The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
AGTA GemFair buyer traffic up 3 percent
The American Gem Trade Association reports that the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson saw a 3 percent increase in buyer traffic from 2013.
Tucson--The American Gem Trade Association reports that the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson saw a 3 percent increase in buyer traffic from 2013.
A total of 8,882 unique buyers attended the event, according to the AGTA, which was up from the 8,601 that attended the prior year.
The number of unique companies attending GemFair was also up, increasing 4 percent from 2013 for a total of 5,303 this year.
Held Feb. 4 to 9 at the Tucson Convention Center, this year’s GemFair included several new events that helped contribute to its success, according to AGTA.
The CAD Design Studio on the GemHall floor offered designers the chance to bring their designs to life with a CAD drawing and a wax model for casting. The AGTA also partnered with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to hold the first Coyote Classic 5K charity run.
RELATED CONTENT: AGTA to hold its first charity run in Tucson
Additionally, AGTA brought back the Tools, Technology and Supplies pavilion, covering all aspects of jewelry manufacturing and repair. The pavilion also held the MJSA “At the Bench Live” sessions two times per day, which ranged in topics from working with currently fashionable gemstones and metals to new setting techniques.
The return of the daily drawing was also a hit, AGTA said, where every day one buyer won $1,000 to $2,000 to spend on the show floor.
“The AGTA GemFair was remarkable this year,” said AGTA CEO Doug Hucker. “Attendance was up and sales were better than ever. Exhibitors and buyers were thrilled with the show and the positive energy was felt by all.”
The 2015 AGTA GemFair Tucson will be held Feb. 3 to 8. More information can be found on the AGTA website.
The Latest

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.


The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.