27-10-2020
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has revealed the winners of its 2020 Spectrum Awards.
Two new categories: North American Mined Gemstones and Best of Single Entries are debuted. The North American Mined Gemstones category is the battlefield between gemstones from the United States and Canada. Entrants who only submitted one piece were eligible for the Best of Single award. According to AGTA, entries increased 20 percent to 412 pieces and most of them are first-time participants.
There are a few changes amid the pandemic. Originally held in New York City, the judging had moved to Dallas. All judges are Texas-based instead of coming from different countries.
Down below are some of the highlights:
Best of Show (photo 1):
A pair of pear-shaped spessartite garnets weighing 90.48 carats in total
Best Use of Color (photo 2):
Black Tahitian pearl, sapphire, tsavorite garnet, aquamarine, diamond, and amethyst Links necklace by Rosa Van Parys of Rosa Van Parys Jewelry
Best Use of Pearls (photo 3):
Pearl, pink and lavender sapphire and diamond Black Lace ring by Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry
Fashion Forward (photo 4):
Rubellite tourmaline, aquamarine and diamond Lady Gaga Metropolitan Gala earrings by Peter Schmid