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www.thejewelrybook.com
Surprises were abundant in this year's 2019 American Gem Trade
Association's (AGTA) Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. Among
them: more Bridal category entries, color in bridal, fewer entries
in the Classical division, more retailer-made jewels, and a spinel as
Best of Show.
Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO, saw a competition-wide drop
of about 75 entries. One plus? The number of entries in the Cut-
ting Edge division was up about 30 stones. "We saw more ruby,
emerald, and sapphire," says Hucker.
Trends included blue stones like zircon and some Grandidierite
as well as some intense orange and red rocks like Mandarin gar-
net. More high-polish jewels and some graphic looks (think the
turquoise and coral Editor's Choice earrings by Assael) also struck
a chord with many.
"The character of the gem often dictates the design," explains
Hucker.
Winners of the
AGTA 2019
Best of Show and First Place All
Other Gemstones
David Nassi of 100% Natural, Ltd.,
with a cushion-cut 30.19 ct.
untreated Tanzanian red spinel
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Best Use of Platinum Crown
Valani
Nova ring in platinum with a 7.17 ct. hexagon-
shape emerald with 0.98 ct. t.w. kite-shape
emeralds and 2.63 cts. t.w. diamonds
Best Use of Platinum and Color
Roland Krainz of Krainz Creations
Emergence cuff in platinum and stingray
with 9.23 cts. t.w. sapphires, 1.41 cts. t.w.
emeralds, 1.08 cts. t.w. rubies, and 1.17 cts.
t.w. diamonds
Editor's Choice
Sean Gilson
Earrings in 18.5k and 18k yellow gold featuring
12.50 grams of coral and 7.8 grams of turquoise
Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards
