The American Gem Trade Association announced the selection of their judging panel for the 2009 AGTA Spectrum Awards.

They are: Tom Heyman of Oscar Heyman, lapidarist Walter Casaravilla, Scott Martin of Saks Fifth Avenue, Claudia Mata of Town & Country, Hedda Schupak of JCK magazine, and Donna Sturm of Verdura.

“We are thrilled to have this esteemed group of jewelry industry professionals join us as judges this year,” said Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “Participants in this year’s competition should be excited to have their pieces exposed to this very influential and insightful panel.”

Heyman has been involved with the family’s business, Oscar Heyman, for more than 20 years and represents the third generation of Heymans in the firm. Casaravilla, who besides being a lapidarist, is a critically acclaimed painter. Martin is the senior buyer – Fine Jewelry for Saks Fifth Avenue and is responsible for introducing many key brands to the company. Mata is the Jewelry & Accessories editor of Town & Country magazine, which in 1987 was the first consumer magazine to participate in the Spectrum Awards judging process. Schupak is Editor-in-Chief of the JCK Publishing Group and known for her keen fashion sense and understanding of the jewelry industry. Sturm oversees many aspects of design and product development at Verdura. 

The Spectrum Awards is celebrating its 25 anniversary this year as the premier colored gemstone and pearl jewelry design competition.  Past participants have included such notable jewelry designers as Henry Dunay, Jose Hess, and Stephen Webster to name a few. Winning entries have graced countless magazine covers and have been featured in numerous feature stories.

For more information and entry forms for the 2009 Spectrum Awards, visit www.agta.org/awards or call 1-800-972-1162.  The deadline for entries is Sept. 26.

JCK