#TucsonGemShow - 2014 Tucson: Garan Bedagio - Two Shows - Two Locations

2014 Tucson: Two Shows - Two Locations

To Bead True Blue Doubletree Reid Park is now 9 days, February 2 through 10, 2014, Sunday through Monday, 10am to 6pm. Find the exhibitor list here and workshop list here.

The Tucson Bead Show Windmill Inn is February 4 through 9, 10am to 6pm, and has expanded with new bead makers, jewelry artists, designers, and gem cutters, as well as new workshops. Find the exhibitor list here and workshop list here.

Each show has its own individual exhibitor list and selection of artisan booths, galleries, merchant displays, wholesalers, dealers, and designers, carefully selected for quality and originality.

The workshops offered at both shows are the largest presentation of themes anywhere, and include 550 classes never taught before.

Workshops include hands-on techniques and classes, including “Resin Alchemy”, “Fold Formed Bracelet”, “Leather Band Rings”, and “Romantic French Cuff”.

Complimentary online pre-registration is quick and easy –register for To Bead True Blue –andregister for The Tucson Bead Show.

The special attendee hotel room rates fill-up quickly. Click here for accommodations.

ToBeadTrueBlue.com

TheTucsonBeadShow.com

info@beadagio.com | (530) 274-2222

#TucsonGemShow - MJSA "At the Bench Live" Seminars for 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson

MJSA Announces Popular  "At the Bench Live" Seminars for 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson

MJSA, the trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, will again present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson. The sessions—which will cover topics ranging from working with currently fashionable gems and metals to new setting techniques—will run twice daily Feb. 4-7 in GemFair’s Tools, Technology, and Supplies Pavilion. In addition, related articles from MJSA Journal, the association’s flagship monthly magazine, will be distributed at each session.

The sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association, and the Bench and Tool Sponsor is the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

February 4
Mixing and Matching Gemstones with Fashionable Colors:
What Bench Jewelers Need to Know
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Placid Blue, Violet Tulip, Cayenne… The Pantone colors announced for 2014 offer a mix of soft pastels and vivid brights—but how will that translate to gemstones? Learn which gems will complement the year’s hot colors, how to pair multiple stones for maximum effect, and—just as important—how to best work with them to avoid breakage, chipping, and other shop disasters.
Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.

Rivets, Screws, & Cold Connections, Oh My
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

When assembling jewelry parts, solder is not your only option: Wire rivets, tubes, screws, and other “cold” connectors can not only safely secure parts, but also serve as creative embellishments in their own right. Learn how to make the needed tools and supplies—from decorative screws and rivets to inconspicuous shims—and then use them to connect parts efficiently.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.



February 5

Sizing Up and Down: How to Shorten Times and Improve Quality
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Sizing a ring is one of the most common requests of a bench jeweler—and, if done efficiently, can also become one of the most profitable. Learn how to sequence jobs, join many types of metals cleanly and securely, and finish each joint to achieve a strong, secure bond with minimum time and effort.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.

The Pros and Cons of Dovetail Joints When Sizing a Ring
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

While butt joints may be most frequently used in ring sizing, dovetail joints have their place—and, in some cases, may be preferable, given the added support they provide. Learn the instances when a dovetail should and shouldn’t be used, its various forms (not all dovetails are the same), and the various techniques that will save time and produce a superior joint.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.


February 6
New Techniques for Setting Princess-Cut Diamonds
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Joel McFadden

Princess-cut diamonds are among the most popular styles favored by consumers, but their sharp edges must be protected: Too much stress from the setting, and they could easily become damaged. Joel McFadden will demonstrate a new technique he developed that simplifies the setting process and ensures the stone’s points remain unharmed.

Joel McFadden, an award-winning designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs, a custom design jewelry boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey. A third-generation jeweler,he is one of the most experienced diamond setters in the United States, and has given training courses to other jewelers throughout the country. His work is frequently featured in trade journals (including MJSA Journal). For more about Joel, go to http://www.jmdjewelry.com.

