With 100 additional submissions to the 2023 American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards versus last year, it’s clear that the popularity of the decades-old competition isn’t waning. The Spectrum Awards first took place in 1984, followed by Cutting Edge in 1992. From the get-go, the competition was renowned for its well-respected judges and stringent criteria, and it always attracted the cream of the fine-jewelry industry.
This year, the myriad one-of-a-kind designs captivated judges, noted AGTA CEO John Ford. “The color green was a trend, and the judges did a fantastic job, especially given the increase in the number of pieces entered,” he added.
Judging and Editor’s Day took place during the last weekend in October. Adjudicators this year included Allan Koo of A. Koo & Co.; Brent Malgarin of Elegant Gems; Christina Gandia Gambale from Greenwich St. Jewelers; Lika Behar of Lika Behar Jewelry; and Clayton Bromberg from Underwood’s Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida. Among the criteria for winners were creativity, craftsmanship, originality, and quality.
BRON: Rapaport 13-11-2023
