Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
OtherJan 11, 2016
AGA Releases Tucson Seminar Lineup
The Accredited Gemologists Association will host presentations in Tucson next month that examine the challenges facing the colored gemstone industry today.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association will host a day of presentations in Tucson next month that examine the challenges facing the colored gemstone industry today.
The AGA’s seminars are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3 at the University Park Marriott in Tucson, during the city’s annual gem shows.
The lineup of speakers and their topics are as follows.
--Richard Hughes of Lotus Gemology will share his experiences after working with fine gems for 37 years. His presentation is “Forests and Trees---Ten Lessons in Gemology.”
--Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, will provide attendees with an understanding of the research applications for LA-ICPMS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) technology, including a gem’s country of origin.
--Claire Mitchell, a senior instructor at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, will focus on the hand-held spectroscope in Tucson. Her presentation will look at types, how it works and how to use it correctly to ensure reliable testing results, as well as briefly exploring other spectroscopy-based technology now available. Following her presentation will be a guided hands-on session.
--Andrew Cody of Cody Opal will present “The Astonishing World of Opals,” where he will discuss the various types, attributes and locations where these gemstones are found, as well as address the current demand and recent value increases in fine Australian opal.
--Arthur Groom of Eternity Natural Emerald will bring attendees up to speed on what other gems are now, and soon will be, enhanced through surface in-filling. He also will discuss the importance of disclosure at all levels. Samples will be available for hands-on examination.
--Marc Beverly, an expert rock and ice climber/instructor will give a look into the “Amazing Crystal Caves of Mexico,” where he faced life-threatening conditions at 1,000 feet underground to find football field-sized caverns containing 35-foot long crystals. Beverly explored the network of caves near Naica, Mexico with a team of scientists, learning more about not only the formations but also the life within the caves.
In addition, at the gala in the evening, the AGA will present research gemologist and mineralogist Cigdem Lule with the 2016 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Conference sessions are scheduled to take place between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Registration includes the sessions as well as continental breakfast, light lunch, a champagne reception and the gala awards banquet.
Interested parties have until Jan. 15 to register.
Tickets are $195 for AGA members and $245 for non-members. Gala-only tickets are also available at $75 for members and $100 for non-members. More information can be found on AccreditedGemologists.org.
More on Other
The Latest
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
