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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Retiring? Let Wilkerson Do the Heavy Lifting

Retirement can be a great part of life. As Nanji Singadia puts it, “I want to retire and enjoy my life. I’m 78 now and I just want to take a break.” That said, Nanji decided that the best way to move ahead was to contact the experts at Wilkerson. He chose them because he knew that closing a store is a heavy lift. To maximize sales and move on to the next, best chapter of his life, he called Wilkerson—but not before asking his industry friends for their opinion. He found that Wilkerson was the company most recommended and says their professionalism, experience and the homework they did before the launch all helped to make his going out of business sale a success. “Wilkerson were working on the sale a month it took place,” he says. “They did a great job.”