Here’s What’s Happening, And Not, in Tucson This Year
National Jeweler rounds up the full event calendar for the upcoming gem fairs.

After two years without the big trade-facing shows, this year’s calendar will again feature most shows in person, with health and safety measures in place.
In December, Pima County reinstated a countywide indoor mask mandate amid rising case numbers and the Omicron variant, and the mandate remains in place through the end of February.
The American Gem Trade Association, which has confirmed it will hold its 2022 GemFair Tucson from Feb. 1-6 at the convention center, said it will also have COVID-19 rapid testing and a vaccination/booster station on site.
The Gem & Jewelry Exchange, located nearby, will also hold its trade fair on the same dates, while the JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show is returning from Jan. 26-Feb. 6 at the Tucson Expo Center.
The trade-only Ethical Gem Fair will also return to Tucson in person this year, held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral from Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Registration is free, and appointments are available on a first come, first served basis.
Other gem and mineral shows of interest to the trade might be the Pueblo Gem Show, happening Jan. 27-Feb. 8 at the Ramada by Wyndham; the 22nd Street Show, from Jan. 27-Feb. 13; and the Westward Look Fine Mineral Show from Feb 4-7.
The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society’s show, one of the few public-facing events to not hold an in-person event in Tucson in early 2021 as many postponed until April, is also returning this year.
It will be held after AGTA GemFair in the convention center, from Feb. 10-13.
For the first time, Melee The Show is launching a Tucson edition, and event organizers have confirmed the new event is also still a go.
It is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Stillwell House, a historic home-turned-event-venue located in the city’s downtown.
Also for finished jewelry, the Select Jewelry Show is hosting its Tucson edition Jan. 30 and 31 at La Paloma Resort & Spa.
Meanwhile, the Accredited Gemologists Association has already announced it rescheduled its 2022 Tucson gemological conference, moving the event to a virtual format Feb. 15 and 16.
The International Colored Gemstone Association also canceled both its annual Gemological Industry & Laboratory Conference (scheduled for Jan. 31) and ICA Tucson Reception (scheduled for Feb. 2) due to pandemic-related health concerns.
“We are terribly disappointed that our premier Tucson events will not take place this year,” said ICA CEO Gary Roskin. “First and foremost, we want all of our members to stay healthy and safe. We certainly do not want to create a situation that could endanger the health of our family. This may sound clichéd, but better safe than sorry. There’s always next year.”
The Latest

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.


The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

The Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
























