The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) was formed almost 26 years ago when a group of gem dealers got together in Tucson, AZ and has "blossomed into a leading industry force".
The AGTA has taken on the responsibility of educating and promoting the use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls. Whether that is through the education of their members and member businesses or educating the public through their user friendly "Add More Color To Your Life" website .
To further this quest and to show some really innovative use of colored gems and cultured pearls, in 1984 the AGTA launched their Spectrum Awards program. "Spectrum recognizes the innovative use of natural gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design."
The success of their Spectrum Awards inspired a new competition and in 1991 the Cutting Edge Awards were born. "Cutting Edge honors creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art."
Last week there was a Press showing of the entries for the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards consideration and photos were posted on the AGTA website.
For the next couple weeks we are going to look at a few of my favorites as we cover a category each day. While the Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards are both housed in an exclusive Designer Pavilion at the AGTA GemFair, I will be covering the Jewelry of the Spectrum Awards on my Daily Jewel blog and the Cutting Edge Awards here... so subscribe and don't miss a day!
While entries are closed for the 2010 Awards - start thinking about what you would submit in 2011! In the words of Adam Graham AGTA Spectrum Marketing Manager, "We encourage everyone to enter your pieces and take your shot!"
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