Divisions and Classes
See Glossary for definitions. Classes are open to all skill levels unless labeled as Beginner, Advanced, Master, Amateur, or Professional.
Division 1500: Minerals
Entries must be composed of minerals in their rough or natural state and may not be polished or made into slices, unless otherwise indicated. No limit to number of specimens in full case entries, unless otherwise indicated. Specimens must be sourced worldwide, unless otherwise indicated. Specimens may be any size, unless otherwise indicated.
Eligibility: Previously entered full case displays must contain at least three (3) new specimens each year.
Entry Limit: Two (2) entries per class.
Judging Guideline A: Quality and/or variety of specimens (75%), workmanship and/or presentation, (15%), rarity of material (5%), labeling (5%)
Labeling Requirements: Label must indicate mineral name(s) and locality.
Mineral Label Template (required for each individual mineral)
Class 001 Long wave - Full case display of fluorescent minerals. Exhibitor must supply display case and UV lights. Minimum ten (10) specimens.
Class 002 Short wave - Full case display of fluorescent minerals. Exhibitor must supply display case and UV lights. Minimum ten (10) specimens.
Class 003 One (1) “Mineral of the Year” specimen: Quartz. NEW for 2026!
Class 004 Five (5) “Mineral of the Year” specimens: Quartz. NEW for 2026!
Class 005 Five (5) mineral specimens, one species (examples: calcite, quartz, etc.).
Class 006 Five (5) mineral specimens from one mining district.
Class 007 250th Birthday Celebration of the Unites States: Three (3) mineral specimens- one red, one white, and one blue, may be sourced worldwide. NEW for 2026!
Class 008 Five (5) mineral specimens from one country.
Class 009 Beginner – Full case display of mineral specimens.
Class 010 Advanced – Full case display of mineral specimens.
Class 011 Master – Full case display of mineral specimens.
Class 012 Professional – Full case display of mineral specimens.
Class 013 Full case of thumbnail minerals. Each specimen must not exceed the size of a 1” cube. (35 - 50 specimens required)
Class 014 Full case display of nodules (geodes, thundereggs, or both) any or all of which may be sawed in half and polished.
Class 015 One (1) mineral specimen self-collected (not gift, bought, or traded for). Label must include location and date of collection.
Class 016 One (1) mineral specimen from San Diego County.
Class 017 Beginner – One (1) mineral specimen from any locality outside of San Diego County.
Class 018 Advanced – One (1) mineral specimen from any locality outside of San Diego County.
Class 019 Master – One (1) mineral specimen from any locality outside of San Diego County.
Class 020 Professional – One (1) mineral specimen from any locality outside of San Diego County.
Class 021 “Rough and Cut” – One (1) gemstone mineral crystal and one (1) matching cut stone, need not be cut by exhibitor.
Class 022 One (1) meteorite, any locality. May be whole, a portion, or a slice.
Class 023 One (1) mineral with inclusion(s).
Division 1501: Fossils
Full case entries must contain a minimum of ten (10) to a maximum of twenty-five (25) specimens, unless otherwise indicated. Carving and acrylic coatings are not allowed. See Glossary for definitions.
Eligibility: Items entered previously in classes marked with an asterisk (*) may not be entered in those classes again. Previously entered full case displays must contain at least three (3) new specimens.
Entry Limit: Two (2) entries per class.
Judging Guideline A: Quality and/or variety of specimens (75%), workmanship and/or presentation, (15%), rarity of material (5%), labeling (5%)
Labeling Requirements: Label must indicate common name of specimen (in English), Latin name of specimen, epoch, and locality, if known.
Fossil Label Template (required for each individual specimen)
Class 024 One (1) “Fossil of the Year” specimen: Early Fossils, 250 million years or older. NEW for 2026!
Class 025 Full case display of petrified wood from more than one locality. One side may be cut and polished. May include opalized or silicified materials. No pinecones, leaves, or pine needles. May be sourced worldwide.
Class 026* One (1) petrified wood specimen. One side may be cut and polished.
Class 027* One (1) vertebrate fossil.
Class 028* One (1) invertebrate fossil.
Class 029 Full case of fossils. May be sourced worldwide.
Class 030* One (1) fossil, self-collected (not gifted, bought, or traded for). Label must include exact location and date of collection.
Class 031* 250th Birthday Celebration of the United States: Three (3) fossil specimens, each from a different state in the U.S. NEW for 2026!
Class 032* One (1) specimen of exhibitor’s favorite fossil. Label must include when the fossil was acquired and why the exhibitor likes it best.
