ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
OtherJan 27, 2015
8 education sessions at AGTA GemFair
National Jeweler combed through the AGTA GemFair seminars schedule to pick two per day that seem best suited to retailers.
New York--Next week, many in the industry will converge on Tucson, looking to connect with gem dealers and suppliers to stock up on what’s hot and find the best loose stones.
One of the main shows taking place is the American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair, which, in addition to buying and selling, will have a number of seminars and education sessions on a variety of topics.
National Jeweler combed through the schedule to pick two seminars per day that seem best suited to retailers.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
9 to 10 a.m.
2020 Vision: Today’s Steps Toward Tomorrow’s Success
Kate Peterson, Performance Concepts, for Diamond Council of America
By 2020, more than one-fourth of the population will be between the ages of 20 and 34, and a total of $16 billion will be spent per year on jewelry and watches. What this means for businesses is that the consumer base will change dramatically over the next few years. This seminar is meant to help businesses ensure that they are taking the right step to leverage those difference and capture new shoppers.
1 to 2 p.m.
Thousands of Years with Luminous Pearls
Betty Sue King, King’s Ransom
It’s clear that pearls have been important and prominent since prehistoric times. This seminar will trace humankind’s link with pearls through time as healing agents, mythical symbols, fashion accessories, and more.
Thursday, February 5
9 to 10 a.m.
Trending Now in Tucson
Richard Drucker, GemWorld International, Inc.
Researcher, author, and colored gemstone expert Richard Drucker will offer insights and truths about what to expect in regards to quantities, qualities and pricing this year and beyond as well as market trends, industry issues and gems will be seen in Tucson.
1 to 2 p.m.
Color Trends and Jewelry Marketing via Social Media
Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America
This session will teach the audience about the current color and jewelry trends and how to use them on social media to establish the business as a trend destination.
Friday, February 6
9 to 10 a.m.
The Psychology of Sales
Brad Huisken, IAS Training
This motivational seminar will cover the psychology of sales when it comes to colored gemstones, including the three types of customers who come into a jewelry store and how to make a store the place where they want to buy jewelry.
1 to 2 p.m.
Emerald Clarity Enhancement:
Detection, Filler Identification and Disclosure
Monruedee Chaipaksa, Bryan Clark and Christopher Smith, American Gemological Laboratories
This hands-on workshop from AGL will provide the audience with methods for detecting and identifying the most commonly used emerald fillers, disclosure practices, and a chance to see samples in person.
Saturday, February 7
9 to 10 a.m.
“How to Sell Custom Design”
Peggy Jo Donahue, MJSA Education Foundation
Since many retailers are buying loose colored stones at the shows in Tucson, this seminar will teach jewelers how to establish and maintain a custom design business.
1 to 2 p.m.
“Portable Gemology”
Edward Boehm, Raresource
Portable instruments can be valuable when it comes to purchasing in the field or at a trade show, so Boehm will offer experiences and tips for applying portable instrumentation, as well as how the smartphone can help with gemstone identification and documentation.
GemFair also will feature appraisal classes and MJSA’s At The Bench Live sessions. A full list of the education programs, seminars and labs at AGTA’s GemFair can be found on AGTA.org.
Monruedee Chaipaksa, Bryan Clark and Christopher Smith, American Gemological Laboratories
This hands-on workshop from AGL will provide the audience with methods for detecting and identifying the most commonly used emerald fillers, disclosure practices, and a chance to see samples in person.
Saturday, February 7
9 to 10 a.m.
“How to Sell Custom Design”
Peggy Jo Donahue, MJSA Education Foundation
Since many retailers are buying loose colored stones at the shows in Tucson, this seminar will teach jewelers how to establish and maintain a custom design business.
1 to 2 p.m.
“Portable Gemology”
Edward Boehm, Raresource
Portable instruments can be valuable when it comes to purchasing in the field or at a trade show, so Boehm will offer experiences and tips for applying portable instrumentation, as well as how the smartphone can help with gemstone identification and documentation.
GemFair also will feature appraisal classes and MJSA’s At The Bench Live sessions. A full list of the education programs, seminars and labs at AGTA’s GemFair can be found on AGTA.org.
More on Other
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
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.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
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.
