AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