Division 1502: Mixed Display
Mixed Display entries must be full cases containing a minimum of ten (10) items that consist of at least two of the following categories:
(a) Mineral specimens
(b) Lapidary items and/or faceted items
(c) Jewelry and/or metalwork pieces
Work need not be done by the exhibitor, unless otherwise indicated. Specimens may be sourced worldwide. One (1) business card per exhibit may be displayed.
See Glossary for definitions.
Eligibility: Previously entered full case displays must contain at least 20% new material each year.
Entry Limit: Two (2) entries per class
Judging Guideline B: Quality and/or variety (55%), workmanship and/or presentation (30%), rarity of materials (5%), even balance of specimens from selected categories (5%), labeling (5%)
Labeling Requirements: Label must indicate name of material and locality, if known.
Mixed Display Label Template (required for each type of material)
Class 033 Full case, all one mineral. Items from two or more categories listed above containing one (1) mineral only.
Class 034 Full case, variety of minerals. Items from two or more categories listed above. Each item may be comprised of one or more minerals.
Class 035 Full case, variety of minerals. Items from two or more categories listed above. Each item may be comprised of one or more minerals. Lapidary and/or jewelry work to be done by exhibitor.
Division 1503: Faceted Gemstones
Faceting work must be done by the exhibitor. The rough specimen and faceted gemstone entered as a pair must be approximately the same color, but the corresponding rough need not come from the same locality or mine. Specimens may be sourced worldwide.
See Glossary for definitions.
Eligibility: Items previously entered in this division may not be entered again, except Classes 045 and 047 which require at least two new faceted gems.
Entry Limit: Two (2) entries per class.
Judging Guideline C: Workmanship (70%), presentation (10%), quality and/or variety of gemstone materials (10%), rarity of material (5%), labeling (5%)
Labeling Requirements: Label must include name of material, locality (if known), carat weight, cut, and exhibitor name. Class 039 labels must also include the type of optical property. Labels must be printed in black ink on white cardstock.
Single or Two Faceted Gemstone Label Template
Single Faceted Gemstone Class 039 Label Template
Set of Three (3) Faceted Gemstones Label Template (single label format)
Set of Three (3) Faceted Gemstones Label Template (multiple label format)
Class 036 One (1) “Faceted Gem of the Year” stone: Colored quartz, with corresponding rough. NEW for 2026!
Class 037 One (1) faceted gem from natural material, 25 carats and up, with corresponding rough.
Class 038 One (1) faceted birthstone gem from natural material (ex. garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, moonstone, ruby, peridot, spinel, sapphire, opal, tourmaline, topaz, citrine, tanzanite, and zircon).
Class 039 One (1) faceted gem from natural material exhibiting phenomenal optical properties (ex. schiller, opalescence, cat’s eye, etc.), with corresponding rough. Label to include type of optical property.
Class 040 One (1) fantasy cut gem from natural material using a novel design, frosted facets and/or concave facets.
Class 041 Beginner – One (1) faceted gem from natural material with corresponding rough.
Class 042 Advanced – One (1) faceted gem from natural material with corresponding rough.
Class 043 Master – One (1) faceted gem from natural material with corresponding rough.
Class 044 Professional – One (1) faceted gem from natural material with corresponding rough.
Class 045 Three (3) faceted gems from natural material.
Class 046 One (1) faceted lab-grown gem with corresponding rough material.
Class 047 Three (3) faceted lab-grown gems.
Class 048 Two (2) faceted gems as matching set. Must be same cut, same natural material, and same weight.
Class 049 250th Birthday Celebration of the United States: Three (3) faceted gems from natural material, one red, one white, and one blue. May be sourced worldwide.
Division 1504: Lapidary Work
All lapidary work must be done by the exhibitor. The polished cabochon and rough material must match but the corresponding rough need not come from the same locality or mine. Specimens may be sourced worldwide.
Specimens may be sourced worldwide. See
Glossary for definitions.
Eligibility: Items previously entered in this division may not be entered again, except Class 053 which requires at least three (3) new items.
Entry Limit: Classes 050 through 054 and 060 – Two (2) entries
Classes 055 through 059 - Three (3) entries
Note: California State Rules limit cash premiums to (2) per exhibitor per class
Judging Guideline D: Workmanship (60%), design/uniqueness (20%), quality of materials (10%), presentation (5%), labeling (5%)
Labeling Requirements: Label must include name of material, locality (if known), and exhibitor name. Labels must be printed in black ink on white cardstock.
Single Lapidary Label Template
Set of Three (3) Lapidary Label Template (single label format)
Set of Three (3) Lapidary or Class 052 Label Template (multiple label format)
Class 050 Three (3) cabochons, each with corresponding rough.
