SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2020
AGTA Says Tucson GemFair 2021 Is a Go, For Now
The American Gem Trade Association will implement several health and safety protocols at the trade show, which is slated for Feb. 2-7.
A shot from the 2020 AGTA GemFair Tucson show floor (Image courtesy of AGTA)
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association still plans to hold GemFair Tucson 2021.
AGTA CEO Doug Hucker confirmed to National Jeweler that the organization, as of now, is moving forward with plans to host the trade show next year, slated for Feb. 2-7 at the Tucson Convention Center.
They had to submit an application to the Pima County Health Department to hold the event given the current circumstances, Hucker said, which is pending approval, but he added that, barring any “impossible objections” from the department, “we plan on having the show.”
The event will have many protocols in place to protect exhibitors and attendees, like temperature checks, masks, social distancing, one-way aisles with directional signage, plexiglass barriers at booths, registration and guest services, and enhanced cleaning procedures.
A full list of the safety protocols and procedures for GemFair Tucson 2021 can be found on the AGTA website.
The organization hasn’t added hotel information to its website yet so people don’t make reservations until they receive final approval on the show, Hucker said, but they expect to have it up soon.
A lot could change before February, though, and AGTA will continue to monitor and asses the situation, including an upcoming board meeting in which they will discuss the show, and be in communication with exhibitor members and interested attendees.
“No one is super confident that we’re going to be able to just not worry about it. We’re trying to be as positive as we possibly can,” Hucker told National Jeweler.
“We’re not going to do anything that is going to subject our members, customers or attendees at the show to health problems. We don’t want people coming in and getting sick. If we can put the show on safely and responsibly, which we think we can, we’ll go for it.”
Hucker said they do expect a drop in attendance, in particular from international visitors.
The organization sent out a survey to exhibitors to gauge interest, receiving feedback so far from about 1,700 buyers out of a total 7,000, with results indicating about 53 percent are planning to attend.
The show will be a little smaller physically, with booths shrinking about 2 feet in size to make wider aisles that allow for social distancing. Additionally, exhibitor numbers have, perhaps unsurprisingly, dropped a bit—around 346 planned booths currently, compared with 415 booths during normal years, Hucker said.
But what
makes their show different from many others that happen in Tucson in late January to early February is that it’s not open to the public, Hucker noted, allowing for greater control and creating less risk of spread within the Tucson community.
The strong public attendance and local aspect of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show played a large part in the 2021 event’s recent cancellation.
Organizers of the GJX show, another trade-facing event, did not respond to an email inquiry from National Jeweler requesting an update on its 2021 edition.
However, its website still says: “We are both hopeful and optimistic as we continue with our preparations for the 2021 show. The safety and well-being of our buyers, exhibitors and staff is our top priority. We will follow all CDC, state and federal guidelines that will be in place at that time. As we move forward, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.”
JCK Events also did not return a request for comment about the status of JCK Tucson, nor did organizers of the Select show. The latter still has information and dates for its 2021 Tucson event posted to its website and Facebook page.
The JOGS Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show also still has its 2021 dates posted, with no information to the contrary.
Some other shows open to the public are still planning their 2021 events as well, including the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show and the 22nd Street Show, which has changed its floorplan to be in compliance with safety protocols, according to its website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEOClaudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires AlorThe California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' ZooThe “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the SummerFrom Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.
