Awards/Recognition

Early Recognition

U of A Museum Planetarium (SITR Project)
At just 15 years old, Nick Alexander was invited by Somewhere in the Rainbow to participate in a special exhibition project celebrating Buddha Blue — the first known concave-faceted gemstone in history.
Nick, along with nine world-class artists, was asked to cut a synthetic sapphire in commemoration of this landmark piece of gem history.

His sapphire was later featured at the Las Vegas JCK Show, JTV Gemlovers, and the University of Arizona Planetarium Museum. This experience marked his introduction to working alongside the nation’s leading lapidary artists and inspired his drive to compete at the highest level.

National Awards

2019 AGTA Spectrum Awards
The AGTA Spectrum Awards are regarded as the most prestigious competition in the world of colored gemstones. At 18, Nick became one of the youngest artists ever to place in this elite competition — achieving a personal goal he had set years earlier.
This milestone opened doors to new opportunities and solidified his standing among America’s most promising lapidary talents.

2022 AGTA Spectrum Awards
Three years later, Nick won his second AGTA Spectrum Award with another Oregon Sunstone, further establishing his signature style and technical mastery of this material.

Exhibitions & Invitations

AGTA Booth (2019)
Nick showcased his work for the first time on the AGTA show floor in Tucson, introducing his gemstone artistry to an international audience of jewelers and collectors.

Smithsonian Museum Invitation
Following his AGTA win, Nick and his father, gem artist Darryl Alexander, were invited for a private VIP tour of the Smithsonian Museum’s gemstone and jewelry vaults — areas typically closed to the public.
At the end of their visit, the museum requested that Nick cut a display piece of Oregon Pink Opal for their collection.

Alfie Norville Museum (2021)
In 2021, Nick’s work was selected for exhibition at the University of Arizona’s Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, a nationally recognized showcase of fine lapidary art.

Media & Publications

GIA Interview (2019)
Following his AGTA win, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) interviewed Nick during the Tucson Gem Show to discuss his approach to gemstone cutting and artistic inspiration.
[Click here to view the interview →]

Magazine Features
Nick’s work has been featured in JCK, Rock & Gem, GIA, and other leading jewelry and gemstone publications worldwide.

Additional Accomplishments

Lapidary Equipment Company
At age 18, Nick founded a successful lapidary and jewelry equipment business, which has since grown into an international supplier for artists and jewelers across the globe.