Editors

Postcards from Tucson

EditorsFeb 01, 2018

Postcards from Tucson

Check out the best Instagrams posted so far from the gem shows.

20180201_TucsonBlog.jpg
As the jewelry industry decamps to Tucson, Arizona for the gem shows, here are some of the best images they’re sharing via Instagram.

It’s that time of year when the jewelry industry migrates south to Tucson, Arizona for a few margaritas and a whole lot of gem sourcing.

Luckily, if you happen to be holding down the fort elsewhere, Instagram lends the perfect postcard-worthy views into all the gem show action.

From opals to garnets to geodes so large it will cost a fortune just to ship them home, here are what some of our favorite designers and gem dealers are eyeing in Arizona.


Designer Ray Griffiths spotted this natural two-tone cushion-cut sapphire at The Arizona Riverpark Inn. It features a rare mix of color, deep blue and light greenish-yellow.



Designer Alexis Kletjian has temporarily closed her new Pennsylvania store to stock up on gems in Tucson for her custom pieces. She’s been posting pictures of everything from lapis lazuli to rough sapphires, as well as geodes bigger than the average human, like the one above.


A post shared by Dave Bindra (@gemfluencer) on Jan 30, 2018 at 6:40am PST


David Bindra of B & B Gems, who can be found on Instagram as @gemfluencer, never disappoints with his gemstone posts, which typically color coordinate with his sneakers. Currently exhibiting at the AGTA GemFair, he teased some of what he has for sale in the above video.



Also at AGTA is Colorline, a company that specializies in sapphires and rubies. This 25.61-carat royal blue, emerald-cut Ceylon sapphire is the most extraordinary stone I’ve seen grammed from the gem shows so far.



Are blue gemstones trending? It may be too early to tell, but Kimberly Collins Colored Gems has a super-pretty assortment of blue zircon at her AGTA booth.



Continuing with the blue theme, AGTA posted an image to its Instagram account of tanzanite slices from Krishaili Gems. The picture exemplifies the natural variation of the stone’s color, which can range from a light blue to a deep violet with many shades in between.



Katherine Jetter has been posting my favorite assortment of images from the gem shows. Here, she displays something you don’t see every day—a Paraiba tourmaline carved in the shape of a skull.



Sunny Bond, one half of the duo behind antique jewelry seller Fox & Bond, shared a video of these luscious opals on her Instagram account. Bond also creates custom jewelry for her private clientele, a few of whom we expect will be decked out in opals in the near future.



It’s not
always easy to get the scoop on the gemstones designers are feeling in Arizona, as they attempt to make discreet purchases while bumping into about 1,000 people they know. But Irene Neuwirth had no qualms about sharing these opal beads on her account, noting that she “took them all.”



Besides blue gems and opals, other stones have had shining Instagram moments. Diamond Doodles highlighted this juicy rhodochrosite from dealer Beija Flor at AGTA. 



Back at the Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show at The Arizona Riverpark Inn, @s_m_crystals showcased this rough ruby in zoisite from Longido, Tanzania. It’s available from New Era Gems.


A post shared by Alexey B (@russiandemantoid) on Jan 27, 2018 at 2:42pm PST


From dealer Russian Demantoid comes this incredible rough Russian emerald specimen, shown at The Arizona Riverpark Inn.



This blog wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to spinel, which is our Senior Editor and resident gemstone expert Brecken Branstator’s favorite gemstone. Currently on the ground in Tucson, Brecken spotted these pink and red spinels at Kimberly Collins Colored Gems.



Tucson isn’t just for gem lovers; it’s also a destination for diamonds, as demonstrated by this exquisitely unique fancy-shaped pair that designer Doryn Wallach found at AGTA. This editor, for one, can’t wait to see what she makes of them.



Lastly, a trip to Tucson requires a shot or two of some larger-than-life quartz. This one was taken by @hoodxhippie, a cool Mississippi-based company that creates, among other things, pendants and cell phone cases from orgonite, a substance made of resin, metals and quartz.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie in Pandora Bridgerton campaign
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Ana Khouri logo
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Stuller’s Color of the Year for 2026, “Signature Red”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s White

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Gracie Abrams Chanel Coco Crush
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry Campaign

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bobbi L. Avery, Jeffery Bolling, Britney Phillips, and Lindsay Salvo
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board Directors

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Pinar Hakim Rainbow Seahorse Pendant, Nue Fine Jewelry Irene Charm, Susannah King Venus Ring
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC Show

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Stock image of rough diamonds from Diavik mine in Canada
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Rahaminov Diamonds Pop-Up at Yamron Jeweler
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in Florida

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy