Chheda, Real Gems, Inc. &#8211; 18K white gold &#8220;Ophion&#8217;s Treasure&#8221; ring featuring Emeralds (6.74 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.19 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><br \/>Evelyn Huang, China Art &amp; Fine Jewelry, Inc. &#8211; 18K yellow and white gold &#8220;Midnight Kiss&#8221; ring featuring a 5.76 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white and yellow Diamonds (1.18 ctw.), blue Sapphires (.91 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (.79 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear:<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0o3iGbaCcqw\/VFNDEiWSKEI\/AAAAAAAAwJY\/j00_50cKn_Y\/s1600\/erica10247460_10152725950816273_6646750097105038050_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0o3iGbaCcqw\/VFNDEiWSKEI\/AAAAAAAAwJY\/j00_50cKn_Y\/s1600\/erica10247460_10152725950816273_6646750097105038050_n.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. &#8211; Platinum and 20K pink gold bracelet featuring multi-colored natural Spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; 2nd Place<\/b><br \/>Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Inc. &#8211; 18K yellow gold &#8220;Milky Way&#8221; earrings featuring Opal drops (46.06 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.98 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (2.03 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><br \/>Gil, Gil Int&#8217;l &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 6.50 ct. Alexandrite accented with Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Honorable Mention<\/b><br \/>Wendy Brandes, Wendy Brandes Jewelry &#8211; 18K pink gold &#8220;Pink Elephant &amp; Tipsy Writer Maneater&#8221; ring featuring a pink Sapphire elephant (2.0 ctw.) accented with a Ruby and brown and white Diamonds (2.23 ctw.).<\/p>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men\u2019s Wear:<\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ytzg9qjhMlc\/VFNECoThrVI\/AAAAAAAAwKI\/Pg3cOugkV4w\/s1600\/DawnMuscio.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ytzg9qjhMlc\/VFNECoThrVI\/AAAAAAAAwKI\/Pg3cOugkV4w\/s1600\/DawnMuscio.jpg\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"220\" width=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Dawn Muscio, D. Muscio Fine Jewelry Studio &#8211; 18K red gold and stainless steel &#8220;Pink2&#8221; cufflinks featuring pillow cut Morganites (8.74 ctw.) accented with Rubies (.87 ctw.) and Diamonds (.60 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; 2nd Place<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 16.73 ct. Tourmaline accented with yellow Diamonds (.67 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (1.02 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Micheal Kanners, Michael Kanners &#8211; 18K blackened gold cufflinks featuring Tanzanites 20.06 ctw.) accented with tsavorite Garnet (6.5 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; Honorable Mention<\/b><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>William Travis, William Travis Jewelry &#8211; 18K yellow gold and sterling silver ring featuring a 13.17 ct. Citrine.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This year&#8217;s AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 will be presented during the 2015 AGTA GemFair\u2122 Tucson to be held February 3 &#8211; 8 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 7. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For further information on the 2015 AGTA GemFair\u2122 Tucson or the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala, please call (800) 972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org. For inquiries regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards\u2122 competition, please contact Megan Whitmire at megan@agta.org or (800) 972-1162.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as &#8220;The Authority In Color&#8221; and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div><span><b>AGTA Announces Winners&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span><b>of 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade;<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The American Gem Trade Association announced the winners of the prestigious AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; today. The design competition, in its 31st year, was held in New York, October 25th and 26th. The distinguished panel of judges were: Jerrold Green, of Reginald C. Miller; Myriam Gumuchian of Gumuchian; Joseph Mardkha of ColorMasters; Tim McClelland of McTiegue &amp; McClellan; Larry Pelzel of Neiman Marcus; and Dr. Jeffrey Post, Smithsonian Institution.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We were thrilled with the variety of entries at this year&rsquo;s AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; competition,&rdquo; enthused Douglas K. Hucker, CEO, AGTA. &ldquo;I did not envy the decisions that our judges had to make, yet I was pleased to see how carefully they deliberated over each and every decision they made, resulting in this year&rsquo;s amazing list of winners,&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><b><i>And the winners of the 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; are&hellip;.