Award-Winning Platinum Jewellery at the AGTA Spectrum Awards

The first prize in the Bridal category was bagged by Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems, Inc. for his Platinum ring featuring a 5.32-carat pear-cut Paraiba tourmaline accented by round tourmalines and diamonds. All Photos by: Jeff Mason Photography

Platinum Guild International (PGI), in partnership with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), announced the Platinum Honors winners of the 2026 AGTA Spectrum Awards.

More than 60 platinum jewellery entries were submitted to the Platinum Honors category, which recognises outstanding uses of platinum in coloured gemstone and natural or cultured pearl jewellery across multiple categories, from Evening Wear to Engagement Rings. PGI also traditionally presented an award for Best Use of Platinum and Color.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition was held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star in Dallas, where Jenny Luker, President, PGI USA, judged the Platinum Honors category.

“The AGTA Spectrum Awards bring together an extraordinary range of platinum jewellery, and the level of design innovation, technical execution, and artistry is exceptional,” said Luker. “It’s exciting to see so many talented designers exploring the material in different ways, creating intricate, distinctive pieces that showcase the versatility of platinum.”

AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. thanked PGI for its sponsorship of the Spectrum Awards and extended his congratulations to the Platinum Honors winners. “Receiving a Platinum Honors distinction from PGI is one of the industry’s highest achievements,” he said. “We were happy to see platinum so well represented among the AGTA Spectrum entries, which increased by 21% this year.”

Platinum’s potential for design innovation and technical accomplishment was exemplified by several of this year’s AGTA Spectrum Award winners.

The Best of Show award and 1st Place in Classical Wear was awarded to “Can’t Look Away,” a necklace by Lezlie Slavens of Luxe Fine Jewelry and collaborators. The design features a carved Paraiba tourmaline backed in platinum, suspended from a diamond-accented platinum chain, and illuminated by a magnet-activated LED light source.

The Art Deco-inspired “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet by Joseph Dardashti in platinum with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and onyx won 1st Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Evening Wear category and received a Platinum Honors distinction in the same category.

New entrant, Shelby Lichtenstein was awarded with 1st Place in Engagement Rings for her platinum “Something New, Something Blue” ring featuring a 4.50-carat blue emerald-cut zircon accented by diamonds.

“Because of platinum’s durability, strength, and tensile properties, designers can achieve things that might not be possible with other metals,” said Luker. “Whether it’s intricate micro pavé work or delicate prongs, platinum allows for exceptional precision while ensuring that gemstones remain secure.”

Across all categories of the Spectrum Awards competition, noteworthy platinum jewellery trends included bezel settings in engagement rings, designs that paired platinum with moonstones for a dreamy, elegant white-on-white effect, and brooches for both men and women that incorporated multiple gemstone types in an array of cuts and sizes.

“The level of design this year was incredible,” said Luker. “I was particularly impressed by the innovation and execution. Platinum plays such a wonderful supporting role to gemstones, and that relationship has endured—and will endure—forever.”

AGTA Spectrum – Platinum Guild International (PGI) Platinum Honors: