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

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.


NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
























