AGTA Winner Features 7ct. Russian Emerald

RAPAPORT... A ring featuring an untreated 7.16-carat Russian emeraldtook the top prize at the 2018 American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) SpectrumAwards. Joseph Ambalu, of New York-based Amba Gem Corp., won theBest of Show award for the piece (pictured), which was set in platinum andyellow gold, and accented with diamonds. The design competition took place inNew York last week. The Best Use of Color award went to Ricardo Basta of E.Eichberg for his "Phoenix Rising" necklace, which contained Mandarin garnets,Paraiba tourmalines, sapphires, rubies, fire opals, tsavorite garnets andturquoise, set in 18-karat yellow gold. Avi Raz of A & Z Pearls collected the Best Use of Pearlaward for a multicolored natural baroque freshwater-pearl necklace, with14-karat rose, yellow and rhodium gold beads. The accolade for Best Use of Platinum and Color accoladewent to Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Designs for her platinum "WonderWoman" cuff containing aquamarines, tanzanites, blue zircons, lavender spinels,tourmalines and star-set diamonds. The Best Use of a Platinum Crown prize went to John Haynesof Schmitt Jewelers, who created a platinum "Solar Blossom" ring featuring a14.73-carat orange zircon accented with tsavorite, garnets and diamonds. Patrick King of Jewelsmith took home the Fashion Forwardhonor for a 14-karat white- and rose-gold pendant featuring a 13.31-caratsapphire and diamond necklace, while Caroline Chartouni of Caroline C received theEditor's Choice award for an 18-karat white-gold and blue spinel ring accentedwith diamonds. In the Bridal division, Zoltan David won first place for a22-karat and 18-karat rose-gold necklace featuring a 46.12-carat opal accentedwith a 3.60-carat round opal and blue sapphires. Designer Erica Courtney claimed the top spot in theBusiness/Day Wear category for her 18-karat yellow gold "Emerald City" necklace, with a 105.99-carat pear-shaped emerald accented with diamonds. The premierslot for Evening Wear was won by Gross & Currens of David Gross Group for aplatinum-and-yellow-sapphire ring with diamonds. The Classical division top honor went to Niveet Nagpal ofOmi Prive for a platinum ring featuring cuprian tourmaline, diamonds, Paraibatourmalines and Alexandrite. The winner in the Classic Gemstone category of the AGTACutting Edge Awards - which recognize outstanding stone polishers - was KennethBlount of 100% Natural for a 91.36-carat unheated yellow Ceylon sapphire. AGTA CEO Douglas Hucker noted the large number of newdesigners and first-time entrants, as well as a younger influx of contestantswith a fresh design outlook. "Over a dozen of our awards will be presented to first-timewinners," he said, adding that the range of materials that applicants used in their products was broader than in previous years."That diversity was evidenced in the absolute cornucopia of color and varietyin the jewelry divisions." Judges at the event included Darryl Alexander of Alexander'sJewelers, Randy Coffin from Coffin & Trout Jewellers, and Dallas Prince ofDallas Prince & Company.