FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- Christina "Crissy" Penuel, a jewelry designer at Mark Loren Designs, was awarded first place for earrings in the Bridal Wear category at the 40th annual American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Gala in Tucson, Arizona on Feb. 8.

Penuel's winning design was 14 karat yellow gold earrings featuring Yangtze pearls, accented by 3.04 carat total weight pink sapphires and .88 carat total weight amethyst.

"The earrings were originally inspired by a vintage lamp," Penuel said. "I have so much fun coming up with one-of-a-kind pieces. Mark Loren Designs is a very supportive, creative environment. Our whole team is amazing."

Considered the "Oscars" of jewelry awards, Penuel attended the gala with Mark Loren. The event was held at the American Gem Trade Association GemFair, the world's largest loose gem show.

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"It was a thrill to be there to see Chrissy receive this prestigious honor, one that an experienced designer may be lucky to earn only a few times in their entire career," Loren said. "We both also had the chance to see stunning loose gems that will continue to inspire designs for our clients."

Penuel, who grew up in Fort Myers and graduated from Cypress Lake High School, taught art for 10 years at Lehigh Senior High School and Cape Coral High School. She joined Mark Loren Designs about four years ago after interning with the design team after she finished teaching each day. She said it is not unusual for her to find inspiration all around her, including a dessert.

Her award was selected from 375 entries of design excellence with colored gemstones and cultured pearls. Categories included Best of Show, Best Use of Color, Best Use of Pearl, Fashion Forward, Best Use of Platinum and Color, Bridal Wear, Business/Day Wear, Classical, Engagement Rings, Evening Wear, Men's Wear and Editor's Choice. Cutting Edge Awards were also made for cut, carved and mined gemstones.