Changes are in store for the premier colored gems and jewelry awards contests. Both competitions will be held simultaneously, as the Cutting Edge lapidary competition is incorporated into the jewelry-design Spectrum Awards contest. This year’s entries are due by Sept. 28, 2001.

Other changes include new design categories for the Spectrum Awards. Instead of being categorized on the basis of retail cost, the designs now will be competing in fashion categories including evening, business/daytime, casual, bridal, and men’s wear.

There will be no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted for either contest. To help in the judging of what surely will be a sizable increase in entries, the judging panel will be increased from three to five officials. All eligible entries will automatically be judged in Manufacturing Honors as well as Platinum Honors, with no additional fee.

Winners of the 2002 Spectrum Awards will be notified on Oct. 29, 2001. All winning entries will be on display at AGTA’s Tucson GemFair, Feb. 6-11, 2002. For details on the 2002 Spectrum Awards competitions, contact James Marker at AGTA, (800) 972-1162, or visit AGTA’s Web site at www.agta.org.