Other

Jacquie Aiche’s Guide to Living It Up in Tucson

OtherFeb 07, 2019

Jacquie Aiche’s Guide to Living It Up in Tucson

After long days of sourcing, the gemstone queen shares how she likes to recharge in the desert.

20190207_Jacquie-header.jpg
A 14-karat yellow gold, chrysophrase and diamond necklace from Jacquie Aiche ($9,750)

Tucson, Ariz.—The industry may be in Tucson to sell and shop this week, but chances are if you ask around, you’ll find that many call AGTA, GJX and the myriad other shows their favorite set of jewelry trade shows.


Jacquie Aiche is a perennial Tucson visitor and has sourced the area’s best spots for hanging her hat when she’s done gem shopping for the day. Why? Tucson isn’t a bad place to be in the dead of winter. Between the weather and the endless gemstone inspiration available, the desert is the perfect place for designers to recharge.

Jacquie Aiche has been a Tucson fixture for years, shopping for everything from faceted gemstones to rough crystals to incorporate into her earthy, spiritual collections.

We left it to the gemstone queen to fill us in on where she likes to eat, drink and unwind in the desert, plus the million-dollar question—where to find her favorite stones.

Where to Eat

Café Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington St.
“Poca Cosa is my go-to whenever I’m craving fresh and authentic Mexican food. The menu changes daily, so there’s always something new to try.”

Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N. Toole Ave. A
“I always make sure to have a reservation at Maynards Market & Kitchen in my Tucson travel plans. It’s built upon an old train station, so the restaurant carries a classic, romantic energy that I love.”

{embed 466}
MiAn Sushi & Modern Asian Cuisine
88 E. Broadway Blvd.
“I can never go too long without sushi … the Choi roll is a must-try.”

Goodness Fresh Food and Juice Bar
2502 N. Campbell Ave.
“I love coming here in the morning for a fresh juice or a smoothie. It’s the perfect fuel for a day full of crystal magic.”

The Tasteful Kitchen
722 N. Stone Ave.
“The best vegetarian and vegan options Tucson has to offer.”

Where to Chill Out

Hashani Spa

3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
“Part of the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, and offering everything from manicures, to facials, to full body massages, this is one of my favorite places to unwind and treat myself.”

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
5000 E Vía Estancia Miraval
“Miraval Spa is my ultimate healing sanctuary. On my last day in Tucson, once I’ve finished collecting my crystals, I come here to re-center and relax. There’s nothing better.”

{embed 467}
Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens & Galleries
7366 N Paseo Del Norte
“This is my favorite spot to find peace and connect with Mother Earth. Everything at

Tohono Chul Gardens—the flowers, the monarch butterflies, the nature trails—is all so ethereal.

Where to Turn Up

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
“There’s nothing like connecting with old friends around the fire pit at JW Marriott. I love the ambiance. It’s so perfect for catching up with cozy conversations.”

{embed 470}
Hotel Congress
311 Congress St.
“The scene at Hotel Congress is always alluring and energetic. I love coming here with friends to people watch.”

Where to Shop at the Shows

Gary Wilson at GJX
“I have been collecting his rocks for over 12 years. Gary has the ultimate selection of minerals and fossils and is just the greatest guy!”

{embed 469}
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Florence Pugh Wearing Bulgari at 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Technology Therapy Group founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends You

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

Armadani Retail Support Program Marketing Imagery
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday Season

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Signet Jewelers Joan Hilson
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the Holidays

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Retail Smiths Principal Sherry Smith
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your Christmas

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond,” 22.09 carats and fancy yellow
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for Auction

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Adornos photography exhibit
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

Stock image of rough emeralds mined by Gemfields
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 Months

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

Kealeboga Pule and Black Coffee
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care Program

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Scattered Sapphire Cigar Band
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Make A Wish East Tennessee
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV Opens

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

The Edge logo
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry Professionals

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Steven Lagos and Keith Rolfe
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Alberto Perez-Elias mugshot
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry Heist

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

Kat Florence Paraibas
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’s

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

AGTA logo
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected Directors

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

New Julien’s Auctions CEO Ken Citron
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

Blue Nile Ellipse earrings
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong Sales

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers family
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 Years

The Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.

Fura rubies
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest Sale

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Stuller Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 catalog
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine Collection

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.

2018_Stuller-lab-grown.jpg
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher

Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.

Frederick (Ricky) Wilkinson Bromberg
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

Zahn Z Zaha rainbow sapphire ring
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

The Retail Smiths principal and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing Matter

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

×

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