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Best of &#8230; Winners:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Best of Show<\/b><br \/><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"298\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 4.71 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.31 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Best Use of Color<\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-okKcACReJMo\/VE5zoJC3u5I\/AAAAAAAAwEk\/9OPWEYKRGUA\/s1600\/paulacrevoshay.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-okKcACReJMo\/VE5zoJC3u5I\/AAAAAAAAwEk\/9OPWEYKRGUA\/s1600\/paulacrevoshay.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"213\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Paula Crevoshay, Crevoshay &#8211; 18K yellow gold &#8220;The Venus Bracelet&#8221; featuring freshwater baroque cultured Pearls (91.43 ctw.) accented with pink and green Tourmalines (29.32 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Best Use of Platinum and Color<\/b><br \/><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"262\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Anemone&#8221; earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) Paraiba Tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Best Use of Pearls<\/b><br \/><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Yw32HEIT1rk\/VE5znoTluII\/AAAAAAAAwEc\/Fa3O80I5b_8\/s1600\/naomisarna.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Yw32HEIT1rk\/VE5znoTluII\/AAAAAAAAwEc\/Fa3O80I5b_8\/s1600\/naomisarna.jpg\" height=\"206\" width=\"320\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs &#8211; 18K rose gold necklace featuring white cultured Pearls accented with pink Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div><b>Fashion Forward Honors:<\/b>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><b><i>This award recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and\/or cultured pearl in artful,&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; competition automatically qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kcI53cWNYSo\/VE5zjWq2F0I\/AAAAAAAAwD4\/lp81OMdatPw\/s1600\/ionescu.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kcI53cWNYSo\/VE5zjWq2F0I\/AAAAAAAAwD4\/lp81OMdatPw\/s1600\/ionescu.jpg\" height=\"315\" width=\"320\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b><br \/><\/b><br \/>Ion Ionescu, Ionescu Design, Inc. &#8211; 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 36 ct. Turquoise accented with a 9.2mm Tahitian silver cultured Pearl, Paraiba Tourmalines (.32 ctw.) and Diamonds (.43 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><b><br \/><\/b><b>Category Winners:<\/b><\/p>\n<div>AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; 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 colored gemstones.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>AGTA Cutting Edge Awards&trade; honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials. &nbsp;(the Cutting Edge Awards are covered in a separate post)<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot:<\/b><\/div>\n<div><i><b>Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride, herself, this category captures all looks coming down the aisle. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tiaras were considered.&nbsp;<\/b><\/i><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vcX-GBrCzVg\/VE5zi3gpkXI\/AAAAAAAAwD0\/YWHdus5HhqM\/s1600\/featherstone.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"262\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Anemone&#8221; earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) Paraiba Tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; 2nd Place and Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx &#8211; 18K rose and white gold ring featuring a .80 ct. golden Beryl accented with orange Citrines, orange Sapphires and Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; 3rd Place and Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry &#8211; Platinum earrings featuring Diamond slices (7.07 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.67 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Honorable Mention<\/b><br \/>Bella Campbell, Campbellian &#8211; Platinum earrings featuring Aquamarines (5.61 ctw.) and grossular Garnets (3.51 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.56 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Platinum Honors:&nbsp;<\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>Once again awarded with the support of Platinum Guild International. All entries whose primary metal was platinum were eligible in this category.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TXhj_U5tdow\/VE87rWWH5WI\/AAAAAAAAwFA\/sqbOOGVLifM\/s1600\/10420241_361147964048782_5033545641797463915_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TXhj_U5tdow\/VE87rWWH5WI\/AAAAAAAAwFA\/sqbOOGVLifM\/s1600\/10420241_361147964048782_5033545641797463915_n.