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AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards Entries
Participants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.
Entries for the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards are due to the AGTA office by Oct. 14.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has extended the final deadline to submit entries for the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
Completed entry forms, fees, and all physical entries and supporting documentation are due to the AGTA office by close of business on Oct. 14.
Pieces received after that date will not be accepted due to strict competition processing, cataloging, and panel preparation, the association noted.
AGTA said the extension was a response to “a high volume of requests from jewelry designers, bench jewelers, and lapidary artists seeking additional time to finalize the intricate details of their submissions in time for shipping their entries.”
“Every year, we listen to the talented artists and designers who pour hours of dedication into perfecting their submissions,” said John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA.
“Master craftsmanship at this level takes time. Given the detailed finishing required for entries and the precision needed for secure transit, we want to ensure every designer has the time they need to submit their strongest work. We heard you, and this extension provides that essential window to finalize details and ship with confidence.”
Final deadline fees are $315 for the first entry and $245 for each additional entry.
“With additional time to prepare, we encourage talented artists to use that window to enter categories they may not have considered before, especially the new Innovative Design Award,” said Ford.
“Great design is not exclusive to six-figure pieces. This award recognizes original, commercially viable work with a wholesale cost under $10,000: the pieces retailers can stock and customers can wear, made without cutting a single corner on craftsmanship. It is creativity without compromise. This year’s winners in this category will set the benchmark for every year that follows. If you have that piece in your line or waiting on your bench, this is the year to enter it.”
To enter the contest, click here.
A full list of eligibility requirements and judging criteria are available on AGTA’s website.
Related stories will be right here …
Completed entry forms, fees, and all physical entries and supporting documentation are due to the AGTA office by close of business on Oct. 14.
Pieces received after that date will not be accepted due to strict competition processing, cataloging, and panel preparation, the association noted.
AGTA said the extension was a response to “a high volume of requests from jewelry designers, bench jewelers, and lapidary artists seeking additional time to finalize the intricate details of their submissions in time for shipping their entries.”
“Every year, we listen to the talented artists and designers who pour hours of dedication into perfecting their submissions,” said John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA.
“Master craftsmanship at this level takes time. Given the detailed finishing required for entries and the precision needed for secure transit, we want to ensure every designer has the time they need to submit their strongest work. We heard you, and this extension provides that essential window to finalize details and ship with confidence.”
Final deadline fees are $315 for the first entry and $245 for each additional entry.
“With additional time to prepare, we encourage talented artists to use that window to enter categories they may not have considered before, especially the new Innovative Design Award,” said Ford.
“Great design is not exclusive to six-figure pieces. This award recognizes original, commercially viable work with a wholesale cost under $10,000: the pieces retailers can stock and customers can wear, made without cutting a single corner on craftsmanship. It is creativity without compromise. This year’s winners in this category will set the benchmark for every year that follows. If you have that piece in your line or waiting on your bench, this is the year to enter it.”
To enter the contest, click here.
A full list of eligibility requirements and judging criteria are available on AGTA’s website.
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