Events & Awards

7 Predictions for the Tucson Gem Shows

Events & AwardsJan 23, 2018

7 Predictions for the Tucson Gem Shows

National Jeweler talked to several exhibitors about what they expect to see and sell.

20180123_Tucson-header.jpg
Exhibitors of the Tucson gem shows told National Jeweler they expect pinks/purples and blues to do well, while one said they are expecting garnets to sell. Pictured here from left to right are a tsavorite garnet, a spinel and a Mandarin garnet from Nomad’s.

New York--Next week will see the start of the Tucson gems shows for the trade.

The American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair and the Gem and Jewelry Exchange both open on Tuesday, Jan. 30, with JCK Tucson starting the following day, though there are numerous other shows for anyone interested, offering gems, minerals and fossils.

Ahead of the industry’s week out in the desert, National Jeweler spoke with exhibitors from a few of the trade-focused shows about what they’re anticipating.

Here’s what they had to say.

1. There’s plenty of positivity going into the shows.

Over the past few years, members of the gemstone sector have reported feeling better and better about demand for colored stones and their increasing popularity, especially when it comes to buying at the Tucson gem shows.

This year appears to be no different, with the exhibitors National Jeweler interviewed saying they felt good about this year’s shows.

Gem 2000’s Shomais Shirazi said she thinks there’s a lot of “positive energy” right now in terms of people being interested in jewelry and gems, and “If the trend continues, it should be a good Tucson.”

Simon Watt of Mayer and Watt reiterated this idea, noting he thought it “was a strong Christmas for many people, and I think that’ll likely carry over (to Tucson).”

Raja Shah of Color First said that they saw a lot of activity at the end of the year, starting two weeks prior to Thanksgiving and continuing through the holiday season.

He said over the past three or four years, they’ve noticed a smaller number of people attending the shows, but of those who do attend, they are visiting intentionally and purposefully, looking to buy.

Shah added that he believes many retailers also did well in stores or online during the holiday season and will need to restock.

Sailesh Lakhi of Sparkles and Colors USA/Lakhi Gem Group said he thinks people at the shows will “definitely” be buying, noting an increased demand in general in 2017 that he expects to continue in Tucson, led by a desire for colored stone engagement rings.

2. Buyers will be more interested in high-quality cuts.

“I have observed that, now more than ever, cutting is becoming a huge part of the gem buying process,” Jaimeen Shah of Prima Gems USA told National Jeweler, “mostly owing to some fabulous new cutters coming in on the circuit marketing their

precision cuts just as much as their gemstones.”

With social media and online marketing bringing images and videos to the forefront, cutting has become more important, pushing aside the “mediocre” cutting that has flooded the colored stone market for some time.

“I see this trend of designer cuts and brand marketing based on cutters and their cutting styles becoming huge in the coming years,” Shah said.

Gem 2000’s Shirazi echoed the sentiment, saying that they also have noticed that buyers are more aware that stones can be well-cut and bright.

She added that customers now are looking for better cuts in any materials, not just for the finer stones.


Pink and purple stones, like this 1.97-carat purple garnet from Color First, are expected to do well in Tucson.

3. The high end will be hot.

The high end has, for a few years now, been leading much of the way in colored gemstone demand.

“The good stuff is selling for crazy money,” Shah of Color First said. “It’s almost like money is no object.”

Shirazi said that, “The world market in general, not just the U.S., now wants nicer material,” but noted that finding higher-quality stones, across all varieties, also has become much more difficult.

She said she’s seen the buying in lower-quality goods drop off, as even those buyers start to look for nicer loose stones.

Lakhi noted demand for high-quality material as well, but added that the lower end is moving too.

What’s soft, he said, is the middle tier, an issue that has been brought up before during the gem shows.

4. A few colors will be prominent.

It feels like it’s been a tale of two colors for the past couple of years in colored stones--blues and pinks--and, according to what many of these exhibitors said, 2018 isn’t looking to be all that different.

Lakhi thinks there will be a blue trend happening at the shows, led by the popularity of blue sapphires, which are always hot items.

Shirazi, too, said that a classic blue almost always does well for them.

But both also noted that the popularity of sapphires doesn’t just apply to the blue version of the corundum, having long ago broadened to include fancy colors.

Shirazi said she thinks the larger interest that Gem 2000 has seen in fancy colored sapphires has been spurred by the desire for unique, custom engagement rings that also feature a durable, quality stone.

She expects the pink, purple and peach sapphire varieties to do well for them this year in Tucson, and said the demand for those colors also has also helped increase the popularity of red and pink spinel.

The latter stones also have been doing well for Color First, though Shah said he thinks it’s not only due to color trends, but also a result of the gem becoming a birthstone.

Shah added that he thinks the recent announcement of the color of the year--Ultra Violet--also could have somewhat of an effect on purple and violet demand in Tucson, which could help bolster demand for stones like sapphires and garnets.

In fact, garnets stand a lot to gain from recent color trends, offering a variety of hues and working for not only the pink/purple trend but also the pastel trend with shades like “mint.”

Josh Saltzman of Nomad’s said they saw a surge in popularity last year for the fine color Malaya, rhodolite, mint grossular, tsavorite, demantoid and Mandarin garnets.

He said the small production of the fine pink and orangey-pink Malaya has driven up demand there. Meanwhile, more mint grossular garnet on the market has driven up the demand as more consumers have seen the material in jewelry, and they expect the trend to continue.


Blues also continue to be popular. Seen here is a Ceylon sapphire weighing 10.12 carats from Gem 2000. 

5. Unique stones and the mixing of colors will reign.

Shirazi said a recent buying trend they’ve been seeing that they believe will continue is designers being innovative with color and really looking to combine them in unique and fun ways to make distinctive pieces.

“Seeing them mixing colors is really fun for us and really exciting because it makes a statement and the desirability of jewelry goes up.”

Tracy Lindwall of Nomad’s told National Jeweler that designers are creating unique color combinations through colored side stones, colored pave or two-tone earring pairs.

“You can tell a lot of stories with colored stone jewelry, and it’s nice to see designers really play with color to get their point of view across.”

6. There likely won’t be much change in pricing across the board.

Over the past few years, there has been a steeper increase in gemstone pricing, Shirazi said, though she doesn’t expect that to be the case this year; she told National Jeweler that she thinks pricing could level off a little around the shows.

Watt said the same thing, noting that he doesn’t think there are many factors putting the pressure on pricing right now. He said the only exception is sapphires, as he’s seen a recent increase in pricing of the stone, though he’s not sure why. Otherwise, he said he expects prices to be fairly stable.

Lakhi expects good quality stones to hold their prices, but noted he’s been seeing a decline in prices for medium and lower qualities.

7. Buyers will be asking all the right questions.

Shah of Prima Gems USA said what he’s observed in the past year is more “extremely intelligent and conscientious questions asked by the clients”--they want to know where their stones are coming from down to what mine, who’s cutting them and what path they take to reach their hands.

“I believe it’s coming from the marketing that the diamond guys are putting into their stores,” he said.

The trend in diamonds last year, he explained, was all about the story of how each diamond was mined, followed by visual progress of that particular diamond all the way to the final piece of jewelry the client purchased.

The conversation is well underway in the colored stone industry, which means that “now more than ever, dealers connected directly with the source are benefiting hugely if they are able to document their travels and bring back more than just gemstones.”
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy