The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) is now accepting entries to the 2026 edition of its photography competition.
This year, the contest is incorporating a longlist of entries, three winning entries, a People’s Choice Award and a new Smartphone-related category for the first time.
First launched in 2017, the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition has evolved into a multi-stage celebration of gemstone photomicrography, welcoming entries from Gem-A members, non-members, students, and the general.
The competition challenges entrants to share their best photomicrographs showcasing the interior worlds of gemstones from the preceding 12 months.
Procedures are in place to ensure the quality and consistency of entries, without excluding those with more limited photography experience or equipment.
Examples of these requirements include a full declaration of image editing and digital manipulation, a breakdown of the equipment used, and strict image resolution minimums.
Once all entries are received, assessed, and anonymised, a panel of judges select the top 10 photomicrographs that will feature on a dedicated Longlist.
This year’s guest judges include gemmologist, gemstone dealer and photomicrographer Muhammad Ayub, who is also an accredited senior gemmologist and lifetime voting member of the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA); Gübelin Gem Lab gemmologist Keith Chow FGA, who secured first and third place in the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition 2025; and photographer and gemmologist Melissa Scarani FGA, who works as an accredited senior appraiser (ASA) at Gemology Resources in Houston, Texas.
From this longlist, the judges will select their top three entries, culminating in the announcement of a first, second, and third place winner in December 2026.
The individual who takes the top spot will receive a one-year membership of Gem-A, a £300 voucher for Gem-A Instruments, and cover placement in the Winter 2026 edition of Gems&Jewellery magazine – one of two publications created by Gem-A.
The two runners-up will also be featured in the magazine and will receive a £50 voucher redeemable at Gem-A Instruments.
Gem-A CEO Cath Hill says: “We are often left speechless by the talent and creativity on display in our Photographer of the Year Competition.
“The ability to find a microscopic inclusion and capture it faithfully with artistry, exceptional lighting, and, of course, an eye for a perfect composition, is a hugely underrated skill.
“This competition is our annual celebration of another side of gemmology, one that benefits from experience, knowledge and higher learning but with additional creative flair. I can’t wait to see our next crop of entries.”
As in previous years, Gem-A’s 22,000 Facebook followers will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite photomicrograph in the 2026 Longlist, resulting in the naming of a People’s Choice Award winner.
This photo may or may not appear in the judges’ top three, thereby giving the option for another talented entrant to shine.
In keeping with its commitment to expand the competition year-on-year, Gem-A has also announced the introduction of The Smartphone Contest – an additional pathway for entries that will be compared and assessed by the same panel of judges alongside the main competition.
Photomicrographs that are entered into this category will be considered for the top prizes in the main competition and are eligible to also receive the People’s Choice Award.
Gems&Jewellery editor Jennifer-Lynn Archuleta explains: “Historically, we have received many spectacular entries that have been captured using smartphones, and we have seen an uptick in entrants using this technology as part of their sophisticated methods.
“The Smartphone Contest is our way of recognising this and celebrating the skills that our Members, non-members, and students bring to the table.
“Crucially, there’s no reason why a stand-out smartphone photomicrograph can’t win the Smartphone Contest, the People’s Choice Award, and the first prize. It’s all to play for!”
The 2025 edition of the Competition saw a record number of entries, in addition to a yearly high in social media reach, impressions, and ‘Likes’ for the Association.
First and third prizes were awarded to Keith Chow FGA for his images of thin film-like fluid inclusions in a Russian emerald and dumortierite crystals in quartzite, respectively.
Second place was secured by Francesco Protopapas for his photomicrograph of a fully melted crystal in a beryllium-treated natural sapphire, aptly named ‘The Little Fish’.
The 2025 People’s Choice Award was won by Giovanni Pace for his photomicrograph of a pyrite inclusion within a 14.35ct cabochon of hyaline quartz from Bahia State, Brazil.
Cath Hill adds: “Gems&Jewellery magazine continues to champion the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition and serves as a gateway for the in-depth rules and terms and conditions you need to know before entering.
“Our Membership magazine also offers the perfect platform to spotlight the winning photomicrographs and tell the stories behind them, including the nuances of equipment, lighting, and techniques used to achieve such stand-out images.
“In this way, we are contributing to the art of gemstone photomicrography and ensuring it receives the appreciation it deserves.”
Entries will be accepted until 11 November. For more information contact editor@gem-a.com.
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