Events & AwardsNov 09, 2021
MJSA to Launch Live Seminar Series in Tucson Next YearEvents & AwardsNov 15, 2021
Melee Adds Tucson to Jewelry Trade Show Lineup in 2022
It will overlap with major industry gem shows like AGTA GemFair and GJX.
Melee, the jewelry trade show known for combining a curated group of designers and beautiful venue—as pictured here at New York City's High Line Hotel—is launching a new edition in Tucson next year.
New York—Jewelry trade show Melee is adding Tucson to its event lineup in 2022.
The show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Stillwell House, a historic home-turned-event-venue located in the city’s downtown.
Organized by jewelry designer Rebecca Overmann and jewelry designer and Esqueleto store owner Lauren Wolf, Melee first launched in 2017 as a response to the organizers’ frustrations over not having a proper platform to exhibit their work.
It has become popular for its curated, upscale selection of designer exhibitors, a beautiful venue, and affordable cost relative to other shows.
Melee has been exclusively a New York City event up to now, but the pandemic led to the Tucson expansion, Wolf and Overmann told National Jeweler.
The organizers said that while they were in lockdown in 2020, they were trying to figure out how to host an outdoor event so designers would still have a way to show their work.
At the time, the 2021 Tucson gem shows were still scheduled to happen, so they broached the idea of a show there and “quite a few people were on board with the idea,” they said.
And while plans for a 2021 event fell through amid the cancellation of the industry gem shows, they kept the idea in mind.
“For us, and our designers, it lines up well for designers who are shopping the event and for buyers who are not interested in making the trek to New York City during the winter.”
Wolf and Overmann said Melee Tucson 2022 will feature some of the show’s previous designer exhibitors as well as some new faces.
“The Tucson show will be similar to how we launched the NYC show—with a very small, but mighty, group of talented jewelers.”
The setting of the event has always been just as important to the two as the designs showcased—as one can see in their choices of The High Line Hotel and The Bowery Hotel in New York—and the Tucson venue was no exception.
“The biggest challenge in the trade show industry is the sterile feeling that comes with so many of the big box venues. So, naturally, we were immediately on the hunt for another beautiful venue, with both indoor and outdoor space, along with a central location.”
Stillwell House fits the bill perfectly. The historic venue dates to 1901, offering both a stunning interior space and beautiful outdoor garden area, and is just a short walk to the Tucson Convention Center, where AGTA GemFair takes place, and the GJX show.
“We think there is a lot of opportunity with the Tucson gem shows,” the organizers said. “Obviously, it’s a worldwide industry event, but we think it attracts a different type of buyer and designer as well. While New York City has been our most popular show, we do feel that there is a West Coast and Southwest appeal for designers and buyers alike. We are very excited to be adding Melee to the desert.”
Buyer registration for Melee Tucson, scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 2, opens today.
Industry shows coinciding with it are AGTA GemFair and GJX, both running from Feb. 1-6. Select Tucson will take place Jan. 30-31 at La Paloma Resort & Spa.
Melee, meanwhile, will also hold another winter show in New York from Feb. 7-9 at The Bowery Hotel.
For more information, visit MeleeTheShow.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