Belly Busters: Strategies for Setting Colored Stones
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Joel McFadden

When setting colored stones, jewelers have many factors to consider: The stone’s specific hardness, its durability, and—perhaps most important—its shape: Most colored stones tend to have heavy pavilions (i.e., they’re belly bottomed), and their seats need to reflect that. Learn different strategies for evaluating colored gemstones, as well as techniques for setting a bellied stone in either prongs or bezels, to ensure a tight, secure fit.
Joel McFadden, an award-winning designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs, a custom design jewelry boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey. A third-generation jeweler,he is one of the most experienced diamond setters in the United States, and has given training courses to other jewelers throughout the country. His work is frequently featured in trade journals (including MJSA Journal). For more about Joel, go to http://www.jmdjewelry.com.

February 7
The “Other” White Metals: Palladium & Tarnish-Resistant Silvers
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Jim Dailing

The high costs of precious metals have led jewelers to find new, lower-cost options—and, in the case of white metals, there are several. This presentation will discuss the fabrication and casting characteristics of palladium and the new tarnish-resistant silvers, show how to best work with them, and examine long-term wear and care issues.

Jim Dailing, a graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, who began his career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend in college cut an opal. He now operates Jim Dailing Designs in Portland, Oregon, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry and wedding rings. He also teaches workshops and private classes, and consults with jewelry makers and designers on production issues. For more about Jim, go to http://www.jimdailing.com.

Achieving the Perfect Polish
2:30 to 4 p.m.P
resenter: Jim Dailing
Small scratches and surface irregularities can ruin even the most beautifully designed piece of jewelry. See which polishing compounds and wheels will provide the best polish for various metals and surfaces, and learn techniques that will ensure your finished pieces have a shine and finish that sets them apart.

Jim Dailing, a graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, who began his career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend in college cut an opal. He now operates Jim Dailing Designs in Portland, Oregon, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry and wedding rings. He also teaches workshops and private classes, and consults with jewelry makers and designers on production issues. For more about Jim, go to http://www.jimdailing.com.

#TucsonGemShow - AGTA GemFair Tucson - Special Exhibits

Special Exhibits

AGTA Celebrates the Spectrum Awards
February 4 – 9           North Wall of Gemhall
Through the Spectrum Awards, the AGTA has been honoring superior talent in gemstone and jewelry design for twenty-seven years. Discover why this competition sets the standard for designers and lapidaries as you view the collection featuring the 2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ winning selections.

The Cultured Pearl Association of America
Exhibit of Extraordinary Cultured and Natural Pearls
February 4 – 9           GemHall in booth 1900
The CPAA will have on display the 2013-2014 International Pearl Competition winners and presenting the 2014 "Magical Gifts of Nature" a new traveling exhibition of Extraordinary and Incredible Cultured and Natural Pearls.

Smithsonian Institution Special Exhibit
February 4 – 9           GemHall in booth 1800
Each year more than 7,000,000 people visit the Smithsonian Institution to see the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems & Minerals, home of the Hope Diamond and the single largest exhibit hall ever renovated in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. You can see highlights of this fabulous collection at the AGTA GemFair™ on the GemHall floor. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of our National Treasures and to speak to Jeffrey Post, Ph.D. and Curator of the National Gem Collection.

Somewhere In The Rainbow – A Modern Gem and Jewelry Collection
February 4 – 9           GemHall in booth 1711
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see one of the finest private colored gemstone and jewelry collections in the country. This display is meant to not only showcase the gorgeous gems and the master designers who have crafted finished jewelry for this collection, but most importantly for the mission of Somerwhere In The Rainbow. The goal of the collection is to bring accessible and hands on education and enjoyment of fine colored gems to museums, galleries, gemological organizations, retail stores and facilities dedicated to preserving the rarity and beauty of these minerals, gems and articles of jewelry.

#TucsonGemShow - AGTA GemFair Tucson - All The Info Needed!

You see it everywhere…television, magazines, movies, billboards… models, celebrities, royalty—they’re all wearing colored gemstones and pearls. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is here to help you turn this opportunity into successful, sustainable business! At the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, from February 4 to February 9, 2014, in the safe, secure comfort of the Tucson Convention Center, your experience will range from a “focus-and-find” assignment to an adventurous treasure hunt. You’ll network with US- and Canada-based professionals who adhere to a strict ethical code that supports quality, value and selection—sources you can trust! Plus, the seminars and workshops will educate and inspire! Success comes in many colors. Discover them all at the AGTA GemFair Tucson.

Show Dates and Hours
GemHall & Galleria	February 4- February 8, 2014	10:00a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
GemHall & Galleria	February 9, 2014	10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tools & Equipment	February 4- February 7, 2014	9:30a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tucson Convention Center
260 South Church, Tucson, Arizona 85701
(Main Entrance Off Granada)

Pre-registration ends December 13, 2013.

