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

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

Melanie Georgacopoulos Eclipse Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ Collection

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

×

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