AGTA Cutting Edge Awards 2021

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards 2021 | Stephen Avery Tourmaline & Tanzanite Suite
TOURMALINE & TANZANITE GEMSTONE SUITE
During the 2021 Cutting Edge Awards competition, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) honored Adam Neeley with two AGTA Spectrum Awards™, including “Best Use of Color” and “3rd Place Pairs and Suites”, for a custom cut Tourmaline & Tanzanite gemstone suite.
This magnificent gemstone suite is the result of a collaboration with master lapidary Stephen Avery, inspired by he and Adam’s personal and professional relationship. The suite measures a dramatic length of almost three inches. It is comprised of a 47.80 carat total weight pair of deep green Tourmaline. Sourced directly from Nigeria, it was a challenge to locate the rich green color found in these stones.
“…it’s very hard to find that rich green color. Most of the time it’s to yellow or gray.” – Stephen Avery
To complement the Tourmaline, Stephen also sourced directly from Tanzania to create a 12.69 carat total weight pair of luscious blue/purple Tanzanite. After sourcing the material Stephen spent time mapping out and planning a unique cut that would both bring out the color of the stones but would also create maximum scintillation when set next to one another.
“The gorgeous green Tourmaline I bought in the spring of 2019, but had nothing worthy to match it. Patience does pay off most of the time. It wasn’t until the spring of 2021 that the pipeline of Tanzanite opened up and a perfect match was created.” – Stephen Avery
“The gorgeous green Tourmaline I bought in the spring of 2019, but had nothing worthy to complement it. Patience does pay off most of the time. It wasn’t until the spring of 2021 that the pipeline of Tanzanite opened up and a perfect match was created.” – Stephen Avery
To learn more about Stephen Avery’s incredible work, visit The Bench and Beyond blog post: Stephen Avery: Director of Light

About the Award

AGTA describes their “Best Use of” and “Cutting Edge” trophy winners as:
A special division within the AGTA Spectrum Awards™, the AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ are dedicated exclusively to celebrating the excellence and creativity of lapidary artists.
All entries may incorporate existing lapidary techniques. However, entries in the Pairs & Suites, Innovative Faceting, Carving, and Objects of Art categories must reflect unique, innovative designs.
It’s a great honor to receive these prestigious awards. Adam, Stephen and their teams send sincere thanks to AGTA, the judges, and to our collectors for their continued support and shared love of jewelry art.
The judges include: Judy Evans – Judy Evans Design Studio, Amber Gustafson – Amber’s Designs Fine Jewelry, Tony Logan – Jay Dean Winchester, Kelly Mitchell – Kelly Mitchell Fine Jewelry, Matthew Trent – Matthew Trent
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From his Laguna Beach studio, designer and goldsmith Adam Neeley pushes the boundaries of modern jewelry design. Born a gem-lover and educated at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America and Le Art Orafe, Adam has spent his life mastering the craft and art form of jewelry making and design. As a member of the American Jewelry Design Council, Adam is honored to share his expertise and passion with the world. His award-winning jewelry is celebrated by jewelry collectors, industry authorities, including MJSA and AGTA, and the Smithsonian Institution. We invite you to learn more by visiting our About Adam and Welcome pages.