CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
OtherApr 29, 2016
Live from Tucson: The week kicks off with JCK
Monday marked the first official day of the buying and selling activity that happens every February in Tucson. So far, sapphire and ruby are in demand along with gold and diamond finished jewelry.
During the week, the city of Tucson will become awash in a wide variety of colored gemstones. And while attention will shift to loose stones as more shows open over the next few days, JCK also had many booths of finished jewelry.
Lena Agdere, whose father designs the Lord Jewelry brand, said Monday that JCK Tucson show attendees did seem to be interested in colored gemstone pieces but also noticed a positive response to their collection of one-of-a-kind pieces. “People are always so excited to be able to offer unique pieces that no one else has, and we're seeing a very positive reaction so far at the show.”
The Effy brand brought to Tucson the line of emerald jewelry that it launched in celebration of its 35th anniversary, and which Lloyd Ebrani told National Jeweler has continued to do very well for them.
They also had on display the gemstone lines that continue to be in high demand, including rubellites, opals, aquamarine and morganite as well as staples like blue topaz.
“We love this show. Tucson is a great market and everyone who is interested in gemstones is here, so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
The Izi Creations team said that their line of morganite also was garnering a lot of attention, though not as many were buying it, which could’ve been because of the large sizes of stones used in the collection.
What was popular, however, were precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires and rubies.
Similarly, Zahid Syed at Americas Gold said that the larger, chunkier stones that are popular with their Caribbean customers aren't getting the same response at this show. Rather, they’re finding that the U.S. buyers like one of their newest products, a line of rainbow sapphire jewelry.
At the Chanmel Gems booth, much of the interest from the first day of the show also was for loose sapphires, both the classic blue tones as well as pink hues, according to N. Chandimal.
Lauren Schumann of Jordan Scott added that the first day had been
very strong and that they’re, “hoping to have four more days just like this.”
She said that their pieces with Paraiba tourmaline slices had been doing well, and also were working to pull in people who then also would buy more affordable, everyday diamond pieces, another trend at the show.
Patricia Rodriguez of Super Bell Jewelry said that rather than looking for colored stones on Monday, many buyers at their booth were purchasing diamond and gold jewelry at all price points, particularly rings, bangles and drop earrings.
Kapil Benara of United Gemco Inc. reiterated that thought, reporting that their most popular item so far that day had been a pair of earrings that are very much on-trend right now--featuring a diamond ball stud in front and a second ball in the back--and complementary styles in necklaces as well.
JCK Tucson will run through Saturday. The AGTA GemFair opens today and goes through Sunday at the Tucson Convention Center.
More on Other
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
