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Gems, Minerals, & Jewelry

ENTER YOUR MINERALS, GEMS, JEWELRY, LAPIDARY OR METAL WORK

Collectors and jewelry designers can enter mineral specimens, faceted gemstones, lapidary work, fossils and jewelry in our Gems, Minerals, & Jewelry competitive exhibit.

Calling All Rock Hounds, Jewelers, and Lapidaries ages 12-17!

Gems, Minerals, & Jewelry is expanding this year to include exhibitors ages 12-17. See Division 1508 for a list of all classes.



The San Diego County Fair’s Gems, Minerals and Jewelry Exhibit invites collectors to display their prized minerals, fossils, and gemstones, and encourages artisans to showcase their creativity and expertise across a variety of mediums, including faceting, lapidary, intarsia, carving, and jewelry-making. This competition not only offers exhibitors the chance to win cash prizes but also provides a unique platform to showcase their work to thousands of fair visitors. Join us for a celebration of the beauty of nature’s treasures, artistry, and craftsmanship presented in unique ways.

Competition Timeline

Simple Table Custom Table
Entry Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026 by 8pm
Entry Delivery and Set Up
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9am – 6pm
Exhibitor Appreciation Night
TBD
Fair Dates: Wednesday, June 10 – Sunday, July 5
(closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entry Pick-up: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 9am-8pm

Eligibility

  • Adult exhibitors must be 18 years old by the Entry Deadline shown.
  • NEW for 2026! Youth exhibitors must be between the ages of 12-17 by the Entry Deadline shown.
  • For Division 1507 – Educational Exhibits, one member of the family, organization or club must be 18 years old by the Entry Deadline listed above.
  • Single item entries that were awarded First Place in last year’s Gems, Minerals, and Jewelry Competition may not be entered into the same class.
  • See division and class descriptions for limitations on previously entered items.
  • All specimens entered must be owned by the individual or group under whose name they are entered.

Contact Us

Anne Schafer, Coordinator and Jennifer Stapp, Assistant Coordinator
San Diego County Fair Entry Office
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Office (858) 792-4207 • Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm

2026 LOCAL RULES

  1. Completion of online entry registration shall be deemed acceptance of all rules and permission to use your name, photograph, and images and description of entries in print, digital and other media.
  2. Online registration is required for all competitions and one-day contests. Online entries and any required image/document uploads are accepted until the published deadline, which specifies a date and time. Late entries will not be accepted.
  3. Once registered, the exhibitor name, entry description, title, and price may not be changed. Substitutions will only be allowed in accordance with current State Rules. Fair Management is not responsible for errors on entry forms which may lead to elimination or disqualification of an entry.
  4. Processing fees must be paid online at the time of registration. Processing fees are non-refundable.
  5. Exhibitors must be living at the time the online entry is submitted.
  6. All non-livestock/non-agricultural entries must be the creative work of the exhibitor (whose name appears on the entry registration), be in good taste, and suitable for family viewing. Fair Management reserves the right to disqualify any entry/exhibit it deems objectionable or not in accordance with competition standards.
  7. If an entry is disqualified after judging is complete, no changes will be made to the status of awards given for other entries.
  8. Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining necessary permission from models and/or to use material in their entry that is considered copyrighted.
  9. No entry will be accepted should the exhibitor describe the conditions under which he/she will exhibit, or the exhibit will be displayed.
  10. Judges are selected for their expertise in the divisions or classes they evaluate. New judges may be appointed each year, and judging assignments may vary annually based on the needs of each competition
  11. If a coordinator or judge deems an entry to be in the incorrect category, division, class, etc., he or she may direct the Entry Office to move that entry as appropriate. The Entry Office may combine divisions or classes to create an adequate judging pool.
  12. Fair Management reserves the right to limit entries, and display thereof, to facilities available and to cancel any division or class in which, in its judgment, the entries are insufficient to secure adequate competition.
  13. Entries must be delivered on the date(s) and times specified. Entries will not be accepted before or after the stated entry delivery date. All accepted exhibits must remain on display and shall not be removed until the stated entry pick up date. Any exhibit not picked up on the specified date becomes the property of the San Diego County Fair and will be disposed of promptly.
  14. All exhibits are entered and shown at the owner’s risk. Reasonable care will be taken to prevent loss or damage to exhibits, but in no event will the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) be responsible for any injury or loss which may occur or for the actions of third parties. Insurance, if desired, should be obtained by the exhibitor at his/her own expense.
  15. Any person who violates any Local, State, or Department rule or displays unethical conduct will forfeit all privileges and premiums and be subject to such penalty as the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) may order.
  16. To ensure reliable award notification, exhibitors are responsible for submitting all address, phone number and email address updates promptly in writing to entry@sdfair.com or Entry Department, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014.
  17. Premium money will be paid per the recorded placings in the official judging reports rather than the ribbon attached to the exhibit.
  18. Donated Award recipients will be selected per the instructions given on the Donated Award Confirmation Form submitted by the donor.
  19. Premium, donated cash award, and auction checks will be made payable to the exhibitor as listed on the online entry registration. Checks will be mailed within 30 days after the close of the Fair to the address shown on the online entry registration, or as updated by the exhibitor via written notification to the Entry Office. Checks not cashed within six (6) months from the date of issue will be forfeited. Replacement checks may be subject to a stop payment fee.
  20. The 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) is required by the Internal Revenue Service to report any premium payments totaling $600 or more. Exhibitors whose awards meet or exceed this amount must submit a W-9 form before their check can be issued.
  21. The 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) management reserves the right to amend or add to these rules and assumes no liability or responsibility not herein expressed.
  22. California State Rules apply and are available here.

