From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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.
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