Hi Karen,
I'm considering a couple of items for entry into the AGTA Spectrum
awards and the Stones/S competition, in the category of jewelry
design.
The Stones/S prospectus clearly states, “‘Stones/S: a piece of rock
for a specific function.’ This theme should elicit a variety of work
incorporating metal techniques along with stones as varied as
precious gems through beach pebbles.” That’s pretty clear!
As for the Spectrum awards, the same is true in principle but in
practice, it’s more often pieces with transparent, faceted gemstones
that win; not always, but usually. Nevertheless, there have been
winners with carved onyx and agate, pearls, and I also remember one
which featured ammolite.
I entered once, and when you get your entry back, they enclose the
criteria and point totals of the judges scores (at least they did so
a few years back). I’m doing this from memory so don’t quote me 
– I got maximum points in the technique category, strong points in
the design category and low points in the category described as
something like ‘ability to promote colored stones to the general
public.’ Again, that’s a rough paraphrase but the idea, as I
understood it, was that if your piece didn’t qualify as reasonably
mass appeal or at least as something that the guy/gal on the street
might covet or see themselves wearing, then you are at a real
disadvantage. (My entry, which used slate, boulder opal, sunstone
and strawberry quartz in an asymmetrical, eccentric design was far
from mass appeal!) Remember, the AGTA exists, in large part, to
promote colored
The most important thing you can do is read and re-read the
prospectus. For instance, AGTA disallows synthetic gemstones but if
I remember correctly, treated gemstones are acceptable as long as you
disclose all treatments. (I could be wrong about this but it makes
my point that you MUST read the prospectus thoroughly.)
Good luck if you decide to enter!
Beth