The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) revealed the recipients of its 2025 Spectrum & Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice Awards during the Spectrum Awards Gala held on 5 February 2026 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The Spectrum Buyer’s Choice Award went to designer Mimi So for her “Cotton Candy” necklace, crafted in 18-karat rose gold. The piece showcases a 16.71-carat pear-shaped kunzite, a 4.05-carat vivid pink spinel, and a 5.65-carat imperial topaz, adorned with sapphires, spinels, tourmalines, and diamonds totalling more than 80 carats. The same design also earned an honourable mention in the Spectrum Evening Wear category.
In the Cutting Edge division, the award was presented to Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd for a 35.25-carat pink-purple octagonal-cut kunzite, which also secured first place in the All Other Cut Gemstones category. Kho won the same honour last year with a Portuguese-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado.
AGTA CEO John W Ford Sr thanked buyers who participated in the voting. “AGTA shoppers are renowned for their refined taste,” he said. “Their choices highlight the beauty and craftsmanship of these remarkable pieces.”
Entries for the next edition of the Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards will open at the end of June 2026. (Photo courtesy: AGTA)
16-02-2026
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