Sourcing

Stephen Dweck Takes Tucson … For the 40th Time

SourcingFeb 22, 2023

Stephen Dweck Takes Tucson … For the 40th Time

The designer gave National Jeweler a behind-the-scenes look at his gemstone explorations at the Tucson gem shows.

20230222_StephenDweck-header.jpg
In late January and early February, Stephen Dweck was on his 40th trip to the Tucson gem shows. The designer shared his favorite finds with National Jeweler from the anniversary pilgrimage.
Tucson, Ariz.—Attending the annual Tucson gem shows is an essential pilgrimage for many jewelry designers.

Seeing so many gemstones from such a high concentration of dealers provides a fountain of inspiration.

To understand just how important Tucson is for brands, consider the imaginative Stephen Dweck, who has continued to visit for four decades, no matter how bursting his coffer of gems.

Stephen Dweck’s Signature Designs Are a Love Letter to Gemstones

The designer known for his love of unique and carved gemstones filled National Jeweler in on his Tucson 2023 journey, providing pictures of his hunt for the most captivating colors and shapes.

Read his diary of highlights below as seen at AGTA Gem Fair Tucson, GJX, the G&LW Holidome, and more, as the designer marked his 40th visit to the desert.

Stephen Dweck: This trip to the Tucson gem shows is my 40th time here. I love the desert!  I’m always inspired by the landscape, rocks, and colors.

20230222_StephenDweck-1.jpg

SD: The intensity of these Paraiba tourmalines and fire opals (above) is mesmerizing. Of course, I bought some! I love to mix stones together in unexpected ways.

20230222_StephenDweck-2.jpg

SD: Every single stone tells a story!


20230222_StephenDweck-3.jpg

SD: I bought a bunch of these strands of lapis beads to bring home. Lapis is a tried-and-true material for me—something I’ve been working with for decades. Lapis can look ancient, but with a great mix of earthy stones, it can be modern!


20230222_StephenDweck-4.jpg

SD: Here is some amazing pyrite in natural quartz. It’s just a fascinating material that I always buy! It looks like two materials have collided.


20230222_StephenDweck-5.jpg

SD: This material is fantastic, it’s ammolite. It’s the opalized surface of the ammonite nautilus shell, which is millions of years old! It looks like an exotic rainbow.


20230222_StephenDweck-6.jpg

SD: I bought the whole lot of these sapphires! A major organizing of color has to take place before I begin the design process. 


20230222_StephenDweck-7.jpg

SD: Emeralds represent the planet and love. I love, love, love emeralds—of course I bought some!


20230222_StephenDweck-8.jpg

SD: Pearls are my weakness. These were so dreamy and have such life to them. I always end up buying strands of pearls that I love.


20230222_StephenDweck-9.jpg

SD: I selected a few of these star sapphires to take home.


20230222_StephenDweck-10.jpg

SD: It’s a journey to look through all these stones but it’s worth it!


20230222_StephenDweck-11.jpg

SD: I bought a lot of unheated sapphires from this selection. Such spectacular cuts and colors!

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Stock image of people shopping in a mall
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRF

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

Tallulah Willis’ Engagement Ring
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With Magic

The 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.

Buccellati Naturalia exhibition
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in Milan

The multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Punchmark
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client Workshop

The educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

×

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