Spectrum’s New Spectrum of Trends

Published

14 years ago

December 9, 2010

INSTORE Staff

“SPECTRUM’S” NEW SPECTRUM OF TRENDS
What a difference a decade makes. Ten years ago—give or take—I was one of the judges for the annual AGTA “Spectrum Awards.” Every year since—again, give or take—I attend the Editors’ Preview of the winners and entries, which occurs the day immediately following the competition.

But here’s the thing: This year at the Media Event, I was not only entranced (as always) by the incredible designs and lapidary work, but also by the clear sea change in jewelry trends. Really. Ten years ago, would you have seen . . .

As 1st place in “Bridal,” an engagement ring with a neon-green tsavorite? (www.omigems.com)

As “Best of Show,” a cuff with an aquamarine set in palladium? (www.toddreed.com)

As “Platinum Honors” winner, a pair of earrings spotlighting Zultanite? (www.zultanitedesign.com)

As a black-tie neckpiece (and taking 1st place in “Classical”), a daring mix of three primary colors? (www.samuelgetz.com)

No question about it, in contemporary jewelry, boundaries have been broken, parameters are passé. And top honorees in the 2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards are brilliant proof. Take a look for yourself at www.agta.org. Meantime, I do have one question, though: Is the AGTA ever to going to ask me again to be a judge for Spectrum? A decade ago, they invited me to jury by e-mail. But, as everything has changed since then, I’m thinking perhaps next year they’ll send me an Evite? A text? A message on my Facebook page? I’ll be sure to check.

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Looking for a Seamless Sale? Call Wilkerson

After almost 60 years in business, Breakiron Jewelers in Erie, Pennsylvania, was closing its doors. And the store’s owner, Linda Breakiron, was ready for it. She had run the store as its sole owner since the beginning of the millennium and was looking forward to a change. Of course, she called Wilkerson. Breakiron talked to other jewelers who had used Wilkerson and was satisfied with their response. “They always had positive feedback,” she recalls. With the sales, marketing and even additional inventory that Wilkerson provided, Breakiron insists she could never have accomplished her going-out-of-business sale without Wilkerson’s help. She’s now ready for the journey ahead, but looking back, she’d be sure to recommend Wilkerson. “They just made the whole process very seamless.”