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

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

×

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