2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards | Exquisite Award-Winning Jewelry

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards, considered the finest jewelry and gemstone competition in the world. I even got the chance to vote on my three favorites (an amazingly difficult task) and I was trying to wait to find out if any of my choices was voted as Editor’s Pick but I sadly I guess it didn’t. The AGTA Spectrum Awards featured over 500 pieces of jewelry from designers like Erica Courtney, Heather Moore, Katey Brunini and Todd Reed (who I’ve previously featured on this blog) along with museum-quality gemstones. Each piece is examined by hand with an eye for craftsmanship and quality of the materials used.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards features various categories like Bridal Wear, Business/Day wear, Classical, Evening Wear, Mens Wear, etc. Once you see some of these pieces, you will see why it was so difficult to select just three. Below are just a few of my favorites. If I had to post all of my favorites, this would be an extremely long post (and yes, I had to choose only three out of all of these). To see more exquisite jewelry and designers, click on each bold /red title category below

Bridal Wear

18K white and rose gold “Mimosa” pendant by Yehouda Saketkhou

18K white and rose gold ring featuring two half-moon Diamonds by Alan Friedman (my dream engagement ring)

Business/Daywear

Platinum pin/pendant featuring carved black Onyx with Emerald cabochons by Mark Schneider

18K white gold brooch carved Aquamarine accented with Diamonds by Naomi Sarna

18K white gold ring featuring black and white pave Diamonds by Lawrence Gordon

Classical

Art Deco Platinum and 18K yellow gold necklace by Ricardo Basta (he actually had several pieces I absolutely loved)

18K white gold “Wheel of Fortune” pendant by Sean Ryan

Evening Wear (I must admit, most of my favorite pieces are from this category)

18K yellow gold ring featuring a carved black Jade fish with fire Opals by Manya Tessler

I love this statement piece – Palladium and 22K yellow gold locket featuring blue Moonstones, grey and white Diamonds, blue Sapphires opening to reveal a Moldavite Buddha by Todd Reed (this amazing wearable art won Best in Show)

18K rose, white and yellow gold Flamingo brooch by Wilfried Kowollik

Now that I’ve showed you a few of my favorites, what are yours?

About the AGTA Spectrum Awards


The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is considered the most respected and prestigious creative award for the design industry. Launched in 1984, the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ honors, recognizes and promotes designers whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design. It has become the benchmark for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work. In 1991, the AGTA created the Cutting Edge Awards to honor creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art. Both are a true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation. Winners set the standards of excellence for our entire industry. The Spectrum Awards competition has launched trends, increased visibility for designer jewelry, and inspired great innovation in use of color and materials.