You’ve likely read about the AGTA Spectrum Awards winners, and on Tuesday I had the chance to see them live in the flesh at an editor event. The select few who won awards, as well as those who were otherwise recognized, get top billing, deservedly so, but there were many other head-turning pieces up for consideration. I got to look at all of them, drawing in a breath here, exclaiming at gumball-size orange sapphires and paraibas there.

Too many personal favorites to highlight here—sometimes it was the size of the stone, or a glorious color story, or the sheer beauty of the design that got me going.

Here are the pieces I’m still thinking about 48 hours later…and wish were mine.

Because holy 436 ct. citrine. (Solar Flare necklace* featuring a 436 ct. citrine accented with 44.5 cts. t.w. aquamarines, 87.30 cts. t.w. yellow beryls, and 23.45 cts. t.w. set in 18k white and yellow gold; Asha Gallery Ltd.)

 *Winner of the AGTA Fashion Forward category

Because I’ve never seen anything like them. Never. (Agate druzy slice earrings* with green tourmalines, pink topaz, amethysts, and diamonds set in 14k white and yellow gold; Mark Loren Designs)

 *Winner of the AGTA Editors’ Choice Award (my vote included)

Because this beauty was in the Bridal category—“something blue” and traditional pearls transformed into a truly modern statement. (Ring featuring a 6.02 ct. aquamarine accented with white seed pearls and diamond melee in 14k white gold; Stuller)

Because I clearly can’t get enough included quartz… (Mist earrings with 124.12 cts. t.w. rutilated quartz drops and colored diamonds in 18k yellow gold; Mark Patterson)

 

Because I had a visceral reaction—we’re talking a release of actual endorphins—to this combination of flamingo pink and emerald green. (Prism pendant featuring a 3.0 ct. emerald surrounded by pink enamel with diamonds accents in 14k yellow gold; Arya Esha)

 

Because chrysoprase. (Earrings with chrysoprase cabochon posts and composite dangles cut by Steve Walters featuring chrysoprase, black jade, and agate in 18k yellow gold and titanium; Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith Inc.)

 

Because the design itself almost has a borrowed-from-the-boys feel but, smothered in diamonds, it’s also just completely, crazily glamorous. (Diamond cocktail ring featuring a 8.20 ct. paraiba tourmaline cabochon and 2.06 cts. t.w. diamonds; Akiva Gil)

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