CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
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
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
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
