One of my favorite editor events of the year is the viewing of the AGTA Spectrum Award entries, which just happened last week. Basically, I get to be in a room with hundreds of pieces of gorgeous colored stone jewelry. I can ogle, try them on, and just generally swoon.
If you don't know what the Spectrum Awards are, let me explain: The competition, created in 1984, honors, recognizes and promotes designers and lapidaries in the United States and Canada whose work utilizes colored gemstones and cultured pearls. It is hosted by the American Gem Trade Association, and the results are quite spectacular.
Take the piece above, by Arun Bohra of Arunashi. It was one of my favorites for its delicate form and stunning colors. The cuff is set in 18-karat white gold (with a black rhodium finish) and contains spinels, Paraiba tourmalines, orange sapphires and diamonds. Below are a few more of my favorites, with captions. I'll post more next week!
By Carley McGee-Boehm. Palladium earrings featuring cuprian Tourmalines accented with black spinel and rock crystal quartz helioliths.
By Erica Courtney. 18-karat yellow gold earrings featuring Mexican fire opal and mandarin citrine accented with diamonds.
By Rina Limor. Silver bangle bracelet featuring faceted Lemon Citrine accented with amethyst and multi-colored sapphires.
Images courtesy AGTA
