Ashleigh Branstetter’s AGTA Spectrum Award Wins: The “Oscars” of the Jewelry World

For over two decades, the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ have been recognized as the most prestigious creative honor in the jewelry industry — often called the “Oscars” of the jewelry world. Winning one is a benchmark of extraordinary artisanship. Ashleigh Branstetter®, New Orleans-based GIA Graduate Gemologist and fine jewelry designer, is a 4-time AGTA Spectrum Award winner whose designs have been recognized alongside the industry’s most celebrated names.

What Is the AGTA Spectrum Award?

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards™ honor artistic excellence in gemstone and fine jewelry design. Each year, winners are announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala, held during the AGTA GemFair™ in New York City. Judges are drawn from the highest levels of the design and fashion world — past judges have included jewelry editor Nicole Keating of Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine, gem artist John Hatleburg, jewelry designer Mish Tworkowski of Mish New York, antique jewelry expert Ben Macklowe of The Macklowe Gallery, design consultant Marlene Richey, and jewelry designer Cecelia Bauer.

Competing for an AGTA Spectrum Award means standing alongside the greatest designers in the world. Past competitors and honorees have included JW Currens, Samuel Getz, Jack Bigio, Evelyn Clothier, Erica Courtney, and Ivanka Trump — making each win a true statement of excellence.

Ashleigh Branstetter®’s AGTA Spectrum Award Wins

Ashleigh Branstetter with Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) for 24 years and current CEO of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), at the AGTA Spectrum Awards ceremony.

2009 AGTA Spectrum Award™ — Pink Tourmaline Ring

Ashleigh submitted her first entries into the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition in 2009, and right out of the gate she earned a place on the winner’s podium. She was awarded 3rd Place in the Business/Day Wear Category for her stunning 32.10 ct. Pink Tourmaline Ring — a bold, gem-forward design that announced her as a serious force in American fine jewelry. This debut win set the tone for a remarkable award career.

2010 AGTA Spectrum Award™ — Diamond Slice Chalcedony Earrings

In 2010, Ashleigh returned to the AGTA Spectrum Awards and earned 2nd Place in the Business/Day Wear Category for her extraordinary Diamond Slice Chalcedony Earrings. The earrings featured a total of 11.23 carats of moss-sliced diamonds and white diamond slices (2.32 ctw.) set with South African chalcedony briolettes (40.61 ctw.), all set in 18-karat gold with pavé diamonds. This piece exemplifies the hallmark Ashleigh Branstetter® aesthetic: rare gemstones, architectural precision, and undeniable New Orleans soul.

2010 AGTA Spectrum Award™ — Tahitian Pearl & Sapphire Cufflinks (Manufacturing Honors)

In that same exceptional 2010 competition, Ashleigh also received Manufacturing Honors in the Men’s Wear Category for her Sterling Tahitian Pearl & Sapphire Cufflinks — a sophisticated design pairing the lustrous depth of Tahitian pearls with the brilliance of sapphires in sterling silver. Earning two separate Spectrum recognitions in a single competition year is an extraordinary achievement that underscores the range and mastery of Ashleigh’s design work.

2012 AGTA Spectrum Award™ — Tahitian Pearl & Sapphire Cufflinks (Manufacturing Honors)

In 2012, Ashleigh earned Manufacturing Honors in the Men’s Wear Category for her exquisite Sterling Silver Tahitian Pearl & Faceted Blue Sapphire Cufflinks. The design paired the deep, lustrous beauty of Tahitian pearls with the brilliant pop of faceted blue sapphires — all set in sterling silver. Sophisticated, bold, and undeniably refined, this piece exemplifies Ashleigh’s rare ability to bring fine jewelry artistry to men’s accessories. It is the second time she was recognized in the Men’s Wear Category, cementing her as a leading designer of award-winning men’s fine jewelry.

Additional Award Honors

Beyond the AGTA Spectrum Awards, Ashleigh has been recognized by two of the most prestigious pearl design competitions in the world — earning multiple honors across different categories and decades.

Perles de Tahiti North American Pearl Trophy

Ashleigh has won the prestigious Perles de Tahiti North American Pearl Trophy twice — an international competition celebrating outstanding design with Tahitian pearls.

• 2004 — Her winning piece drew on the organic curves of a ruffled dress, a concept that would go on to define her iconic Signature Ruffle© design language and set the tone for her entire award career.
• 2006 — A stunning Necklace featuring a Tahitian Pearl and Fancy Sapphires, showcasing her mastery of pairing the deep luster of Tahitian pearls with the brilliance of colored gemstones in an elegant fine jewelry setting.

2018 Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) — Honorable Mention

In 2018, Ashleigh received an Honorable Mention in the Cultured Pearl Association of America 9th Annual International Design Competition for her Magnolia Pearl Ring — a gem-forward design celebrating the natural beauty of pearls in a sculptural, wearable form. The award-winning pieces were exhibited at The Clay Pot in New York City and Max’s in Minneapolis.

Why Awards Matter in Fine Jewelry

In the fine jewelry world, peer recognition from organizations like AGTA signals something that no marketing campaign can manufacture: genuine artistic merit. When Ashleigh’s work is recognized by the AGTA — an organization whose jury includes editors from the world’s most prestigious fashion publications and curators from legendary galleries — it affirms that each piece is not just beautiful, but truly exceptional.

Ashleigh first entered the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition in 2009, driven by a conviction that her New Orleans-made jewelry deserved to stand alongside the best in the world. The awards that followed proved that conviction right.

Shop Award-Winning Designs

Many of Ashleigh’s award-winning aesthetic choices are reflected throughout her current collection — the commitment to extraordinary gemstones, handcrafted goldsmithing in 18k gold, and designs that honor both the gemstone and the wearer. Explore the full collection at Ashleigh Branstetter® Fine Jewelry, or visit our Press & Awards page for more recognition and accolades.

To commission a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece — the kind that wins awards — visit our Bespoke Custom Jewelry page or email hello@ashleighbranstetter.com.