Entry Limit

See division descriptions for entry limits, as limits vary.

Entry Fees

$15 per entry

Entry fees are payable online with a credit card and are not refundable.

Fair Tickets

Each exhibitor will receive two (2) Fair Entry Tickets.

HOW TO ENTER

  1. After reading all entry materials, click the “Enter Now” link below to go to the ShoWorks Entry Homepage.
  2. Register as an Exhibitor. Each exhibitor must be registered individually. Multiple entries may be entered for one exhibitor, up to the entry limit. If registering for a minor child, please register the child as the exhibitor.
  3. Select the appropriate division and class and input the required information. (See “Divisions and Classes” below for a list of all divisions and classes.)
    1. The Description field must contain the contents of the entry.
    2. The Dimensions field must contain the dimensions of the entry including the display elements.
    3. In the Sale Price field, enter the piece’s purchase price, “Inquire” if you would prefer Fair visitors to reach out before providing a price, or “NFS” if the piece is not for sale. (See Sale of Entries.)
    4. In the Social Media field, please enter your preferred social media contact (optional).
  4. Review your entry before completing registration to ensure that you have entered the correct division and class for each entry.
  5. Click the check-out button and pay for all entries.
  6. Read the confirmation statement and type YES. Do not click multiple times, as it will charge you each time.
  7. You will receive a confirmation email with a summary of your entry or entries.
If you plan to make changes to your entries or need to leave ShoWorks at any time, SAVE YOUR CART before exiting out.

For additional help with entering and uploading images, review this detailed step-by-step guide: Entry Tutorial

Still have questions?
Please call or email the Entry Office.
Phone: (858) 792-4207 • Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm

Display of Entries

Display Cases - Exhibitors must set up their own exhibit during the time allotted on the Entry Delivery and Set Up dates listed in the Exhibit Timeline. Exhibit coordinators will assign display cases and, except for full case display entries, exhibitors will share one of the following:

  • Shadow Box: 45½”W x 24”H x 22½”D (interior dimensions)
  • Pedestal Case: 24” x 24”, 30” x 30” or 36” x 36” (interior dimensions)
  • Jewelry Wall Case: 28”W x 18”H x 7”D (interior dimensions)

“Full Case” entries will be assigned a Shadow Box or Pedestal Case that best fits the type of exhibit and its contents.

Exhibit Set Up - All entries should be sized according to the limitations of the display cases. Please contact the exhibit coordinators if you have any concerns about the size of your exhibit.

