Entries are now being accepted for the second Gold Virtuosi competition, sponsored by the Vicenza trade fair in conjunction with the World Gold Council. The competition is open to jewelry designers, craftspeople, students, and individuals involved in the design and manufacture of precious gold jewelry.

The first competition, held in 2000, attracted more than 1,200 entrants from 34 countries around the world. The pieces submitted were considered to be significant indicators of coming trends in jewelry design.

Entries must be original sketches of designs not previously introduced to the market. This year there will be two categories of competition, one for design (for either women or men) and one for technology, in which the emphasis will be on the craftsmanship and technology used in the piece. Entries must be wearable jewelry; objets d’art will not be accepted.

Deadline for rendered entries is Dec. 20. Preliminary judging will be held in January, and 100 finalists will be chosen. Those notified will have until late March to create the actual pieces in gold. Final judging, to select 30 winners, will be held in the first week of April. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Venice, Italy, on June 10. The elite panel of judges will include fashion photographers, jewelry designers, and journalists.

For more information or to obtain an entry form, contact the World Gold Council, 444 Madison Ave., New York, NY 1002l; (212) 317-3800; or log onto www.goldvirtuosi.com.