Events & Awards

Here’s What’s Happening, And Not, in Tucson This Year

Events & AwardsJan 19, 2022

Here’s What’s Happening, And Not, in Tucson This Year

National Jeweler rounds up the full event calendar for the upcoming gem fairs.

20220119_Tucson-2022-header.jpg
The Ethical Gem Fair is one of the events returning live to Tucson this year. It will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral from Jan. 29-Feb. 1.
New York—The Tucson gem shows are coming up, and the 2022 event schedule is looking pretty full.

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. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

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

Stock image of paper money and coins
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins

This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.

Brent Neale Back to Basics Collection Pink Garnet Capsule
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’

It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.

Ethical Gem Fair Brooklyn
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to Brooklyn

The trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Reba McEntire belt buckle
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s Auctions

The live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.

Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
overnght sb 1026.png
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling Experience

Sponsored by Overnight Mountings

The entrance to The Plumb Club pavilion at JCK Las Vegas
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures Mount

The supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

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

Woman wearing Blue Nile Royal Asscher jewelry
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond Beauty

Blue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.

Audemars Piguet Risoud Eclipse Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection

“Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

Juan Morales and Joseph Nicosia
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEO

As part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.

American Gem Trade Association logo
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards Entries

Participants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.

Stock image a police car
Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-Grabs

The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Sherry Smith
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

Molly Stillman @fashionveggie, Beth Jones @bjonesstyle, Helene Cortez @cortezhelene, and Haley Jordan @haleyjordan12 
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ Campaign

In the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.

Bryan Cowan and Tom Schwartz
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMO

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.

Gahcho Kue rough diamonds
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho Kué

It is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.

Tiffany gold cat pin Sandy Lerner
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner Auction

These jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.

Sorellina Postscript Collection Campaign Imagery of Paper Plane Pendant
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ Collection

The fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.

Bruce Bridges CIBJO
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO Board

The AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.

Aerial image of the Lungwebungu River
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

Pandora facility Vietnam front view
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

Hearts On Fire Dream Heart Pendant
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart Pendant

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Surveillance images of robbery suspects
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab Robbery

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18-karat Jubilee gold with aventurine dial
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Peoples Training & Research Centre Gujarat India
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Jason of Beverly Hills Stanley Cup Championship Ring for Carolina Hurricanes
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck Pendant

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy