The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has introduced a new category for its 2026 Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards through a partnership with Stuller, Inc.: the “Stuller Color of the Year” award.

This award will debut in June 2026, inviting entries from jewellers across North America.  

The first featured colour is Signature Red, a shade the Lafayette, La.–based manufacturer describes as “daring yet classic” and reflective of “passion, elegance, and strength.”

“Signature Red is sure to inspire many cutters and designers to create masterpieces that will wow judges in this year’s awards,” said John W. Ford, Sr., CEO, AGTA.

Gemstones associated with the colour include rubies, garnets, tourmaline, and others.

Alissa Talbot, Stuller’s executive director of diamonds and gemstones, said the award will highlight both gemstone quality and design craftsmanship.

One Stuller judge will select two winners: a jewellery design in the Spectrum category and a loose stone in the Cutting Edge division.

“Colour plays a meaningful role in jewellery design and has long been a way Stuller helps the industry spot emerging trends,” said Morgan Waters, vice president of marketing and sales at Stuller.

Entries for the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will open at the end of June.

More information is available through AGTA at marketing@agta.org or Stuller at Nichole_Guillory@stuller.com.