Click here for information on how to register onsite.

#TucsonGemShow - Special Events - AGTA GemFair Tucson

Special Events

Sunday, February 2 - Monday, February 3 
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers-TCC    
Tucson Convention Center, Maricopa Meeting Room
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Contact Gail Brett Levine at 718-896-1536.

Monday, February 3
GILC Meeting
Tucson Convention Center, Graham Room
8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Wednesday, February 5
AGTA Buyer Appreciation Party
Tucson Convention Center, GemHall Floor
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
All GemFair Attendees Welcome
Get a taste of Tucson with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, libations and live mariachi music on the GemHall floor.

Cultured Pearl Association of America Reception
Cushing Street Bar & Grill
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
By invitation only.
Call Bo Perry at 212-255-6875 for more information.

International Colored Gemstone Association Reception Marriott University Park Hotel
6:30 pm
ICA Members welcome by invitation only.
RSVP to the ICA at 212-620-0900.

Thursday, February 6
IDCA Annual Event
Marriott University Park Hotel
6:00 pm- 11:00 pm
By invitation only.
Call 212-921-4488 for more information.

Friday, February 7 
2013 AGTA Annual Tucson Membership Meeting 
Tucson Convention Center, GemHall Floor
9:00 am
Open to all AGTA Members
Come and meet the newly-elected members of the Board of Directors and get the latest updates on the Association.

“Party at the GIA Gem Mine” Annual Dinner, Auction and Dance Party
Sponsored by the GIA Alumni Association
6:30 pm– 11:00 pm
Marriott University Park Hotel
Join us for a silent and live auction, buffet dinner, awards presentation and dancing.
Attire: Casual evening or business.
Admission: $65
All auction proceeds will benefit the GIA Alumni Endowment Fund. 

Shuttle service from the Convention Center to Marriott University Park Hotel will be courtesy of AGTA.

Saturday, February 8
AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala
Sponsored by the Diamond Council of America
Marriott University Park Hotel
Grand Ballroom
7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Come celebrate the winning designs of the 2014 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ 

and enjoy a great night of dining and dancing.
Tickets are priced at $100 per person. 
Call 800-972-1162 for more information.
AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala Reservation Form

Appraisers Continuing Education ACE It Education Conference February 2 & 3 In Tucson

ACE™ It Conferences by NAJA

Appraisers Continuing Education

  

Click the link for a full copy of this event brochure
http://www.najaappraisers.com/NAJAWinter14.pdf

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers announces its 41th Annual Winter ACE© It Education Conference to be held in Tucson, AZ, February 2-3, 2014.

The appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry presents an outstanding program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and an unparalleled networking experience. 

The daily programs are: 

Sunday, February 2, 2014

            Exotic Common Opals  Helen Serras-Herman, FGA

Lions, Tigers and Hairs, Oh My!  Exotic Organics in Jewelry  Sindi Schloss, GG

Gems on the Go:  Tips from the Field   Edward Boehm, GG   

Gem Photography v. Reality  Tino Hammond

Monday, February 3, 2014

The Many Faces of Value   Martin Fuller, GG

Discovering, Marketing and Branding a Gemstone   Patrick Coughlin, GG   

What it Takes to be a Gem Hunter   Gary Bowersox, GG

How Much is that Bauble in the Window?  Arthur Skuratowicz, GJG

Special added pre-conference Emerald Treatments & Pricing Workshop is being offered on Saturday February 1, 2014 to NAJA members only. Information on identification issues, examination of treated emeralds and major considerations to accurately pricing.

To retrieve a conference brochure go to http://www.najaappraisers.com/NAJAWinter14.pdf or for further information contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, Executive Director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers,  718.896-1536,  f. 718-997-9057, naja.appraisers@netzero.net, www.NAJAappraisers.com.  

Cutting Edge Awards 2014 Winners Announced

Winners have been named in the 2014 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition.

The competition was judged October 19-20 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2014 competition were retailer, Jennifer McCurry from Marissa Collections, fashion and beauty editor, Jennie Ma from The Knot, jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich from Barbara Heinrich Studio, lapidarist John Hatleberg, and manufacturer Jose Hess.

CUTTING EDGE AWARDS

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.

