Michael O'Connor Gives Us the Scoop on the AGTA Spectrum Design Award

Michael O’Connor, is one of the judges for the (2009) 26th AGTA Spectrum Awards on (October 26th).
Michael is one of America’s leading voices on style, jewelry and accessories and has become the “go-to” resource for editors and producers seeking information on current trends and celebrity style. He’s been involved in the luxury, jewelry and fashion industries in a career that spans over 25 years. Starting originally as a jewelry designer and forecasting upcoming trends, O’Connor has worked with some of the most recognized brands and helped develop some of the most followed trends in the world (such as the DeBeers 3-diamond “past, present, future” styling). Throughout the year O’Connor works with numerous top celebrities and celebrity stylists helping them to accessorize for awards shows, appearances and premiers. Additionally, he works with leading fashion and accessories editors and television producers to select products for their photo pages, illustrate story lines and programs

Michael O’Connor

Podcast with Michael O’Connor about the AGTA Competition

AGTA -American Gem Trade Association
Now in it’s 26th year, the AGTA Spectrum Awards has grown to include a media preview event that will take place on October 26 at Ramscale Studio in Manhattan. . The judging takes place in the studio–judges include consumer and trade editors, gemologists and style experts–over the weekend and winners are decided and put on a special display.
This event has become known by national consumer and trade publications as the resource for sourcing the best of the best in color gemstone and pearl jewelry. This year’s guests include accessories and market editors from top consumer publications, editors and reporters of trade publications, fashion and style bloggers, costume designers and stylists, and local market broadcast media.
The American Gem Trade Association is a non profit organization promoting the use of color gemstones and pearls. One of AGTA’s biggest contributions in the promotion of color has come from its AGTA Spectrum Awards™ and Cutting Edge Awards competitions, launched in 1984 and 1991, respectively.
Spectrum recognizes the innovative use of natural gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design.
Cutting Edge honors creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art.
AGTA promotes both collections in the media on the trade and consumer levels. visit www.AGTA.org.
Stevie Wilson