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AGTA Adds Another New Category for Spectrum
The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
The “Innovative Design” award was created to recognize creativity and craftsmanship in a piece of jewelry with a wholesale cost less than $10,000.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced another new category in its annual Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of the 2026 contest.
The honor was created to recognize exceptional creativity, originality, and craftsmanship in jewelry design accessible to a broader market, AGTA said.
The award will be granted to the “most outstanding entry” with a wholesale cost less than $10,000.
“The Innovative Design award reflects our commitment to celebrating forward-thinking artistry that’s not only beautiful and masterfully crafted, but also attainable for a broader segment of the market,” said AGTA Board President Bruce Bridges.
“By recognizing exceptional pieces with a wholesale value under $10,000, we’re opening the door for more designers to showcase bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and commercial viability—without sacrificing the excellence the Spectrum Awards are known for.”
Jon Gad, chair of the AGTA Spectrum Awards Committee, said the award provides both established and emerging designers with the chance to explore bold concepts, unexpected materials, and fresh artistic approaches.
“I can’t wait to see the ingenuity and creativity entrants will bring to the table, and how this award will spark new energy and innovation within our competition,” he said.
The “Stuller Color of the Year Award,” which the organization announced last month, will also debut as a new category at this year’s awards.
The 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will open for entries at the end of June.
For more information, email marketing@agta.org.
Related stories will be right here …
The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of the 2026 contest.
The honor was created to recognize exceptional creativity, originality, and craftsmanship in jewelry design accessible to a broader market, AGTA said.
The award will be granted to the “most outstanding entry” with a wholesale cost less than $10,000.
“The Innovative Design award reflects our commitment to celebrating forward-thinking artistry that’s not only beautiful and masterfully crafted, but also attainable for a broader segment of the market,” said AGTA Board President Bruce Bridges.
“By recognizing exceptional pieces with a wholesale value under $10,000, we’re opening the door for more designers to showcase bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and commercial viability—without sacrificing the excellence the Spectrum Awards are known for.”
Jon Gad, chair of the AGTA Spectrum Awards Committee, said the award provides both established and emerging designers with the chance to explore bold concepts, unexpected materials, and fresh artistic approaches.
“I can’t wait to see the ingenuity and creativity entrants will bring to the table, and how this award will spark new energy and innovation within our competition,” he said.
The “Stuller Color of the Year Award,” which the organization announced last month, will also debut as a new category at this year’s awards.
The 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will open for entries at the end of June.
For more information, email marketing@agta.org.
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