Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsEvents & AwardsJan 28, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational Lineup
The seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
At AGTA GemFair in Tucson, Arizona, next month, attendees can view live gem cutting and several presentations as part of the organization’s “Inspired” seminar series.
Tucson, Ariz.—The 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson, set to take place next month, will feature educational programming through its “Inspired” seminar series.
The sessions will take place from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7 in the Tucson Convention Center’s West meeting rooms 201-203 and will include panel discussions, as well as live demonstrations.
The show will kick off with a presentation on the new RapNet Gemstone Trading Network, a platform designed for buying and selling loose gemstones from AGTA members. Hosted by panelists Saville Stern, chief operating officer of RapNet, and John Ford, CEO of AGTA, the session is slated for Feb. 5 from 9 to 9:55 a.m.
It will be followed by “Images of a Lifetime - And Their Stories,” a presentation from gem photographer Robert Weldon from 10 to 10:55 a.m. on his most noteworthy images.
From 11 to 11:55 a.m., Angela Hedges, longtime archivist at Harry Winston, will dive into the history of the storied jeweler in “Harry Winston & His Most Notable Pursuits.”
In the afternoon, Brandee Dallow, president-elect of Ethical Metalsmiths, will discuss incorporating positive change into one’s jewelry business from 1 to 1:55 p.m., and Chris James Boehner, the content creator behind @chrisjamesgems on Instagram, will give tips on growing an Instagram platform and creating “standout content” from 2 to 2:55 p.m.
The sessions will take place from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7 in the Tucson Convention Center’s West meeting rooms 201-203 and will include panel discussions, as well as live demonstrations.
The show will kick off with a presentation on the new RapNet Gemstone Trading Network, a platform designed for buying and selling loose gemstones from AGTA members. Hosted by panelists Saville Stern, chief operating officer of RapNet, and John Ford, CEO of AGTA, the session is slated for Feb. 5 from 9 to 9:55 a.m.
It will be followed by “Images of a Lifetime - And Their Stories,” a presentation from gem photographer Robert Weldon from 10 to 10:55 a.m. on his most noteworthy images.
From 11 to 11:55 a.m., Angela Hedges, longtime archivist at Harry Winston, will dive into the history of the storied jeweler in “Harry Winston & His Most Notable Pursuits.”
In the afternoon, Brandee Dallow, president-elect of Ethical Metalsmiths, will discuss incorporating positive change into one’s jewelry business from 1 to 1:55 p.m., and Chris James Boehner, the content creator behind @chrisjamesgems on Instagram, will give tips on growing an Instagram platform and creating “standout content” from 2 to 2:55 p.m.
The day will close with a presentation from 3 to 3:55 p.m. with insights from Vincent Pardieu, vice president of Consulting WLL, and the creator of social media travelogue series, “Somewhere in the Ulu,” which invites viewers into his adventures to Afghanistan, Madagascar, East Africa, Tasmania, and Colombia.
Thursday, Feb. 6, will begin with “Colored Stone Price and Market Trends,” presented by Gemworld International, Inc. President Stuart Robertson, and Brecken Branstrator, editor-in-chief of GemGuide, the company’s trade publication.
The discussion will take place from 9 to 9:55 a.m. and explore supply and demand in the colored stone market as well as treatments, trends, and a forecast for the year.
From 10 to 10:55 a.m., Richard Hughes of Lotus Gemology will present “Describing Color in Gems | A Fool's Guide,” discussing popular gemstone terminology, followed by Branko Deljanin, the director of Gemmological Research Industries in Canada, who will present “A Historical Review of Lab Grown Diamonds and Their Detection” from 11 to 11:55 a.m.
Geologist and gemologist Sarah Caldwell-Steele, a doctoral researcher in the archaeology of Whitby jet at Durham University, will start the afternoon sessions with “Gems of Salvation or Stones of Damnation: In a 17th-Century Context Marked by Fear of Witchcraft, can Country of Origin Determination for European Jets?” from 1 to 1:55 p.m.
She will be followed by Josh Helmich, CEO of Helmich Luxury Group and Kevin Reilly, senior vice president of Platinum Guild International, who, from 2 to 2:55 p.m., will discuss the benefits of Inoveo platinum.
Inoveo platinum
Jennifer Shaheen, president and founder of Technology Therapy Group, will close the day with “Navigating AI’s Role in Jewelry: From Design Innovation to Customer Connection,” from 3 to 3:55 p.m.
On Feb. 7, the final day of presentations will kick off with James E. Shigley, distinguished research fellow at GIA, who will host a seminar on gemology as a changing science from 9 to 9:55 a.m.
It will be followed by “Iconic Modern Masters—A Retro & Introspective View of American Jewelry Design” from 10 to 11:25 a.m.
The session is a retrospective of the past 50 years of jewelry making as well as in introspective of master craftsmanship in the future, and panelists include Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Designs; Jennifer Rabe Morin of George and Jennifer Rabe Jewelers; Victor Velyan of Victor Velyan Designs; Susan Helmich, master goldsmith and designer at Susan Helmich Designs; and Zoltan David, master goldsmith, designer and “innovative metallurgist” at Zoltan David Designs.
It will be moderated by Shelly Sergent, curator of Somewhere In The Rainbow and Eddie Sakamoto, master goldsmith and designer at Sakamoto Designs.
Another panel discussion, “How Museum Experiences Inspire Buyers and Collectors and the Role Museums Play with Trade Fairs and the Industry,” will take place from 1:00 to 2:25 p.m. featuring panelists Violetta Wolf, director at the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum; Kimberly Vagner, executive director at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals; Raquel A. Perez, curatrix at Harvard University’s Mineralogical and Geological Museum; and Eloïse Gaillou, director and curator at the Mineralogy Museum of l’École des Mines de Paris (Paris School of Mines), which is now known as Mines Paris – PSL.
It will be moderated by Dr. Gabriela Farfan, curator of gems and minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The day will close with “From Science to Social Media: How Trade Media Engages With & Covers the Jewelry Industry” from 3 to 4:25 p.m., and panelists include Aaron Palke, senior research scientist at GIA; Eileen McLelland, managing editor at InStore; Brendan Laurs, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Gemmology; and Jennifer Heebner, contributor to AGTA, Rapaport, InStore, and Professional Jeweler.
It will be moderated by Gary Roskin of Roskin Gem News.
Each day will feature a live gem cutting session at noon in the convention center’s meeting room 204.
The week will begin with an interactive session by Nadine Marshall of Tumbled Upon Faceting on Feb. 5, cutting by Steven Tyler of Steven Tyler the Designer on Feb. 6, and concluding with cutting by lapidary artist Brett Kosnar on Feb. 7.
The MJSA Journal Live series will also return to this year, with bench demonstrations taking place at 4 p.m. each day, also in meeting room 204.
Artist Rémy Rotenier will kick off the week with an interactive session on sketching with colored pencils on Feb. 5, followed by metalsmith Melissa Muir’s Feb. 6 session on techniques for texturing metal and her Feb. 7 session on engraving.
Read more details and sign up for these sessions on AGTA’s website.
The 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson show will open on Monday, Feb. 3, and close at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb 9.
Registration is open now.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
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.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
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.
