Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to NashvilleEvents & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting Edge
AGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
At the Spectrum Awards Gala, held Feb. 8 in Tucson, AGTA announced the winners of its Spectrum and Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice awards—the “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin (left) and a nearly 13-carat faceted rhodochrosite from Colorado (right).
Tucson, Ariz.—AGTA recently wrapped up its 2025 edition of GemFair in Tucson, announcing next year’s dates shortly after the event concluded.
The 2026 AGTA GemFair Tucson will be open Monday, Feb. 2 through 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. The Grand Ballroom will open at 9:30 a.m. and the Galleria and GemHall will open at 10 a.m.
This year’s event saw a 2 percent increase in buyer badges obtained at the fair, according to AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. Show traffic had daily averages between 3,400 and 3,600 between all shopping areas, AGTA reported.
“Exhibitors on the GemHall floor did extremely well,” said Ford.
“There were a lot of retailers present who were stocking up on middle- to upper-range and very fine goods. Brands were restocking, the mood was upbeat and optimistic, with some exhibitors reporting their best show ever. One was even concerned he would run out of invoices.”
Exhibitors interviewed by AGTA said they sold a wide range of materials, with one vendor observing, “There really weren’t any color trends … The price point was actually more of a consideration than the actual stone.”
Related stories will be right here …
The 2026 AGTA GemFair Tucson will be open Monday, Feb. 2 through 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. The Grand Ballroom will open at 9:30 a.m. and the Galleria and GemHall will open at 10 a.m.
This year’s event saw a 2 percent increase in buyer badges obtained at the fair, according to AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. Show traffic had daily averages between 3,400 and 3,600 between all shopping areas, AGTA reported.
“Exhibitors on the GemHall floor did extremely well,” said Ford.
“There were a lot of retailers present who were stocking up on middle- to upper-range and very fine goods. Brands were restocking, the mood was upbeat and optimistic, with some exhibitors reporting their best show ever. One was even concerned he would run out of invoices.”
Exhibitors interviewed by AGTA said they sold a wide range of materials, with one vendor observing, “There really weren’t any color trends … The price point was actually more of a consideration than the actual stone.”
On opening day of the show, AGTA and RapNet hosted an educational session to unveil the Gemstone Trading Network.
As a result of the joint project, colored gemstones can now be listed on the existing RapNet platform at no extra cost to existing subscribers.
To date, 47,000 colored gems are already live and for sale to RapNet subscribers, according to AGTA, and several sales have been made.
“Clients [have] been asking about gemstones,” said Saville Stern, COO of RapNet.
“Every day there are 1.5 million diamonds for sale on RapNet, and we wanted to bring color online but in a correct and ethical way, which is why we teamed up with AGTA. RapNet is a connections machine, bringing together buyers and sellers who can now shop colored gemstones from dealers who must adhere to AGTA’s strict sourcing and disclosure guidelines outlined in its Code of Ethics and Principles of Fair Business Practice.”
This year’s show closed on Sunday, Feb. 9, following the Spectrum Awards Gala, which was held the night before at the Tucson Convention Center.
Television personality Michael O’Connor served as the emcee for the event.
Over the week of the fair, AGTA GemFair Tucson attendees voted for their favorite pieces from all the award winners, with one selected from the Spectrum division and another from Cutting Edge.
While the judges’ and editors’ choice winners were previously announced, the Buyer’s Choice awards were announced at the gala.
The Spectrum Buyer’s Choice award winner is this lapel pin made of 18-karat rose and yellow gold and platinum featuring an 18.23-carat fantasy-cut sunstone accented by 1.15 carats of mixed teal tourmaline and 0.76 carats of diamonds. The pin, created by Matthew Tuggle with Lauren Tuggle, Ryan Anderson, and Kyle Forgey, also won the Spectrum Best of Single Entries Award and Men’s Wear 2nd Place.
The Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice award winner is this 12.88-carat cushion Portuguese-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado by Ben Kho. The gemstone also took 2nd Place in the North American Mined Gemstones division of Cutting Edge.
The Buyer’s Choice award for Spectrum went to Matthew Tuggle of Tuggle Designs and contributors Lauren Tuggle (co-designer & hand engraver), Ryan Anderson (lapidary artist), and Kyle Forgey (supporting jeweler) for their “Whisper of the Ancestors” lapel pin.
The Buyer’s Choice award for Cutting Edge went to Ben Kho of Kho International for his 12.88-carat cushion Portuguese-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado.
“AGTA buyers routinely make great decisions, so their choice of these two fine pieces was a delight to see,” said Ford after the Gala.
“We know it was tough, because there were so many great entries in this year’s competition. The next edition of Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards opens for entries at the end of June 2025.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
