New Entrants Shine in AGTA’s Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has revealed the winners of its 2025 Spectrum and Cutting Edge awards, at which several first-time participants took home prizes.

This year’s contest, which took place from October 30 to November 1 in Dallas, Texas, saw over 300 submissions, the organization said last month. Taking part in the competition were 32 new entrants, with six of these winning a total of seven awards.

“This year’s AGTA Spectrum Awards marked an extraordinary celebration of innovation and artistry,” said Jonathan Gad, chairman of the AGTA Spectrum committee. “I extend my warmest congratulations to all our winners, and a special acknowledgment to the record number of first-time honorees who joined the ranks of Spectrum awardees this year. Your creativity and dedication continue to inspire and elevate the standards of excellence in our industry.”

Popular trends included tourmaline, rubellite, and pink and purple gems. Sapphires, garnets, cameo motifs, high-quality rainbow moonstones, ocean-inspired designs, and standout emeralds also had a strong showing. The carving category in Cutting Edge saw triple the number of submissions compared to last year.

The judges this year were Craig Underwood of Underwood’s Jewelers, Donald Janson of Walters & Hogsett Jewelers, Blaine Lewis of the New Approach School for Jewelers, Clay Zava of Zava Mastercuts, Erica Courtney of Erica Courtney and Kevin Reilly of Platinum Guild International (PGI). Jerry Raine of Turgeon Raine Jewelers had to withdraw shortly before the competition. Meanwhile, Patti Spector Norville, Billie Norville, and Cher Norville all served as judges for the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards (ANW), which occurred this year for the second time, with one female entrant in each of the six Spectrum categories receiving an honor.

AGTA will showcase several of the winning pieces at the 2025 GemFair Tucson show from February 2 to 6, 2026. The AGTA Spectrum Gala, the highlight of Gem Week, will take place on February 5 at the new Tucson Convention Center addition.