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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
