The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is accepting submissions for the 2005 Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards competition. Deadline for entries is Sept. 20.

Entries in the Spectrum Awards will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished industry judges on the basis of overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad-based consumer appeal, and potential to generate positive publicity for natural-colored gemstones. Categories include Bridal, Business/Day, Casual, Men’s, and Evening Wear.

All designs that qualify for the Spectrum Awards competition will be considered for Manufacturing Honors. This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.

Platinum Honors recognizes innovative jewelry designs in which at least 75% of the metal used is platinum. All designs that qualify for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards competition and meet the above qualifications will automatically be qualified for Platinum Honors judging.

The Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity in the lapidary arts in North America, including natural-colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, other gem materials, and objects of art.

The Spectrum Awards competition is open to all individuals living in North America. Entrants need not be members of AGTA. Any jewelry produced after October 2003 and not previously entered into an AGTA competition may be entered. Entries must be finished pieces; no drawings will be accepted.

Judging will occur in New York City in October. Entry forms are available at www.agta.org or by calling (800) 972-1162. For more information, e-mail: spectrum@agta.org.