CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Events & AwardsJan 28, 2019
5 Sessions to Check Out at AGTA GemFair Tucson
They cover market trends, legal issues and more.
New York—The cases upon cases of loose gemstones and jewelry are what bring buyers to the AGTA’s GemFair in Tucson, but there’s much more going on than just selling and buying to keep them there.
During the trade show, which runs from Feb. 5 to 10, the AGTA will host a number of free seminars for the trade, covering legal issues, mine “tours," trends in the market and new techniques and research.
Here are 5 education sessions not to miss. For the full lineup, visit AGTA.org.
1. “Introducing Hyperion: Lotus Gemology’s Inclusion Database”
Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 1-2 p.m.
Graham Room
Lotus Gemology’s Billie Hughes will delve into the lab’s Hyperion inclusions database, a searchable database featuring more than 900 photomicrographs. In this session, Hughes will talk about how the databse got started and the different ways it can be used to identify gems, separate natural from lab-grown, spot treatments and distinguish between different origins.
2. “Market Trends and the Impact of Important Gem Sourcing Considerations”
Thursday, Feb. 7 from 9-10 a.m.
Maricopa Room
This year’s edition of the talk from GemWorld International President Richard Drucker and Vice President Stuart Robertson will focus on the impact of source on gemstones as well as how prices are affected during the Tucson gem show and the year overall.
3. “USPAP Compliance with Colored Gemstones”
Friday, Feb. 8 from 9-10 a.m.
Graham Room
David Rotenberg, owner and president of David Craig Jewelers in Pennsylvania, who has extensive experience as a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliance appraiser, will discuss USPAP compliance as it pertains to the colored gemstone industry. Topics covered will include the USPAP application for specific types of gems and jewelry, USPAP’s intended uses and definitions of value.
4. “Creating a Transparent Chain of Custody and Traditional Gemstone Identification Methods Used at the Source”
Friday, Feb. 8 from 1-2 p.m.
Maricopa Room
Sheahan Stephan of Sheahan Stephen Sapphires will talk to attendees about how to create greater transparency and control in their supply chain, empower relationships with their suppliers and better communicate with customers through traditional gemstone identification methods and knowledge. The session will demonstrate what a transparent chain of custody looks like, address the steps needed to properly disclose the source of a stone and, through a hands-on lab, show how traditional gemstone identification at the mine can help strengthen the awareness of the sourcing process.
5. “Color Perception in Gemology”
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 9-10 a.m.
Maricopa Room
Since color
is arguably the most important grading factor for colored stones and there are endless discussions around perception of color and how to observe it and name it, Çiğdem Lüle, gemologist and owner of Kybele LLC, will use this talk to delve into color science, cultural aspects of color perception, observation of color and color terminology of gems with examples from the current gem market.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
