The final deadline for the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards is extended to Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Entry forms, fees and all physical entries must reach the AGTA office by close of business that day.

DALLAS, Oct. 5, 2026. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced today that the final deadline to submit entries for the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards has been extended to Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Judge Blaine Lewis inspects a suite of rainbow Moonstones.
Blaine Lewis, 2025 Manufacturing Judge, inspecting a suite of pear shaped faceted rainbow Moonstones (116.40 ctw.),
from Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.; 2025 Second Place, Phenomenal Gemstones.

The decision comes in direct response to a high volume of requests from jewelry designers, bench jewelers, and lapidary artists seeking additional time to finalize the intricate details of their submissions in time for shipping their entries.

“Every year, we listen to the talented artists and designers who pour hours of dedication into perfecting their submissions,” said John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA. “Master craftsmanship at this level takes time. Given the detailed finishing required for entries and the precision needed for secure transit, we want to ensure every designer has the time they need to submit their strongest work. We heard you, and this extension provides that essential window to finalize details and ship with confidence.”

A judge in white gloves inspects a yellow gemstone entry for the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
A judge inspects an entry at the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.

AGTA emphasizes that Wednesday, October 14, 2026, is a firm deadline. Completed entry forms and entry fees must be submitted, and all physical entries and supporting documentation must arrive at the AGTA office by the close of business on October 14. Final deadline fees remain $315 for the first entry and $245 for each additional entry. Due to strict competition processing, cataloging, and panel preparation, pieces received after October 14 will not be accepted.

“With additional time to prepare, we encourage talented artists to use that window to enter categories they may not have considered before, especially the new Innovative Design Award,” said Ford. “Great design is not exclusive to six-figure pieces. This award recognizes original, commercially viable work with a wholesale cost under $10,000: the pieces retailers can stock and customers can wear, made without cutting a single corner on craftsmanship. It is creativity without compromise. This year’s winners in this category will set the benchmark for every year that follows. If you have that piece in your line or waiting on your bench, this is the year to enter it.”

Enter the competition today at AGTA.org/Spectrum.