2008 agta spectrum awardstm
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The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition,
created in 1984, honors, recognizes and
promotes designers and lapidaries in the
United States and Canada whose work
utilizes natural colored gemstones and
cultured pearls. It is the true contest of
workmanship, creativity and innovation
where winners set the standards of
excellence for our entire industry.
Winning an award in this competition is
considered one of the industry’s most-esteemed
honors. Here’s why:
Respected.
Through the Spectrum Awards, the American Gem Trade has been honoring
excellence in jewelry design and lapidary arts for over two decades. The AGTA
Spectrum Awards™ competition is viewed by the industry as a mark
of outstanding quality and achievement. Winners of this illustrious award truly
define greatness.
Rigorous.
All entries go through a rigorous judging process. To reach the finals, entries
must survive review from a panel of distinguished judges. Judging panels
are drawn from industry experts (retail jewelers, manufacturers, designers,
lapidaries and editors) who have, themselves, received accolades for their
work. The judging is based on such criteria as overall beauty and wearability,
innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of
workmanship, broad-base consumer appeal and potential to generate positive
publicity for natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls.
Rewarding.
Entering the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ has numerous benefits:
•Designers and lapidaries have the unique opportunity to have their AGTA
Spectrum and Cutting Edge Award entries viewed by the nation’s top
fashion/accessory editors, stylists, producers and costume
designers at an event held in New York during the competition. No
other competition gives you this type of exposure.
•Winners are recognized for their innovative, spectacular, and trendsetting designs in the leading trade publications. Photographs and
information about AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Award winners are
featured in the January and February issues. Additionally, the AGTA submits
cover shots that are traditionally picked up by five to six trade publications
each year.
February 2007
•Leading consumer magazines have featured pieces displayed at the New
York event as part of the AGTA Spectrum collection.
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winners
•All AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Award-winning pieces are displayed
at AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, giving you maximum exposure to thousands
of potential customers.
Categories for the 2008 competition include the AGTA Spectrum Awards™,
AGTA Cutting Edge Awards, Manufacturing Honors
and Fashion Forward Honors.
AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS™
CUTTING EDGE AWARDS
SPECTRUM AWARD CATEGORIES:
(A) Open Category
•Evening Wear – Jewelry in this category should fall
nothing less of spectacular. Whether brazenly bold or
softly subtle, each submission should strive for red
carpet fabulous, stunningly chic or delicately delicious
all with exceptional color.
1. C
lassic gemstone – Limited to
outstanding examples of ruby,
emerald and sapphire with traditional
gemstone cutting techniques.
•Classical – Traditional looks prove superior here.
Timeless designs, impeccably crafted need only apply.
References to consider might be your grandmother’s
pearls, a three-stone ring or an elegant pendant –
all with a fresh twist for modern-day beauty.
ay Wear – Stylish yet practical jewelry for work,
• D
shopping or play. Casual but unforgettable, entries
should have simple elegance for a woman on
the move.
ridal Wear – Whether gracing the bridesmaids or
• B
donning the bride, herself, this category captures
all looks seen coming down the aisle.
Engagement rings, wedding bands,
necklaces, earrings, bracelets, tiaras
should be considered.
en’s Wear – Men’s fashion is
• M
heightened by the savvy style of the
modern man who sports jewelry.
Rings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks,
tie and lapel pins, stud sets and belt
buckles are just a few of the ways a
strong man can express himself.
AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS™—
SPECIAL DIVISIONS
Manufacturing Honors - Outstanding use of colored
gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be
manufactured in production quantities are honored.
All designs that qualify for judging in the AGTA Spectrum
Awards™ competition will also automatically be
qualified for “Manufacturing Honors” judging.
Fashion Forward Honors – Unique use of
colored gemstones and/or cultured pearls
in artful, trend-setting jewelry will win this
award. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets
or other jewelry that qualifies for
judging in the competition
will automatically be
qualified for Fashion
Forward Honors judging.
2. A
ll other faceted gemstones – Open
to outstanding examples of any
gemstone that is faceted with
traditional gemstone cutting techniques.
3. Phenomenal gemstones – Open to
outstanding examples of any phenomenal gemstone
(stars, cat’s eyes, opals, etc.) with traditional gemstone
cutting techniques.
(B) Pairs & Suites – Two or more gemstones to be judged
as a set.
Category A & B entries in the Cutting Edge portion of the
competition may have been created anywhere in the
world, but must be submitted by companies based in
the U.S. or Canada. They will be evaluated by a
panel of distinguished judges based on overall
beauty, quality and technique of lapidary work
and quality and rarity of the gem material.
(C) Faceting – Innovative flat faceting.
(D) Carving – Carving of any natural gem material
in any style.
(E) Combination – A gemstone design incorporating
two or more lapidary techniques, including concave
faceting.
(F) Objects of Art – Carvings, bowls, sculpture, intarsia,
etc., of gem materials not intended to be worn. These may
or may not incorporate metal, wood or other non-gem
materials as base, frame or decorative component.
