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Dallas, TX—In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the American Gem Trade Association’s renowned Spectrum Awards dates have been pushed back. 

The new submission deadlines for both the Spectrum Awards (finished jewelry) and Cutting Edge Awards (lapidary arts) are: mail-in entries, September 25, 2020, and in-person drop-off in New York City, October 7, 2020.

New categories of competition also have been added. This year’s Spectrum Awards categories are:

• Bridal wear: suitable for bride or bridesmaids. 
• Business/Day wear: Stylish, practical jewelry suited for work or play with simple elegance for a woman on the move.
• Classical: Timeless style, whether a string of pearls or an elegant pendant, classical entries strike the balance of traditional feel with a modern twist.
• Evening wear: Red carpet fabulous with exceptional color.
• Men’s wear: May range from rings to bracelets, cuff links, to belt buckles or more to express the ways a gentleman can express himself.
• A new award this year will be Best of Single Entry, selected from among those that submit only one entry into the competition.

In the Cutting Edge Awards, the categories are: 

• Classic gemstones: Outstanding examples of rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
• All other cut gemstones: Extraordinary cut gemstones featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
• Phenomenal gemstones: Phenomenal gemstones featuring traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
• Pairs & suites: Two or more gemstones to be judged as a set.
• Innovative faceting: Gemstones featuring innovative faceting and lapidary techniques.
• Carving: Any natural gem material carved in any style.
• Objects of Art: Carvings, bowls, sculptures, intarsia, et cetera, made of gem materials and not intended to be worn. Objects may incorporate metal, wood or other non-gem materials as base, frame, or decorative components.
• New award categories include North American mined gemstones, featuring gems mined in the United States and Canada, to be evaluated on lapidary work, technique, quality/rarity of gem material, and overall beauty; and Best of Single Entry, again selected from among those that submit only one entry into the competition.

To receive an Early Bird discount on entry fees, payment for entries must be completed online by August 14, 2020. First entry is $265 (regular cost $295) and all other entries are $205 (regular cost $225). Note that registration and payment must be completed by August 14 but entries do NOT need to be submitted at that time to receive the early-bird discount. Additional insurance charges may apply once entries are submitted. 

Click here for more information and click here for entry forms.