As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
AGTA Spectrum Awards Entry Deadline Nearing
Mail-in entries for the organization’s design competition as well as entry forms for those dropping off in New York are due Friday, June 30.

Dallas--The deadline for entry into the American Gem Trade Association’s annual Spectrum Awards is quickly approaching.
Mail-in entries are due to the AGTA’s Dallas office by Friday, June 30. Those submitting via the New York drop-off at Intercolor USA will do so on Tuesday, July 11, but entry forms and payments for these still are due June 30.
Entry forms for the design competition can be found online.
The Spectrum Awards, now in their 34th year, are judged by a panel of experts from different parts of the jewelry industry. Judging this year will take place in August; this year’s panel has not yet been announced.
The competition is open to all companies and individuals in the United States and Canada, including those who are not members of AGTA.
The awards fall into two categories: Spectrum and Cutting Edge. The Spectrum division features Bridal Wear, Business/Day Wear, Classical, Evening Wear and Men’s Wear, while the Cutting Edge division encompasses Classic Gemstones, Innovative Faceting, Carving, Objects of Art, Phenomenal, Pairs and Suites and All Other Faceted.
There also are three special divisions: Platinum Honors, sponsored by the Platinum Guild International; Bridal, sponsored by The Knot; and the Gem Diva category, sponsored by the Women’s Jewelry Association, to be presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear and Business/Day Wear categories.
Starting last year, the AGTA moved its annual design competition from the fall to summertime to make it easier for participants to submit their pieces.
For more information about the Spectrum Awards, visit AGTA.org/awards.
The Latest

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.


Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.