Category C, D, E & F entries in the Cutting Edge portion of
the competition must have been created and submitted by
lapidaries in the U.S. or Canada. They will be evaluated by
a panel of distinguished industry judges based on originality,
overall beauty, quality and technique of lapidary
work and quality and rarity of the gem
material.
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• Payment must accompany entry & entry form.
Please attach another sheet for description if necessary.
• No limit to the number of entries.
Gemstone(s) variety & species, cut, etc.__________________________
• Please use one entry form for each entry.
____________________________________________________________
• Print clearly and retain copies for your records.
____________________________________________________________
• All entries must be submitted by U.S. or Canadian companies.
____________________________________________________________
• Entries must be received by September 25, 2007.
Gemstone size, weight, etc._ ___________________________________
Entrant_ ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
(One person’s name only – this individual will receive all credit)
____________________________________________________________
Company___________________________________________________
Mailing address for correspondence
(including returning shipment)
____________________________________________________________
Name_ _____________________________________________________
Street Address/PO Box_______________________________________
City________________________________________________________
State______________ Zip Code/Postal Code_ ____________________
Country_____________________________________________________
Telephone_________________________Fax________________________
Email_______________________________________________________
New York City Drop Off ­–
October 9, 2007
Yes
Gemstone enhancements______________________________________
No
SHIPPING – AGTA will pay for return shipping via registered/insured
U.S. mail for all entries with a wholesale value under $25,000.
Entrants entering pieces with a wholesale value over $25,000 will
____________________________________________________________
All unheated claims on routinely heated gemstones must be validated
by an independent report. Otherwise, we are unable to promote the entry
as unheated.
Metal type and purity_ _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Wholesale value of entry for insurance & shipping ($)__________________
Entry Fee_ ___________________________________________________
(1st Entry – $175.00, all subsequent entries – $125.00 each)
Insurance – All entries will be insured while in the possession
of the AGTA. Entrants entering pieces with a wholesale value over
$25,000 will be responsible for an additional $25.00 insurance fee.
be responsible for return postage fees. Entries will be returned
Entry payment method:
after the conclusion of the competition October 29 through
November 30, 2007.
Spectrum Awards – If your entry is jewelry, you must check the
primary category in which you are entering:
Evening Wear
Bridal Wear
Day Wear
Men’s Wear
Classical
Cutting Edge Awards – If your entry is an unset gemstone or
object of art (not designed to be worn), check the primary category
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Discover
Credit card number____________________________________________
Name of cardholder_ __________________________________________
Signature of cardholder_ _______________________________________
Check this box to indicate you have read, and agree
to, the Rules & Conditions of entry described on the
entered:
Check number________________________________________
Expiration date________________________________________________
Note: All entries unchecked will be entered into Day Wear.
(A) Open Category
(C) Faceting
1. Classic gemstone
(D) Carving
2. All other faceted gemstones (E) Combination
3. Phenomenal gemstones
(F) Objects of Art
(B) Pairs & Suites
Cutter’s name (if different than entrant)_ __________________________
____________________________________________________________
You agree to notify cutter of this submisson.
Description of entry____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
reverse sideof this entry form.
Signature of entrant_ __________________________________________
Printed name of entrant________________________________________
Date_ _______________________________________________________
(See shipment information on the reverse side of this form.)
Check here if you would like to have your entry
photographed and posted on www.agta.org. *To have
the image link to your website for an additional $25.00,
please list the URL address________________________________
*B
y filling in the address, you agree to a $25.00 fee. Some restrictions may
apply. The AGTA is not responsible if you are unhappy with the photograph
of your entry. No refunds.
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Rules & Conditions of Entry
By signing the entry form, entrants agree to
abide by the rules of the AGTA Spectrum
Awards competition and the final decision of the
judges. In submitting an entry for consideration,
entrants agree to hold the American Gem Trade
Association (AGTA), its officers and directors, its
staff and employees, its advertising and publicity
agencies, and its members harmless from all
claims, litigation and other legal proceedings.
The entrants understand that AGTA will be
responsible only for the replacement value of
the material and labor, payable in the event of a
loss or theft of any entry while in the possession
of AGTA. The entrant understands that AGTA
insures the entry against loss, damage or theft,
whether occasioned by negligence or not.
Entrants also understand that AGTA will take
every reasonable precaution to ensure the
safety and security of jewelry and gemstones
submitted for judging.
The deadline for entry is September25,
2007. Entries that arrive after the entry deadline
will not be accepted unless prior arrangements
have been made. Entries postmarked after the
deadline will incur an additional $50 fee.
International entries (those outside the U.S. and
Canada) will not be accepted.
Entries that do not meet these rules of entry
will be disqualified. Disqualified entries will be
returned to the entrant without being judged in
the competition.
The Cutting Edge portion of the competition
exists to honor creativity and excellence among
lapidary artists, hence this portion is open only
to gemstone materials of natural origin. Synthetic
origin will preclude entry in this portion of
the competition.
In the Spectrum Awards portion of the
competition, gemstone jewelry entered in the
competition must utilize some natural colored
gemstones or cultured pearls. Entries may use
enhanced colored gemstones or cultured
pearls, diamonds of any color (enhanced or
natural) and synthetic stones. Entrants
acknowledge, however, that the competition
exists for the purpose of promoting natural
colored gemstones and cultured pearls, and
that the judges will consider the requisite use of
these gemstones in comparison to diamonds
and synthetic stones in the selection
of winners.