Classic Cut Gemstones

Classic Gemstone - 1st Place

Sailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc. - 20.98 ct. octagonal, step-cut unheated yellow Sapphire.

Classic Gemstone - 2nd Place

David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 24.69 ct. cushion cut pink Sapphire.

Classic Gemstone - 3rd Place

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC - 38.60 ct. sugar loaf cabochon-cut unheated Sapphire.

Classic Gemstone - Honorable Mention

Sailesh Lakhi, Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc. - 35.93 ct. octagonal, step-cut unheated yellow Sapphire.

All Other Faceted

All Other Faceted - 1st Place

Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 20.42 ct. square, cushion-cut natural tsavorite Garnet.

All Other Faceted - 2nd Place
John Dyer, John Dyer & Co. - 14.44 ct. regal radiant-cut "Lilac" pink Topaz.

All Other Faceted - 3rd Place
Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc. - 7.63 ct. starburst-cut Sphalerite.

All Other Faceted - Honorable Mention
David Nassi, 100% Natural, Ltd. - 21.97 ct. cushion cut red Spinel.


Phenomenal Gemstones

Phenomenal - 1st Place

Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc. - 36.10 cabochon-cut Opal titled "Aurora Borealis in the Night Sky".

Phenomenal - 2nd Place
Ralph Wobito, The Courtney Collection - 88.49 ct. color-change Czarite.

Phenomenal - 3rd Place
Jean-Noel Soni, Top Notch Faceting - 24.12 ct. color-change Garnet.


Pairs and Suites

Pairs and Suites - 1st Place

Ai Van Pham, Gem & Gold Creations - Bi-color Amethyst suite titled "Purple Champagne" (114.15 ctw.).

Pairs and Suites - 2nd Place
Nandu Nichani, Temple Trading Co. - Graduated blue Moonstone cabochon suite (124.15 ctw.).

Pairs and Suites - 3rd Place
Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc. - Suite of multi-colored princess-cut Beryl (122.39 ctw.).

Pairs and Suites - Honorable Mention
Mikola Kukharuk, Nomad's - 16-piece suite of Aquamarines (106.35 ctw.).


Innovative Faceting

Innovative Faceting - 1st Place

Stephen Avery, Stephen M. Avery - 32.68 ct. "Tsunami" Aquamarine.

Innovative Faceting - 2nd Place
John Dyer, John Dyer & Co. - 10.22 ct. custom-cut, with an "inverse" pavilion Tanzanite, titled "Tanzanian Royal."

Innovative Faceting - 3rd Place
John Dyer, Somewhere in the Rainbow - 86.53 ct. "SunKissed2" star-brite cut Citrine.


Carving

Carving - 1st Place

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Amethyst carving with silver base.

Carving - 2nd Place
Darryl Alexander, Nirinjan - 61.00 ct. "Loves Flame" carved Sunstone.

Carving - 3rd Place
Darryl Alexander, Sunstone Butte Mining Co. - 93.5 ct. "Candy Twist" carved Sunstone.


Objects of Art

Objects of Art - 1st Place

Dalan Hargrave, Dust Devil Mining - "Friendship" sculpture featuring Sunstone (57 ctw.), black Jade, Varasite and black, yellow and white Diamonds.

Objects of Art - 2nd Place

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - 18K gold and sterling silver "Maestro" gramophone ring featuring interchangeable records made of ebony wood with yellow Sapphires, Rubies, black and white Diamonds.

Objects of Art - 3rd Place

John Caro, Jewelry by Design - "Sparkling Pagoda" carving features 48.76 ct. Quartz with Mother of Pearl and 45.97 ct. drusy Agate, and 40.27 ct. white Jadeite accented with Moonstones (2.46 ctw.), white Diamonds (.38 ctw.), yellow Diamonds (.21 ctw.), and Emerald (.04 ctw.).

Objects of Art - Honorable Mention

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Topaz carving with silver base.

This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards™ will be presented during the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson to be held February 4 - 9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards™ recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 8. 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 colored gemstones.

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.

#TucsonGemShow - AGTA's 2014 Spectrum Awards™ - View Winners at AGTA GemFair Tucson

Winners Announced for 
AGTA's 2014 Spectrum Awards™ Competition

Winners have been named in the 2014 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition.