Class 051 One (1) standard cabochon with corresponding rough.
Class 052 One (1) fancy cab with corresponding rough.
Class 053 Full case display of polished spheres of more than one natural mineral material or rock.
Class 054 One (1) polished sphere (2” – 5” diameter) of natural mineral material or rock. Stands provided by Fair staff.
Class 055 Beginner –One (1) gemstone carving, natural mineral material (e.g. aquamarine, topaz, amethyst, opal, etc.)
Class 056 Advanced – One (1) gemstone carving, natural mineral material (ex. aquamarine, topaz, amethyst, opal, etc.)
Class 057 Beginner – One (1) rock carving, natural mineral material or rock (ex. obsidian, calcite, jasper, soapstone, onyx, alabaster, etc.)
Class 058 Advanced – One (1) rock carving, natural mineral material or rock (ex. obsidian, calcite, jasper, soapstone, onyx, alabaster, etc.)
Class 059 Professional - One (1) gemstone or rock carving, natural mineral material or rock
Class 060 One (1) lapidary item not listed above of natural mineral material or rock. Includes, but is not limited to, intarsia, a pair of polished bookends, a polished egg or cube, a single polished geode, a polished agate, or a contour-polished item. Excludes cabochons, spheres, and carvings.
Division 1505: Jewelry
All entries must be wearable and the original work of the exhibitor, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship in both concept and execution. Minor exceptions to the workmanship requirement are permitted for gemstone faceting, cabochon cutting, stone setting, and small findings such as clasps. Depending on the class, entries may be submitted as an individual piece or as a matching set of up to five (5) pieces. Exhibitors must comply with copyright laws. See Glossary for definitions.
Eligibility: Work previously entered in this division may not be entered in this division again.
Entry Limit: Two (2) entries per class, except classes 064, 070, and 071 which allow only one (1) entry each.
Judging Guideline D: Workmanship (60%), design/uniqueness (20%), quality of materials (10%), presentation (5%), labeling (5%). All materials such as stones, crystals, natural or cultured pearls (not dyed or shaped), coral, and shell will be considered in judging.
The following materials are allowed in classes as indicated:
(B) - Purchased beads are allowed.
(BW) - Bead weaving is allowed.
(C) – CAD jewelry is allowed.
(D) - Dichroic glass is allowed.
(M) - Metal clay jewelry is allowed.
(LG) – Lab-grown materials are allowed.
(W) - Wire wrap and wire work jewelry are allowed.
Jewelry created using Computer Aided Design (CAD) may only be entered in classes as indicated with (C).
No plastic, ivory, or conflict materials are allowed in any class.
Labeling Requirements: Label must include title of the piece(s), exhibitor’s name, sale price (or the words “Inquire” or “NFS”), all techniques and materials used, and indicate work done by exhibitor. Exhibitor's contact information, for sale purposes, may be included. Labels must be printed in black ink on white cardstock.
Jewelry Label Template (single pieces)
Jewelry Label Template (sets or multiple pieces)
Class 061 Amateur – Single piece of constructed jewelry with stones.
Class 062 Amateur – Single piece of constructed jewelry, all metal.
Class 063 Amateur – Single piece of cast jewelry, with or without stones.
Class 064 Amateur – “Exhibitor’s Best” single piece with any natural material. (M)(W)
Class 065 Amateur – Single piece of art jewelry, original concept. (BW)(D)(LG)(M)(W)
Class 066 Amateur – One (1) set of art jewelry, original concept. Maximum: Five (5) pieces per set. (BW)(D)(LG)(M)(W) NEW for 2026!
Class 067 Amateur – Single piece of jewelry created with exhibitor’s own Computer Aided Design (CAD). Display may include CAD image and wax in addition to label. (C)
Class 068 Professional – Single piece of constructed jewelry with or without stones (C)
Class 069 Professional – Single piece of cast jewelry with or without stones. (C)
Class 070 Professional – “Exhibitor’s Best” single piece with any natural material. (M)(W)(C)
Class 071 Professional – “Exhibitor’s Best”, one (1) set, maximum five (5) pieces per set, any natural material. (C)
Class 072 Professional – One (1) set of art jewelry, original concept, maximum five (5) pieces per set. (C)(BW)(D)(LG)(M)(W)
Class 073 Professional – Single piece of jewelry, handcrafted by exhibitor. No CAD elements allowed. Direct metal fabrication and/or wax carving and casting by exhibitor required. NEW for 2026!
Class 074 Single piece of Fair-themed jewelry: Once Upon a Fair (B)(BW)(D)(LG)(M)(W) NEW for 2026!
