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
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