The competition was judged October 19-20 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2014 competition were retailer, Jennifer McCurry from Marissa Collections, fashion and beauty editor, Jennie Ma from The Knot, jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich from Barbara Heinrich Studio, lapidarist John Hatleberg, and manufacturer Jose Hess.

SPECTRUM AWARDS - Best of Category Winners: Best of Show!
James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).



Best Use of Color!

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring boulder Opals (22.84 ctw.) and fire Opals (2.62 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphires (1.75 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.70 ctw.).



Best Use of Platinum and Color!

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Coleman's Smokey Blues" earrings featuring cushion-cut blue Spinels (3.86 ctw.) and lavender Spinels (4.02 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires, Garnets, Tourmalines and Diamonds.

Best Use of Pearls!
Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).


1st Place Fashion Forward

Katey Brunini, K. Brunini Jewels - Sterling and 18K yellow gold "Robot Heart" necklace featuring a 1363.96 ct. Opal heart accented with Diamonds (1.53 ctw.). The heart lights up in several patterns.

2nd Place Fashion Forward 

Lydia Courteille, Meridian Jewelers - 18K oxidized white gold Seahorse cocktail ring featuring an Opal accented with Garnets, Sapphires and Amethysts.

3rd Place Fashion Forward

Lauren Harper, Lauren Harper Collection - 18K yellow gold "Kryptonite Pyramid" 

necklace featuring Chrysoprase and Diamonds.

Category Winners
Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot:
Bridal Wear - 1st Place

Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 2nd Place

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold "Something Blue" earrings featuring blue Opal drops (29.99 ctw.) accented with Aquamarines (5.03 ctw.), grey Sapphires (.43 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.10 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 3rd Place

Caysie van Bebber, CvB Inspired Design - Platinum "Aurora" ring featuring a 5.40 ct. unheated lavender Sapphire accented with Diamond melee (.80 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors

Bella Campbell, Campbellian - Platinum earrings featuring Rubies (6.00 ctw.) 

accented with Diamonds (1.05 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Innovation

William Travis, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum ring featuring a 

1.38 ct. cushion-cut yellow Sapphire.

Bridal Wear - Gem Diva Award

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Eternity" earrings 

featuring Moonstones (6.33 ctw.) accented with brilliant-cut Diamonds (5.76 ctw.) 

and gray Tahitian Pearls.

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith - Platinum "Halo" ring featuring a 1.87 ct. Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.35 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Honorable Mention

Cynthia Bach, Cynthia Bach, Inc. - Platinum drop earrings featuring blue marquise, double-faceted Aquamarines (113.23 ctw.) accented with seed Pearls and Diamonds.

Business/ Day Wear

Business/Day Wear - 1st Place

Jonathan Lee Rutledge, Jonathan Lee Rutledge, Inc. - 22K and 18K yellow gold "Blue Waters" necklace featuring Opal doublets and Diamonds (1.86 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 2nd Place

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring boulder Opals (22.84 ctw.) and fire Opals (2.62 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphires (1.75 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.70 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 3rd Place

Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K white gold "Spring Time" earrings featuring Jade (24.20 ctw.), carved lemon Chrysoprase (17.80 ctw.) and Diamonds (.32 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry - Platinum "Venus" ring featuring a 9.35 ct. rainbow Moonstone cabochon accented with Diamonds (.26 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Entry Platinum Innovation

William Travis, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum earrings featuring Agate (9.56 ctw.) drops accented with blue Sapphire briolettes (4.83 ctw.) and Lapis Lazuli beads (1.18 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Gem Diva Award

Annie Fensterstock, Annie Fensterstock - 22K yellow gold and 18K white,  pink, & yellow gold locket with a boulder Opal accented with white, pink and yellow Diamonds (2.55 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. - 18K rose and yellow gold ring with honeycomb ajour pierced out detail featuring round brilliant Rubies (3.97 ctw.) in a star-point setting.

Business/Day Wear - Honorable Mention

Marina Mellinas, Metal Kinetics - 18K yellow and white gold "Swirling" ring featuring a carved 41.18 ct. white Jade, accented with Peridots (3.94 ctw.), Aquamarines (1.61 ctw), brown and white Diamonds (.52 ctw.).

Classical:
Classical - 1st Place

James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).

Classical - 2nd Place

Maurice Di Biaggio, Di Biaggio LLC - Sterling silver with 24K and 18K plated gold "Butterfly" brooch featuring Agate accented with Tourmalines, Citrines and cubic zirconias.

