Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
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:
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
