JCK Jewelry Agenda: Week of Jan. 28

By Victoria Gomelsky | January 25, 2024

It’s Tucson time! The gem shows are upon us and we couldn’t be happier. Find us in the Sonoran desert with all the other rock hounds. See below for a hit list of the week’s biggest goings-on.

ATTEND

Peridot Masterclass at Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery: Jan. 30, 7 p.m.

Fuli peridot — *A Fuli Gemstones peridot*

The British jewelry author and educator Joanna Hardy is leading a talk about peridot in conjunction with gemstone miner Fuli Gemstones at the Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery. Learn about the gem’s history, including why the ancient Egyptians worshipped it, as you mingle and network with jewelry friends.

CPAA Pearl Soiree at Café a la C’Art: Jan. 31, 6–9 p.m.

CPAA Presidents Award Adam Neeley Echo Earrings — The President’s Trophy–winning piece in the 2023 CPAA International Pearl Design Competition: Adam Neeley Designs’ Echo earrings with white akoya pearls and golden South Sea pearls and 2.4 cts. t.w. diamonds in 14k white and 14k, 18k, and 22k yellow gold

Join the Cultured Pearl Association of America for its annual Pearl Soiree, a celebration of the U.S. winners of the International Pearl Design Competition. Non-member guest tickets cost $75. Note: Tickets are available online only until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30. There will be no ticket sales at the door.

SHOP

Ethical Gem Fair at Scottish Rite Cathedral: Jan. 27–30

Columbia Gem House montana sapphires — *Montana sapphires from Columbia Gem House*

Eight members of the Ethical Gem Suppliers collective, including Perpetuum Jewels, are returning to Tucson to promote responsible sourcing at the fourth annual Ethical Gem Fair. If you’re interested in learning about shortened supply chains and how to buy gemstones that support and respect people in the mining and cutting communities where they are sourced, this event’s for you!

Melee the Show Tucson at Stillwell House: Jan. 29–31

Amali boulder opal necklace — *One-of-a-kind handmade boulder opal pendant on 18k gold chain with hand-woven silver diamonds, price on request; Amáli*

Nearly 30 designers—including Amáli, Brooke Gregson, and Melee cofounders Lauren Wolf and Rebecca Overmann—show their wares at this Tucson outpost of the long-running designer jewelry fair, which serves as a useful complement to all the loose gem showcases in town.

AGTA GemFair at the Tucson Convention Center: Jan. 30–Feb. 4

Omi Prive tsavorite zircon — *Platinum ring with 10.95 ct. oval blue zircon, 1.22 cts. t.w. pear-shape tsavorite garnets, 0.38 ct. t.w. round tsavorite garnets, and 0.57 ct. t.w. round diamonds, $30,000; Omi Privé*

The granddaddy of them all, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair has drawn buyers and sellers of important gems to Tucson for more than 40 years. Home to gemstone dealers, pearl specialists, and designers of finished jewelry, the event is an essential stop on every gem lover’s circuit. Don’t miss the educational sessions, covering everything from responsible sourcing to heat treatments.

Out of the Jewel Box Experience at Scottish Rite Cathedral: Feb. 1–3

Gold and Smoke 18k gold custom chain bracelet — 18k yellow gold custom link bracelet, $6,380; Gold and Smoke

The new Out of the Jewel Box event makes its debut at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral in Tucson, just after the Ethical Gem Fair moves out. This exclusive in-person showcase promises a departure from the traditional trade show model, offering attendees and exhibitors an intimate and relaxed setting for networking, product showcasing, and immersive business interactions.

Top: Ring with 1.71 ct. tsavorite and 0.95 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold, $8,590; Yael Designs

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