AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2020
5 Sessions to Attend at AGTA GemFair Tucson
They cover responsible sourcing, market trends and new opportunities in gemstones for dealers and retailers.
New York—The Tucson gem shows are packed with not only cases of loose stones and minerals, but also a plethora of great education sessions.
The American Gem Trade Association’s 2020 GemFair, scheduled for Feb. 4 to 9 at the Tucson Convention Center, offers attendees myriad opportunities to educate themselves, from legal updates and lab sessions to sessions on responsible sourcing, market trends and so much more.
Here are five the trade might find interesting; all are taking place at the convention center.
For the full lineup, visit AGTA.org.
1. Mozambique Rubies by GIA
Wednesday, Feb. 5
9
to 10 a.m.
Since the discovery of gem-quality ruby in Mozambique in 2009, the Gemological Institute of America has studied these deposits to collect data in the field and laboratory.
Join them to learn about Mozambican rubies, including the development of the mining area, market response, gemological characteristics and treatment procedures.
2. Market Trends, Industry Changes, and Gem Sourcing Considerations
Thursday, Feb. 6
9 to 10 a.m.
Richard Drucker, president of Gemworld International, and Stuart Robertson, vice president of Gemworld International
The team behind GemGuide will give its annual Tucson talk about how and why gem prices are changing, as well as the latest information on sourcing.
3. Let’s Get Social! The Power of Socially Responsible Sourcing
Friday, Feb. 7
9 to 10 a.m.
Moderated by Mia Katrin of Jewel Couture. Panelists: Ron Ringsrud of Ron Ringsrud Company, Sheahan Stephen of Sheahan Stephen Sapphires, and John Ford of Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford
Join these three experts, who have decades of experience in mining areas—Colombia, Sri Lanka, and Australia—as they share their experiences with the latest developments in responsible sourcing and its effects, both locally and throughout the supply chain.
4. The Gemstone Market: A Historical Perspective
Friday, Feb. 7
1 to 2 p.m.
Helen Molesworth, managing director of the Gübelin Academy
Most of the trade’s price and value knowledge stems from relatively recent market situations and developments. But what do we know about prices in the past? How have the concepts changed and how did we get to where we are today? And, how does it indicate where we’re going?
In this session, Molesworth will address the importance of history through examples and models, with a special look at rubies, and investigate the shifts in the gem market through the lens of the bigger picture.
5. Opportunities in the Gem Market Beyond the ‘Big 3’
Saturday, Feb. 8
9 to 10 a.m.
Çiğdem Lüle of Kybele LLC
A movement toward supply chain consolidation of the “big three”—ruby, sapphire and emerald—and current market dynamics, including a changing attitude from new consumer groups, have created profitable opportunities with other gemstones for dealers and retailers.
Join Lüle to discuss both classic and unusual gems and how they appeal to the new generation of buyers.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
