The deadline for the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ and Cutting Edge competition is set for Friday, September 25, 2009. Jewelry designers and gem artists from the US and Canada are putting the finishing touches on their entries now – are you ready?

The Spectrum Awards is the premiere colored gemstone and pearl jewelry design competition in the world. 2010 marks the 26th year of the competition’s existence. Many Spectrum Award-winning designers have received tremendous exposure in the trade and consumer press as a result of the competition’s outreach. Additional exposure is gained through the participation of Platinum Guild International, which sponsors Platinum Honors. Platinum Honors-winning designs are provided with a great added-value media package, valued in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The Cutting Edge competition recognizes excellence in the lapidary arts. Gemstone cutters and carvers see the Cutting Edge award as a benchmark for their work. Gemstones in all varieties are entered, from classically faceted sapphires to whimsically carved opal. The Objects of Art category also falls under the Cutting Edge and has produced some of the most interesting entries in the competition over the years.

This year's judging panel brings a wealth of design knowledge and experience to the competition. They are design consultant/writer Marlene Richey, gem artist John Hatleberg, jewelry designer Mish Tworkowski of Mish New York, jewelry editor Nicole Keating of Women’s Wear Daily and W magazine, antique jewelry expert Ben Macklowe of The Macklowe Gallery and jewelry designer Cecelia Bauer.

All jewelry designers are encouraged to enter the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ as the exposure for all entries is incredible. Many non-winning pieces are chosen by editors and stylists at our Editor’s Event and are featured in many forms of media.

All entry forms must be submitted to the Dallas office by September 25th in order to be eligible for judging. Entries can also be dropped off in New York on Tuesday, October 6th, but all paperwork must be submitted to AGTA by the September deadline. Entry forms are available online at www.agta.org/awards. Enter today!