This October, the AGTA will host the 21st annual Spectrum Awards competition. The competition was created two decades ago to inspire excellence in design and lapidary arts. The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition, which includes the Cutting Edge Awards, Manufacturing Honors, and Platinum Honors, is one of the industry’s most-esteemed honors recognizing outstanding individuals who set the industry benchmark for design.

All entrants in the 2005 AGTA Spectrum Awards will automatically qualify to participate in a special event that will allow designers and lapidaries the opportunity to debut their newest collections to the fashion community. Last year, more than 100 of the nation’s top editors, stylists, society columnists, and costume designers attended the AGTA Spectrum Awards cocktail reception. Pieces featured at the reception have appeared in consumer magazines, including Town and Country and Departures.

Entries must be received by Sept. 20. The Spectrum Awards competition is open to all individuals living in North America. You do not have to be a member of the AGTA to enter. Any piece produced after Oct. 2003, and not previously entered into an AGTA competition may be entered. Entries must be finished pieces; no drawings will be accepted. Discounted entry fees are available for multiple entries.

For complete Spectrum Awards information and entry form, visit the AGTA Web site at www.agta.org, or call (800) 972-1162 or email spectrum@agta.org.

JCK