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry &#8211; Platinum earrings featuring Diamond slices (7.07 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.67 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Entry Platinum Innovation<\/b><br \/>Susan Drake, Spectrum Art &amp; Jewelry &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Tilt-A-Whirl&#8221; ring featuring a 2.06 ct. Tanzanite accented with Diamonds (1.63 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Blooming&#8221; ring featuring a 21.40 ct. Opal accented with spessartite Garnets (1.35 ctw.) and Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Rex McClure, Sohn &amp; McClure Jewelers &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 4.16 ct. Emerald accented with white Diamond baguettes (1.20 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (.21 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Entry Platinum Innovation<\/b><br \/>Mimi Favre, Mimi Favre Studio &#8211; Platinum &#8220;Etude d&#8217;Vert&#8221; earrings featuring tapered drops of shades of green Tourmalines (15.50 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><br \/>Cara Becker Lichtenstein, My Blue Heaven &#8211; Platinum bracelet featuring multicolored Tourmalines (7.26 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.29 ctw.).<\/p>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; Platinum Honors<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs &#8211; Platinum &#8220;His and His&#8221; rings featuring brown natural Diamonds (5.68 ctw.).<\/div>\n<p><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>WJA Gem Diva Awards:<\/b>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><b><i>Now in its third year with the Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, awards were presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business\/Day Wear categories. All women who&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VYvvjmqH2RM\/VE88BZ3fQdI\/AAAAAAAAwFI\/wDJTpfUdgtQ\/s1600\/kremkowcarol.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VYvvjmqH2RM\/VE88BZ3fQdI\/AAAAAAAAwFI\/wDJTpfUdgtQ\/s1600\/kremkowcarol.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"316\"><\/a>Suzanne Kalandjian, Suzanne Kalan &#8211; 18K white gold necklace featuring a 30mm white Topaz accented with white Diamonds (3.70 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/>Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine &#8211; 18K gold and sterling silver &#8220;Jewel&#8221; ring featuring a 24.6 ct. green Quartz accented with Diamonds (.23 ctw.).<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/>Caroline Chartuni, Caroline C &#8211; 18K white gold &#8220;Astra&#8221; ring featuring a 24.16 ct. star Sapphire accented with Diamonds (8.08 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Gem Diva Award<\/b><br \/>Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. &#8211; Platinum and 20K pink gold bracelet featuring multi-colored natural Spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Manufacturing Honors:<\/b><\/div>\n<div><b><i>All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered for Manufacturing Honors. &nbsp;This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><b>Bridal Wear &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx &#8211; 18K rose and white gold ring featuring a .80 ct. golden Beryl accented with orange Citrines, orange Sapphires and Diamonds.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Ryan Roberts, Ryan Roberts, Ltd. &#8211; 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 11.25 ct. Chrysocolla accented with tsavorite Garnets (.56 ctw.) and Diamonds (.62 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 5.81 ct. green Sapphire accented with Diamonds (3.87 ctw.).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Manufacturing Honors<\/b><br \/>Linda Quinn, Linda Quinn Designs &#8211; 14K white gold ring featuring a 6.11 ct. pink Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (1.24 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Business\/ Day Wear:<\/b><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--0ayaz_Mxr0\/VE5zkJtKSSI\/AAAAAAAAwEA\/eUGnFy9smrE\/s1600\/jenniferrabemorin.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--0ayaz_Mxr0\/VE5zkJtKSSI\/AAAAAAAAwEA\/eUGnFy9smrE\/s1600\/jenniferrabemorin.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"271\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Jennifer Rabe Morin, Gregore Joailliers &#8211; 18K rose gold ring featuring carved Turquoise (29.0 ctw.) accented with Amethyst cabochons (14.0 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; 2nd Place<\/b><br \/>Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine &#8211; 18K gold and sterling silver &#8220;Jewel&#8221; ring featuring a 24.6 ct. green Quartz accented with Diamonds (.23 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Business\/Day Wear &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><br \/>Heath London, Heath London Jewelry &#8211; 18K yellow gold and copper &#8220;In The Swim&#8221; earrings featuring Paraiba Tourmalines (7.11 ctw.) accented with pink Tourmalines (2.23 ctw.) and Diamonds (.80 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical:<\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXCtQvB6skY\/VE5zmpqyEkI\/AAAAAAAAwEM\/lm6NbPh8ebk\/s1600\/leonmege.