I m p o r ta n t
Shipment
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All jewelry designs must be original and must
have been executed since the last Spectrum
Awards competition in October 2006.
Entrants agree to clearly indicate if any
gemstone or gemstone jewelry entered in the
competition is synthetic (laboratory created)
in origin.
Entrants agree to clearly indicate, to
the best of their knowledge, gemstone
enhancement information for all gemstones
or gemstone jewelry entered in the competition.
Gemstones so commonly enhanced that they
are considered ubiquitous in the trade (such as
the heating of ruby or sapphire) will be assumed
to be treated, unless otherwise noted by the
entrant. If the entry form indicates an untreated
gemstone where this is rare or unusual, the
entry must be accompanied by a laboratory
report verifying this. Entrants unfamiliar with
common gemstone enhancements should
request a complimentary copy of the Gemstone
Information Manual from the AGTA.
For the purposes of publicity, one person
or company (the entrant) will be granted credit,
regardless of the number of people involved
in a collaborative entry. Additional credits
will not be provided to the media. Please
complete the entry form carefully; no changes
to the information on this form will be accepted
or allowed after the conclusion of judging.
Entrants in the Cutting Edge portion of the
competition, other than the original cutter of a
gemstone, agree to supply contact information
for the cutter and to notify the cutter of the entry
in the competition.
By entering this competition, entrants
acknowledge and agree that, although the
competition is intended to honor creativity
and excellence among lapidary artists, designers
and manufacturers, neither the judging of the
entries nor the designation of winners constitutes
or shall be deemed or construed to be a
determination by AGTA, the Spectrum Awards
competition or the judges thereof that the
design, cut, composition or appearance of any
entry was originally developed or created by the
entrant thereof.
Because winning entries historically have
received substantial publicity, entrants must
agree to consign winning entries to AGTA
for the purpose of photography, display
and promotion.
All entries will be returned by
registered/insured U.S. mail.
Please ship all packages to:
AGTA Spectrum
3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 840
Dallas, TX 75234
214-742-4367
AGTA will, however, make every attempt to
return entries during the 2007 holiday selling
season. Winning entries will be on display at the
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.
AGTA reserves the right to photograph all
gemstones and jewelry submitted for judging
in the competition for promotional use without
payment or royalty to the entrant for such use.
Entrants grant AGTA competition judges the
right to make corrections or adjustments to
an entry form, if either the AGTA Competition
Committee or the judges believe the entry
would be better suited for judging in another
category. Judges also reserve the right to refrain
from awarding a winner in categories where the
number or nature of entries does not warrant
recognition, in their opinion.
At the discretion of the judges, up to three
winners in each category or division will be
awarded trophies. Additionally, one “Best of
Show” and one “Best Use of Color” trophy
will be awarded. Honorable mentions (if any) will
receive a certificate.
• Judging will be held in October 2007.
• W inners will be notified by telephone
after the conclusion of the competition.
• Non-winning entries will be returned in random
order to entrants between October 29 and
November 30, 2007.
Shipping – AGTA will pay for return shipping via
registered/insured U.S. mail for all entries with a
wholesale value under $25,000. Entrants with
pieces with a wholesale value over $25,000 will
be responsible for return postage fees.
Insurance – All entries will be insured while in
possession of the AGTA. Entrants with pieces
with a wholesale value over $25,000 will be
responsible for an additional $25 insurance fee.
Entrants entering pieces with a wholesale value
over $100,000 will be responsible for an
additional $50.00 insurance fee.
Entry fees must accompany the item(s)
entered in the competition and be drawn on
a U.S. bank. Fees are in U.S. dollars and may
be paid by check, Visa, MasterCard,
Discover or American Express. AGTA strongly
recommends that the entrant should retain a
copy of entry forms and competition rules.
Questions?
Call
the
AGTA
800-972-1162 or 214-742-4367.
at
Fees:
1st ..................................................$175.00
All subsequent ..............................$125.00 each
Insurance fee...................................$ 25.00 each
(pieces over $25,000 wholesale)
Additional insurance fee.................$ 50.00 each
(pieces over $100,000 wholesale)
E V ENTS
D E A D L I N E
Entry Deadlines
September 25, 2007
Non-winning entries
returned between
October 29 –
November 30, 2007
Winning entries will
be displayed at the
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson
February 6-11, 2008
Award winners will
be honored during
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson
Eligibility
The competition is open to
all individuals living in the
United States and Canada.
You do not have to be a
member of the American Gem
Trade Association (AGTA) to
enter. Any jewelry produced
after October 2006, and not
previously entered into an
AGTA competition may be
entered. Entries must be
finished pieces; no drawings
will be accepted.
New York City
Drop Off Program
The AGTA will be offering the
New York City Drop Off
Program
for
the
2008
competition. Dates, times and
location will be posted on
www.agta.org in the Spectrum
section.
PRST STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 840
Dallas, TX 75234
DALLAS, TX
PERMIT #2650