Exhibitors must choose display options that highlight their work, ensuring that the focus remains on the pieces themselves rather than the display. Exhibitors must provide stands and, for full case entries, risers and case liners (neutral colors preferred).

Once exhibits are installed, exhibit staff will secure and lock cases.

Labeling - Proper labeling is required for each exhibit. Please see each division for specific labeling requirements. In some cases, a link to a fillable label template is provided. Please contact exhibit coordinators if you need assistance printing or cutting labels.

Sale price information may be provided only on Division 1505- Jewelry and Division 1506- Metalwork labels. Inclusion of additional info on a label beyond required info will not increase the score in the labeling category.

If entry tags are required, they will be provided by exhibit staff at entry delivery.


Sale of Entries

Exhibitors in Divisions 1505 (Jewelry) and 1506 (Metalwork) ONLY wishing to sell their entry must enter the sale price and preferred contact information on the display label, or state “Inquire” if they would prefer Fair visitors to reach out to them before providing a price. The entry will be considered “for sale” at the price shown on the tag. If the entry is not for sale, the item’s label must indicate “Not for Sale” or “NFS”. All sales must be negotiated and completed directly between the exhibitor and the buyer.

Judging

Judging for the Gems, Minerals and Jewelry competition takes place on site and uses the American System of judging for all divisions except Division 1507 (Educational Exhibits), where the Danish System is used.

Judging Criteria

See division descriptions for division-specific Judging Guidelines.

Labeling Criteria: Identification of item and associated information, accuracy, and spelling.

Presentation Criteria: Organization, neatness, showmanship, and use of case liners (for full case displays).

If a tie occurs in the scoring, the exhibit which the judges deem to carry the most interest to the public shall receive the highest score.

Judging Results

Results will be posted on the San Diego County Fair’s website by the second week of the Fair.

Delivery & Pickup

Entries must be delivered to the Fairgrounds. Refer to the Exhibition Timeline for in-person delivery dates. If an exhibitor is unable to bring their entry on the delivery date, they may send someone in their place. Exhibitors will be emailed additional delivery and pick-up instructions including a map showing access to the Fairgrounds.

Delivery does not guarantee that an entry will be in the show. Entries must meet Fair rules and judges’ standards for quality and presentation. Work entered may be disqualified if misrepresented or not ready for display.

A claim check will be issued to each exhibitor upon entry delivery and must be presented at the time of entry pick up. If an exhibitor is unable to pick up their entry, they may arrange for another person to bring in their claim check with a signed written authorization from the exhibitor.

Awards

Award checks will be mailed within two (2) weeks of the last day of the Fair. Please submit address updates to the Entry Office in a timely manner.

The following will be awarded in each class for Divisions 1500-1506 and 1508

1st Place

$40 and Ribbon

2nd Place

$30 and Ribbon

3rd Place

$20 and Ribbon

Division 1507

Award of Merit (Entry must receive a minimum 85% score)

$50 and Ribbon

Special Awards

Leo Horensky Award for Best Single Mineral Worldwide

$150 and Trophy

Josephine Scripps Award for Best Mineral from San Diego County

$150 and Trophy

Gregory Anderson Award for Best Educational Exhibit

$150 and Trophy

Best Case- Minerals, Fossils, and Lapidary Work

$75 and Rosette

Best Single Item- Minerals, Fossils, Faceted Gemstones, Lapidary Work, Jewelry, Metalwork, and Youth Entry

$75 and Rosette

Donated Awards

Irv Brown Award

$150 Cash Award for Best Display

John Dalley Award

$150 Cash Award for Fairgoers’ Favorite Display

San Diego Mineral and Gem Society

$50 Cash Award for Best Self-Collected Mineral

San Diego Mineral and Gem Society

$50 Cash Award for Best Cabochon Made by the Exhibitor

Bezalel Award

$75 Cash Award for Creativity

Greg & Eve Anderson Award

$100 Cash Award for Best Display

Courtenay McGowen Award

$150 Cash Award for Creativity


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.


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