GradingJan 26, 2024
GIA to Demo New Microscope in TucsonEvents & AwardsJan 29, 2024
‘Out of the Jewel Box Experience’ to Debut in Tucson
The inaugural event proposes flexible hours and a relaxed, collaborative space.
A colorful assortment of sapphires from Sorbet Sapphire (prices upon request)
Tucson, Ariz.—A new showcase, Out of the Jewel Box (OJB), is making its debut at the Tucson gem and mineral shows. It’s co-organized by Manos Phoundoulakis of Gold and Smoke.
The event will be held at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral from Thursday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 3, and feature exhibitors such as Sorbet Sapphire, GemGroup Sweden, Integrity Gems and others.
Organizers called the showcase a “unique departure” from the traditional trade show model and said it’s designed not to compete with established shows but rather to propose an alternative concept.
The offering is meant to provide attendees and exhibitors a distinctive platform for “jewelry exploration,” according to the show, in an intimate and relaxed setting for networking, product showcasing and immersive business interactions.
A dedicated lounge area will be available to pre-registered attendees as an alternative to a coffee shop or hotel room for meetings, discussions and relaxing. The area is designed to facilitate networking and collaborative work, OJB said.
As part of the show’s “flexible networking” feature, exhibitors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance of the show, allowing for vendors to come and go from the venue as needed.
This approach allows for a slower pace, organizers said, while still maintaining a dynamic and adaptable environment for meaningful business interactions.
The flexible hours are also part of OBJ’s cost-efficient showcase design, allowing vendors to spend time outside the booth exploring other shows and networking, as the venue is walking distance from the Tucson Convention Center.
Related stories will be right here …
The event will be held at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral from Thursday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 3, and feature exhibitors such as Sorbet Sapphire, GemGroup Sweden, Integrity Gems and others.
Organizers called the showcase a “unique departure” from the traditional trade show model and said it’s designed not to compete with established shows but rather to propose an alternative concept.
The offering is meant to provide attendees and exhibitors a distinctive platform for “jewelry exploration,” according to the show, in an intimate and relaxed setting for networking, product showcasing and immersive business interactions.
A dedicated lounge area will be available to pre-registered attendees as an alternative to a coffee shop or hotel room for meetings, discussions and relaxing. The area is designed to facilitate networking and collaborative work, OJB said.
As part of the show’s “flexible networking” feature, exhibitors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance of the show, allowing for vendors to come and go from the venue as needed.
This approach allows for a slower pace, organizers said, while still maintaining a dynamic and adaptable environment for meaningful business interactions.
The flexible hours are also part of OBJ’s cost-efficient showcase design, allowing vendors to spend time outside the booth exploring other shows and networking, as the venue is walking distance from the Tucson Convention Center.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Out of the Jewel Box Experience to the Tucson community. This event is an ‘out of the box’ approach to conducting business in a unique way. Maintaining the concept of a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation, but presenting it in a relaxed environment. Attendees can expect a curated showcase of exceptional goods in a social atmosphere designed for networking as well as relaxing," said Phoundoulakis.
"We were seeking an opportunity to showcase our goods in a secure and professional setting, and to have the flexibility to get out from behind the booth and do the work that we need to do throughout the city of Tucson. I have always wanted to exhibit at a show that is relaxed enough that we can put our feet up and have a nice casual conversation about how we can grow with our customers.”
The show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
OJB will host a free "Cool Kids" happy hour Feb. 1 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, beginning with a live painting demo by designer and jewelry rendering teacher Rémy Rotenier. Pre-registration to attend the happy hour is required.
A piece from exhibitor Rémy Roteneir’s jewelry brooch collection, “Rémanimals,” which features miniature hand-painted portraits of dressed-up animals. ($4,900)
There will be cocktails, gemstone and jewelry giveaways, and more.
As OJB is a trade-only event, verified wholesale buyers and members of the press must register beforehand or at the door. Those attending the AGTA GemFair will be granted access to the event without registering but will still be required to show government ID, according to OJB’s website.
For more information, to view the event schedule or register, visit the OJB Experience website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
