Current Spectrum Awards

We encourage all aspiring and established jewelry designers and lapidaries to enter the industry’s most prestigious design competition.

The AGTA is pleased to announce the categories for the 27th annual AGTA Spectrum Awards™.

Bridal Wear – Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride, herself, this category captures all looks seen coming down the aisle. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tiaras should be considered.

Business/Day Wear – Stylish, yet practical jewelry, for work, shopping or play. Casual but unforgettable, entries should have simple elegance for a woman on the move.

Classical – Traditional looks prove superior here. Timeless designs that are impeccably crafted. References to consider might be your grandmother’s pearls, a three-stone ring or an elegant pendant – all with a fresh twist for modern-day beauty.

Evening Wear – Jewelry in this category should fall nothing less of spectacular.  Whether brazenly bold or softly subtle, each submission should strive for red carpet fabulous, stunningly chic or delicately delicious all with exceptional color.

Men's Wear – Men’s fashion is heightened by the savvy style of the modern man who sports jewelry. Rings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks, tie and lapel pins, stud sets and belt buckles are just a few of the ways a strong man can express himself.

 

At the discretion of the judges, up to three winners in each category or division will be awarded trophies.  Honorable Mentions may also be awarded a certificate.

All entries will automatically be considered for Best of Show, Best Use of Color and Best Use of Pearls.  Winners will be awarded a "Best of" trophy.

Special Divisions
Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five Spectrum Awards categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum.  New for this year, Platinum Honors adds three new categories: Platinum Honors Innovation – Bridal Wear under $2,500, Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.

Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl beads in artful, trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualifies for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition will automatically be qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.

Manufacturing Honors recognizes outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities. All designs that qualify for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition will also automatically be qualified for Manufacturing Honors judging.

Cutting Edge Awards
The AGTA Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity of the lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, other gem materials and objects of art in U.S. and Canada. A panel of judges will evaluate entries in the Cutting Edge Awards. Categories include:

(A) Open Category

1. Classic gemstone – Limited to outstanding examples of ruby, emerald and sapphire with traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
2. All other faceted gemstones – Open to outstanding examples of any gemstone that is faceted with traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
3. Phenomenal gemstones – Open to outstanding examples of any phenomenal gemstone (stars, cat’s eyes, opals, etc.) with traditional gemstone cutting techniques.

(B) Pairs & Suites – Two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.

(C) Faceting – Innovative flat faceting.

(D) Carving – Carving of any natural gem material in any style.

(E) Combination – A gemstone design incorporating two or more lapidary techniques, including concave faceting.

(F) Objects of Art – Carvings, bowls, sculpture, intarsia, etc., of gem materials not intended to be worn. These may or may not incorporate metal, wood or other non-gem materials as base, frame or decorative component.

Category A & B entries in the Cutting Edge portion of the competition may have been created anywhere in the world, but must be submitted by U.S. or Canadian companies. Category C, D, E & F entries in the Cutting Edge portion of the competition must have been created and submitted by lapidaries in the U.S. or Canada. They will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished industry judges based on originality, overall beauty, quality and technique of lapidary work, and quality and rarity of the gem material.

 

Model Photographer: Jack Deutsch
Product Photographer: Robert Weldon