Classical - 3rd Place

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Coleman's Smokey Blues" earrings featuring cushion-cut blue Spinels (3.86 ctw.) and lavender Spinels (4.02 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires, Garnets, Tourmalines and Diamonds.

Classical - Platinum Honors

John Ford, John Ford Jewelers - Platinum ring featuring a 5.76 ct. black Opal 

accented with Diamonds (2.44 ctw.).

Classical - Entry Platinum Innovation

Richard Nobrega, Bailey's Fine Jewelry - Platinum pendant featuring a 6.80 ct. cushion, brilliant-cut Citrine accented with Diamonds (.03 ctw.).

Classical - Gem Diva Award

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 5.08 ct. Alexandrite accented with round, marquise and half-moon Diamonds (2.53 ctw.).

Classical - Manufacturing Honors

James Kaya, James Kaya - Platinum and 18K gold "Stardust" earrings featuring 14mm black Tahitian cultured Pearls, 12mm gold cultured Pearls and 10mm white cultured Pearls accented with Diamonds (1.55 ctw.).

Classical - Honorable Mention

Mark Patterson, Mark Patterson - 18K white gold "Zen Snake" earrings featuring two pear-shaped Kunzites (34.94 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.08 ctw.).

Evening Wear:
Evening Wear - 1st Place

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - Platinum and white gold "Blue Fin" ring featuring a 12.75 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline cabochon accented with Diamonds.

Evening Wear - 2nd Place

Caroline Chartuni, Caroline C - 18K white gold earrings featuring Paraiba Tourmalines (14.10 ctw.), Emeralds (13.70 ctw.), Tanzanites (4.30 ctw.) and Diamonds (6.02 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 3rd Place

Gwennie By Michael John, Michael John Jewelry - 18K white gold ring featuring a Diamond (4.12 ctw.) polar bear jumping between Opal icebergs (33.77 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors

Howard Donsky, Jeffrey Howard, Inc. - Platinum earrings featuring two pear-shaped Tanzanite slabs (48.08 ctw.), Emerald slabs (11.44 ctw.) and Moonstones (2.43 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.84 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Gem Diva Award

Jennifer Rabe Morin, Jennifer Joailliers - 18K white gold with black ruthenium plating ring with carved olive Jade and fire Agate, accented with green Garnets (1.07 ctw.), Amethysts (.33 ctw.) and Diamonds (.32 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Hector Hassey, Hector Hassey - 18K white gold "The Octopus" necklace featuring 12-15mm black Tahitian Pearls accented with Diamonds (11.22 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Honorable Mention

Kerri Halpern, Madstone Design - 18K white gold with black rhodium plating drop earrings featuring pear-shaped Morganites (65.77 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (4.69 ctw.).

Men’s Wear:
Men's Wear - 1st Place

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - 14K white and 18K yellow gold men's lapel pin featuring carved black Jade accented with white Diamonds (.28 ctw), Rubies (.04 ctw.), and cognac and yellow Diamonds (.99 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – 2nd Place

Llyn Strelau, Jewels by Design – 18K yellow and 19K white gold 

“HEXactly” cufflinks featuring Emerald slices (11.80 ctw.) 

accented with blue Sapphires (1.0 ctw.) and Diamonds (.25 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 3rd Place

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold cufflinks featuring carved Coral Buddhas (2.0 ctw.) accented with color-change Garnets (1.80 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.02 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

David Hines, Nvit Blanche - Platinum "Bloody Knuckles" ring featuring mirror-set Rubies (1.00 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Honorable Mention

Robin Rotenier, Rotenier, Ltd. - Blackened sterling silver cufflinks featuring tumbled Tanzanite pebbles (16.00 ctw.) with black (.22 ctw.) and white Diamonds (.06 ctw.).

This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards™ will be presented during the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson to be held February 4 - 9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards™ recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 8. 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 colored gemstones.

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.

Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot is our newest sponsor this year! 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.  

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. 

WJA Gem Diva Awards is in it’s second year with the Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, and were presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business/Day Wear categories. All women who entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form. 

All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered for Manufacturing Honors. This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.

Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl in artful, trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition automatically qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.

For further information on the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ 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™ competition, please contact Danielle Pelletiere at danielle@agta.org or (800) 972-1162.

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 "The Authority In Color" and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.