Erika Christensen takes on her most colorful role yet in AGTA Spectrum Awards™ jewelry
The first time Erika Christensen wore exquisite jewelry, "I got it," the actress says. She was 18 years old and attending her first award shows for the critically acclaimed filmTraffic, in which her groundbreaking performance as the drug addicted daughter of a U.S. czar earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award, among others. Harry Winston lent her Diamonds, and a jewelry lover was born.
"Growing up, I was a bit of a tomboy; feminine things took a while to find their place in my world," Christensen says. "But diamonds made me understand the magic and beauty of jewelry."
The 2016 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Collection has enchanted Christensen as well. The actress, also known for her performances in such films as The Upside of Anger, Flight Plan and Swimfan, has been chosen as a celebrity ambassador for the collection, which represents the winners in the annual Spectrum competition. Now in its 32nd year, the Spectrum competition, hosted by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), is North America's premier fine-jewelry design contest for natural colored gemstones and cultured Pearls.
"The collection is stunning!" Christensen exclaims. "The creativity of the designers is obviously the point, but it's exciting, and a very colorful, vibrant collection."
Of particular note for Christensen is the platinum necklace by Brent Malgarin of Elegant Gems, Ltd. It features a magnificent blue Zircon suspended from a 15.22mm natural Pearl, surrounded by a halo of Diamonds, with a 12.63mm natural Pearl. She finds it "fresh but with a classic look," appropriate for the first-place winner in the Classical category.
She also admires the "Aura" earrings by Josette Patterson of Mark Patterson Fine Jewelry. The Honorable Mention winners, also in the Classical category, showcase beautiful pear-shaped rubellite Tourmalines accented with Diamonds and set in 18K white gold. Another favorite: A platinum ring by Stuller, Inc. highlighting a pear-shaped Topaz.
"I love Stuller's Topaz ring," Christensen says of the Manufacturing Honors winner in the Business/Day Wear category. "As with all the pieces in the collection, it's unique, creative and playful."
Christensen seems to have a fondness for rings. In fact, her preferred jewelry item has changed from earrings to rings, with her wedding band—she married cyclist Cole Maness in 2015—as a current favorite. She describes it as a thick yellow gold band with a convex shape that's a family heirloom from her mother-in-law. As such, "it's strong and simple, and represents this new chapter in my life," Christensen says.
Christensen is also devoted to buying jewelry for her mother. It started when Christensen was a child with a pair of silver and Emerald earrings she bought for her mother in Mexico, and has since become a sort of lifelong family mission.
"Green has always been my mom's favorite color," Christensen says. "My father, aunt and I have gotten her Jade, Emerald and Peridot pieces over the years, and we always seem to be on the lookout."
