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.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2020
AGTA Says Tucson GemFair 2021 Is a Go, For Now
The American Gem Trade Association will implement several health and safety protocols at the trade show, which is slated for Feb. 2-7.
A shot from the 2020 AGTA GemFair Tucson show floor (Image courtesy of AGTA)
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association still plans to hold GemFair Tucson 2021.
AGTA CEO Doug Hucker confirmed to National Jeweler that the organization, as of now, is moving forward with plans to host the trade show next year, slated for Feb. 2-7 at the Tucson Convention Center.
They had to submit an application to the Pima County Health Department to hold the event given the current circumstances, Hucker said, which is pending approval, but he added that, barring any “impossible objections” from the department, “we plan on having the show.”
The event will have many protocols in place to protect exhibitors and attendees, like temperature checks, masks, social distancing, one-way aisles with directional signage, plexiglass barriers at booths, registration and guest services, and enhanced cleaning procedures.
A full list of the safety protocols and procedures for GemFair Tucson 2021 can be found on the AGTA website.
The organization hasn’t added hotel information to its website yet so people don’t make reservations until they receive final approval on the show, Hucker said, but they expect to have it up soon.
A lot could change before February, though, and AGTA will continue to monitor and asses the situation, including an upcoming board meeting in which they will discuss the show, and be in communication with exhibitor members and interested attendees.
“No one is super confident that we’re going to be able to just not worry about it. We’re trying to be as positive as we possibly can,” Hucker told National Jeweler.
“We’re not going to do anything that is going to subject our members, customers or attendees at the show to health problems. We don’t want people coming in and getting sick. If we can put the show on safely and responsibly, which we think we can, we’ll go for it.”
Hucker said they do expect a drop in attendance, in particular from international visitors.
The organization sent out a survey to exhibitors to gauge interest, receiving feedback so far from about 1,700 buyers out of a total 7,000, with results indicating about 53 percent are planning to attend.
The show will be a little smaller physically, with booths shrinking about 2 feet in size to make wider aisles that allow for social distancing. Additionally, exhibitor numbers have, perhaps unsurprisingly, dropped a bit—around 346 planned booths currently, compared with 415 booths during normal years, Hucker said.
But what
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
makes their show different from many others that happen in Tucson in late January to early February is that it’s not open to the public, Hucker noted, allowing for greater control and creating less risk of spread within the Tucson community.
The strong public attendance and local aspect of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show played a large part in the 2021 event’s recent cancellation.
Organizers of the GJX show, another trade-facing event, did not respond to an email inquiry from National Jeweler requesting an update on its 2021 edition.
However, its website still says: “We are both hopeful and optimistic as we continue with our preparations for the 2021 show. The safety and well-being of our buyers, exhibitors and staff is our top priority. We will follow all CDC, state and federal guidelines that will be in place at that time. As we move forward, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.”
JCK Events also did not return a request for comment about the status of JCK Tucson, nor did organizers of the Select show. The latter still has information and dates for its 2021 Tucson event posted to its website and Facebook page.
The JOGS Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show also still has its 2021 dates posted, with no information to the contrary.
Some other shows open to the public are still planning their 2021 events as well, including the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show and the 22nd Street Show, which has changed its floorplan to be in compliance with safety protocols, according to its website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
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.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