Class 075 Single bola (bolo or shoestring) tie. (M)(W)
Class 076 Single piece of modern or traditional Southwestern-style jewelry.
Class 077 Single, handmade all-metal chain.
Class 078 Single piece of cloisonné jewelry.
Class 079 Single piece of glass on metal enamel jewelry. Excludes cloisonné.
Class 080 Single piece of chasing and/or repoussé jewelry.
Class 081 Single piece of wire worked jewelry. May include a mixture of wire wrapping, wire weaving, crocheting, wire-on-wire wrapping, soldering, fusing, and other techniques. (B)(LG)
Class 082 American Theme Jewelry- Celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. Single piece. May feature red, white, and blue; flags; eagles; stars & stripes; Liberty Bell; Statue of Liberty; fireworks; national parks; historic sites and people, etc. NEW for 2026!
Division 1506: Metalwork
All entries must be non-wearable and be the original work of the exhibitor, reflecting a high level of workmanship in both construction and finish. Minor exceptions, such as gemstone faceting, cabochon cutting, and similar specialized processes, are permitted when used to complement the exhibitor’s metalwork. Entries must fit inside a 6”W x 6”D x 10”H space. See Glossary for definitions.
Entry Limit: Three (3) entries per class.
Note: California State Rules limit cash premiums to (2) per exhibitor per class
Judging Guideline D: Workmanship (60%), design/uniqueness (20%), quality of materials (10%), presentation (5%), labeling (5%). All materials such as stones, natural crystals, natural or cultured pearls (not dyed or shaped), coral, and shell will be considered in judging.
No plastic, lab-grown materials, beads, ivory, or conflict materials are allowed.
Labeling Requirements: Label must include title of the piece(s), exhibitor’s name, sale price (or “Inquire” or “NFS”), all techniques and materials used, and indicate work done by exhibitor. Exhibitor contact information, for sale purposes, may be included. Labels must be printed in black ink on white cardstock.
Metalwork Label Template
Class 083 Amateur – Single piece of metalwork with or without stones.
Class 084 Professional – Single piece of metalwork with or without stones.
Division 1507: Educational Exhibits
Educational Exhibits are full cases that may be created by an individual or group (family, club, etc.) and must include information deemed educationally valuable to Fair visitors. See Glossary for definitions.
Eligibility: Exhibits previously entered must contain at least 50% new content.
Entry Limit: One (1) entry per individual, club, family or group.
Judging Guideline E: Educational value (40%), presentation (30%), information/labeling (30%).
Labeling Requirements: Exhibits must include printed documentation with relevant information, including a combination of photographs, graphics, maps, and labels, all of which should reinforce the educational value of the exhibit. There is no required template.
All elements of the display, including printed documentation, must be set up on the inside of the display case.
Class 082 Full case, gem-, mineral-, fossil-, lapidary-, faceting-, geology-, or jewelry-related educational exhibit.
Division 1508: Youth Gems, Minerals, Fossils, & Jewelry- Ages 12-17- NEW for 2026!
From hand-cut cabochons and original jewelry to thoughtfully selected minerals and fossils, this new Youth Division celebrates curiosity, craftsmanship, and the natural wonders that inspire it. See Glossary for definitions.
Entry Limit: Two (2) entries per class.
Judging Guidelines:
Classes 086 and 087- Judging Guideline D: Workmanship (60%), design/uniqueness (20%), quality of materials (10%), presentation (5%), labeling (5%). All natural materials such as stones, crystals, natural or cultured pearls (not dyed or shaped), coral, and shell will be considered in judging.
Classes 088 and 089- Judging Guideline A: Quality and/or variety of specimens (75%), workmanship and/or presentation (15%), rarity of material (5%), labeling (5%)
Labeling Requirements:
Class 086: Label must include name of material, locality (if known), and exhibitor’s name. Single Lapidary Label Template
Class 087: Label must include title of piece, exhibitor’s name, sale price (or the words “Inquire” or “NFS”), all techniques and materials used, and indicate work done by exhibitor. Jewelry Label Template
Class 088: Label must indicate mineral name and locality. Mineral Label Template
Class 089: Label must indicate common name of specimen (in English), Latin name of specimen, epoch, and locality, if known. Fossil Label Template
Labels must be printed in black ink on white cardstock.
Class 086 One (1) standard cabochon with corresponding rough.
Class 087 One (1) jewelry piece, wearable, that may include polished, faceted, or carved stones. Jewelry stands provided by the Fair.
Class 088 One (1) mineral specimen, no larger than 5”x5”x5”.
Class 089 One (1) fossil specimen.