Summary
The AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding jewelry design and gemstone artistry in Dallas. More than 300 entries competed for top honors. Moreover, tourmaline, sapphires, garnets, and carvings defined this year’s trends. Interestingly, six first-time winners stood out, and women designers earned recognition through the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards.
Introduction to the Spectrum Awards 2025
The AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025 once again showcased the best in colored gemstones and fine jewelry.
Held from October 30 to November 1, 2025, at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star in Dallas, the event drew designers, lapidaries, and collectors from across the world.
In total, more than 300 pieces were judged, confirming the Spectrum Awards’ place as a key platform for excellence in gem artistry.
To learn more about the organization behind it, visit AGTA.org.
New Entrants and First-Time Winners
AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. praised the response to the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025, noting the strong participation from emerging designers.
In fact, 32 newcomers joined the competition, and six first-time entrants became winners.
Ford described the awards as a “lifetime of opportunity” where creativity leads to visibility and growth.
For past event coverage, visit SajuElizamma.com’s Gem Events.
Design Trends from the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025
Judging at the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025 highlighted a mix of tradition and experimentation.
Among the key trends were:
- Rich colors from Tourmaline, especially pink, purple, and rubellite shades
- Strong entries in Sapphires, Garnets, and Emeralds
- Ocean themes and cameo carvings
- A sharp rise in entries for the Carving category
- Fine Rainbow Moonstones with top clarity
These choices, therefore, reflected renewed interest in storytelling through gemstones.
Best of Show Winners
Cutting Edge Award – Best of Show
- Winner: Oren Nhaissi, EMCO Gem, Inc., with Yaron Nhaissi
- Entry: Suite of emerald-cut, no-oil Colombian Emeralds (12.91 ctw)
Spectrum Award – Best of Show
- Winner: Somewhere in the Rainbow Gem and Jewelry Collection with Marc Höllmüller
- Piece: “Elements” bracelet in 18K yellow gold, platinum, and cocobolo wood
- Gemstones: 14.16 ct pink Tourmaline accented with Peridot, Spinel, Demantoid Garnet, and Diamonds
For more details, explore the winning creations on AGTA’s Spectrum Awards page.
Rising Stars in Jewelry Design
Several first-time participants made strong impressions.
For example, Cindy Zhang of Cindy Lu Jewelry took 1st Place in Evening Wear for her “Fuchsia Bloom” necklace.
- 18K white gold
- 5.5 ct rubellite Tourmaline
- Tsavorite Garnets, Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Diamonds, and Pearls
Meanwhile, Valaree Wahler of Elyzian won the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award for “Parure d’Aurore.”
- 18K yellow gold
- Pink Tourmaline (62.79 ct), Peridot (32.41 ct), Aquamarine (25.35 ct), Heliodor (26.18 ct), and Diamonds (8.36 ctw)
Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards at AGTA 2025
The Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Awards (ANW), part of the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025, honored female designers in six categories.
Judges included Patti Spector Norville, Billie Norville, and Cher Norville.
Furthermore, the award is sponsored by the Norville family and open to all women entrants.
Details are available at AGTA’s ANW page.
Judges and Platinum Honors
This year’s judging panel featured respected professionals:
- Craig Underwood – Underwood’s Jewelers
- Donald Janson – Walters & Hogsett Jewelers
- Blaine Lewis – New Approach School for Jewelers
- Clay Zava – Zava Mastercuts
- Erica Courtney – Erica Courtney LLC
Kevin Reilly from Platinum Guild International judged the Platinum Honors Awards, recognizing:
- Best Use of Platinum Crown
- Best Use of Platinum and Color
Industry Reactions to the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025
Bruce Bridges, AGTA Board President, praised the winners:
“We are proud of the artistry and craftsmanship these works represent. They reflect the quality and dedication within our field.”
Jonathan J. Gad, Spectrum Committee Chairman, added:
“The creativity shown in the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025 clearly reflects the fresh ideas shaping modern jewelry.”
AGTA Spectrum Awards 2026 Showcase at GemFair Tucson
Winning pieces from the Spectrum Awards will be exhibited at AGTA GemFair Tucson, from February 2–6, 2026.
In addition, the AGTA Spectrum Gala will take place on February 5 at the Tucson Convention Center.
For tickets and event details, visit AGTA GemFair Tucson.
Why You Should Participate in the AGTA Spectrum Awards
Even without a win, participation in the AGTA Spectrum Awards brings visibility and opportunity.
You gain:
- Recognition from peers and collectors
- Media coverage and exposure
- New collaborations
- Invitations to exclusive exhibitions
Ultimately, each entry builds your credibility as a jewelry designer and gemstone artist.
AGTA Spectrum Awards 2025 – FAQ
What are the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards?
They are leading competitions celebrating excellence in jewelry design and gemstone cutting, organized by the American Gem Trade Association.
When were the 2025 awards held?
From October 30 to November 1, 2025, at the Omni Frisco Hotel, Dallas.
Who won Best of Show?
Oren Nhaissi for Cutting Edge and Somewhere in the Rainbow with Marc Höllmüller for Spectrum.
Where can I see the winning pieces?
At AGTA GemFair Tucson 2026, from February 2–6.
Credit
This article draws on reporting originally published by The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)
Credit to The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) for sharing the insightful information.
This story is adapted from AGTA Announces the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting-Edge Award Winners, with additional SEO and contextual research by Saju Elizamma.
