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
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