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"298\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 4.71 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.31 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &ndash; 2nd Place<\/b><br \/>Heena Chheda, Real Gems, Inc. &#8211; 18K white gold &#8220;Ophion&#8217;s Treasure&#8221; ring featuring Emeralds (6.74 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.19 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Classical &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><br \/>Evelyn Huang, China Art &amp; Fine Jewelry, Inc. &#8211; 18K yellow and white gold &#8220;Midnight Kiss&#8221; ring featuring a 5.76 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white and yellow Diamonds (1.18 ctw.), blue Sapphires (.91 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (.79 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear:<\/b><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0o3iGbaCcqw\/VFNDEiWSKEI\/AAAAAAAAwJY\/j00_50cKn_Y\/s1600\/erica10247460_10152725950816273_6646750097105038050_n.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0o3iGbaCcqw\/VFNDEiWSKEI\/AAAAAAAAwJY\/j00_50cKn_Y\/s1600\/erica10247460_10152725950816273_6646750097105038050_n.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><br \/>Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. &#8211; Platinum and 20K pink gold bracelet featuring multi-colored natural Spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; 2nd Place<\/b><br \/>Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Inc. &#8211; 18K yellow gold &#8220;Milky Way&#8221; earrings featuring Opal drops (46.06 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.98 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (2.03 ctw.).<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><br \/>Gil, Gil Int&#8217;l &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 6.50 ct. Alexandrite accented with Diamonds.<\/p>\n<p><b>Evening Wear &#8211; Honorable Mention<\/b><br \/>Wendy Brandes, Wendy Brandes Jewelry &#8211; 18K pink gold &#8220;Pink Elephant &amp; Tipsy Writer Maneater&#8221; ring featuring a pink Sapphire elephant (2.0 ctw.) accented with a Ruby and brown and white Diamonds (2.23 ctw.).<\/p>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&rsquo;s Wear:<\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ytzg9qjhMlc\/VFNECoThrVI\/AAAAAAAAwKI\/Pg3cOugkV4w\/s1600\/DawnMuscio.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ytzg9qjhMlc\/VFNECoThrVI\/AAAAAAAAwKI\/Pg3cOugkV4w\/s1600\/DawnMuscio.jpg\" height=\"220\" width=\"320\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; 1st Place<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Dawn Muscio, D. Muscio Fine Jewelry Studio &#8211; 18K red gold and stainless steel &#8220;Pink2&#8221; cufflinks featuring pillow cut Morganites (8.74 ctw.) accented with Rubies (.87 ctw.) and Diamonds (.60 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; 2nd Place<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design &#8211; Platinum ring featuring a 16.73 ct. Tourmaline accented with yellow Diamonds (.67 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (1.02 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; 3rd Place<\/b><\/div>\n<div>Micheal Kanners, Michael Kanners &#8211; 18K blackened gold cufflinks featuring Tanzanites 20.06 ctw.) accented with tsavorite Garnet (6.5 ctw.).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><b>Men&#8217;s Wear &#8211; Honorable Mention<\/b><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>William Travis, William Travis Jewelry &#8211; 18K yellow gold and sterling silver ring featuring a 13.17 ct. Citrine.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This year&#8217;s AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; will be presented during the 2015 AGTA GemFair&trade; Tucson to be held February 3 &#8211; 8 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 7. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For further information on the 2015 AGTA GemFair&trade; Tucson or the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala, please call (800) 972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org. For inquiries regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards&trade; competition, please contact Megan Whitmire at megan@agta.org or (800) 972-1162.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as &#8220;The Authority In Color&#8221; and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2270,61,316,626,772,1228,734,170],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1784"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1784"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1784\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1788,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1784\/revisions\/1788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}