MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
EditorsFeb 01, 2018
Postcards from Tucson
Check out the best Instagrams posted so far from the gem shows.
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.
A post shared by RAY GRIFFITHS (@raygriffithsfinejewelry) on Jan 31, 2018 at 10:56am PST
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.
A post shared by Alexis Kletjian (@alexiskletjian) on Jan 31, 2018 at 10:56am PST
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.
Come see our Magnificent 25.61 CT Royal Blue Emerald Cut Ceylon Sapphire in AGTA Tucson Booth 922!
A post shared by COLORLINE, INC. (@colorlineusa) on Jan 31, 2018 at 12:25pm PST
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.
A post shared by Kimberly Collins Colored Gems (@kimberlycollinsgems) on Jan 31, 2018 at 7:44pm PST
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.
A post shared by American Gem Trade Association (@agta_gems) on Jan 31, 2018 at 5:12pm PST
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.
A post shared by Katherine Jetter (@katherinejetter) on Jan 31, 2018 at 1:53pm PST
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.
A post shared by Sunny Bond Jewelry (@sunnybondjewelry) on Jan 31, 2018 at 4:29pm PST
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.
A post shared by Irene Neuwirth Jewelry (@ireneneuwirth) on Jan 31, 2018 at 6:16am PST
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.
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.
A post shared by Hannah Becker (@diamondoodles) on Jan 30, 2018 at 4:59pm PST
Besides blue gems and opals, other stones have had shining Instagram moments. Diamond Doodles highlighted this juicy rhodochrosite from dealer Beija Flor at AGTA.
A post shared by Evergreen Crystals (@s_m_crystals) on Jan 25, 2018 at 3:25pm PST
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.
A post shared by National Jeweler (@nationaljeweler) on Jan 30, 2018 at 12:00pm PST
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.
A post shared by D O R Y N W A L L A C H (@dorynwallachjewelry) on Jan 31, 2018 at 5:23am PST
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.
A post shared by HOOD X HIPPIE™︎ (@hoodxhippie) on Jan 31, 2018 at 3:53pm PST
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.
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
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.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
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.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
