RAPAPORT... Showcasing a rainbow of colored gemstones, the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards once again proved that design excellence enhances the beauty of a stone. Hosted by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in New York City, the competition was held in a sun-drenched penthouse photography studio in Greenwich Village. Six jewelry experts reviewed the entries and selected winners based on overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones and craftsmanship, broad-based consumer appeal and the potential to create publicity for natural colored gemstones. Competition judges were Cecelia Bauer, designer/educator; John Hatelberg, gem artist; Nicole Keating, W magazine; Benjamin Macklowe, Macklowe Gallery; Marlene Richey, writer/consultant and Mish Tworkowski, Mish New York. The judges selected 30 winners out of 420 entries. After the judging, a media day was held for jewelry and fashion editors, as well as stylists, who were shown all entries submitted to the competition. Editors who attended the media preview day were asked to select their favorite piece, which led to the introduction of the Editor’s Choice award for the first time this year. The winning pieces will be on display at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson this month.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - February 2010. To subscribe click here.