#TucsonGemShow - Moonstone Gems Exports at the Holidome

I was walking the Holidome yesterday with Mark Anderson and Ann Marie.  

Ann Marie stopped at a gem dealer's booth that none of us knew - I love that about Ann Marie, she is always willing to take a chance on a new person if she likes his personality and his knowledge of gems.

I want to introduce you to him because he is very special - his family has been selling moonstone for generations....he is a wealth of information on Moonstone, Ethiopian Opal and Labradorite (but not limited to those three).

Mohammed Shahbaan 
Moonstone Gems Exports 
Booth #447
OR his Etsy shop:
gemsnjewelry.etsy.com

Pictures tell a story:

#TucsonGemShow Checking out the NEW at JCK Tucson...

This is just a small curated collection of the amazing gems and jewels at JCK Tucson...

The German Designers never disappoint: 

Hilde Leiss had magical pearls on leather bails!

...and brushed metal

Dunne had the most incredible Boulder Opal ever:

One of the most innovative Designers, Lord Jewelry's Sinork Agdere, brilliantly combines today's sensibilities with old world craftsmanship...

These enamel and gemstone chains are sure to be a summer hit!

...then there is the classic whimsy of Lord

We will be back for more from JCK later....

#TucsonGemShow JCK Heats Up Under the Tucson Sun

from Press Release JCK Heats Up Under the Tucson Sun

Tucson, AZ (February 4, 2016) — JCK Tucson welcomed jewelry and gem lovers en masse to its oasis-like enclave at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa yesterday. In its third year, the show is boasting major improvements including a new look with new booth structures, lounges, and a signature coffee shop creating an environment that is both upscale and casual. The designer ballroom features inspired collections by brand names including: Todd Reed, Alishan, Kurtulan Designs, Boaz Kashi, Aaron Henry, Dorian & Rose, and Nina Nguyen to name a few. "I was excited to see the new look and feel of JCK Tucson. It combines the right mix of what you hope to find in Tucson and the quality you expect to find from JCK," stated Lisa Bridge, Ben Bridge. Lord Jewelry at JCK JCK's renewed focus on design is supported by inspiring events happening throughout the week. The event schedule kicked off Wednesday with "Inside the Designers Studio" fireside chat featuring famed designers Sarah Graham and Todd Reed, moderated by JCK Magazine's Editor-In-Chief , Victoria Gomelsky. The adoring standing-room only crowd listened intently as the master talents shared their business acumen. "The setting is incredible, it's a fantastic mix of artists and we love the educational element that JCK added to the show. When I think of the roster of talent I've worked with over the years, Todd Reed and Sarah Graham immediately come to mind when I think of comradery and sharing information. They are both such smart business people and it was a great decision to have them lead us in a fireside chat that created warmth and collaboration," commented Patti Cogswell, Squash Blossom. "I thought the show was very clean, put together and that the designers exhibiting were very talented," said Todd Reed. "JCK pulled together a really awesome group of jewelers. It was good to see everyone," added Sarah Graham. Sarah Graham at Fireside Chat With the theme of design at the forefront of JCK Tucson's showing, a new hosted retailer program helped to bring in some of the most design-savvy stores in the country, including Squash Blossom, Aaron Faber Gallery, Broadmoor Jewelry Company, Patina Gallery, and I. Gorman. The trip is undoubtedly attractive with multiple jewelry events taking place in the area. JCK, understanding the amount of business there is to do during Tucson Gem Week, has made spa-like features and conveniences—not least of which include transportation between shows, morning hikes and meditation, and s'mores by the fire pit– a large component of its show experience. Fireside Chat with Todd Reed & Sarah Graham moderated by Victoria Gomelsky JCK Tucson exhibits continue through the weekend (closing Sunday, February 7 at 4:00 pm) with a roster of synergistic events. Today will feature the UncommonGoods Design Challenge where the three finalists: Ayesha Mayadas, Kurtulan Designs and Majestic Art Jewelry will present to a panel of judges competing for a contract with the design-centric e-tailer. Friday night will include a special screening of the documentary Sharing the Rough, which follows the life of a gemstone, promising a truly unique viewing experience set under the starlit desert sky with a & Q&A with the film's director following the premiere. From German Artist Dunne "In planning for our third edition of JCK Tucson, we formed a Design Advisory Board who could speak to the unique needs of a show in Tucson. Listening to industry icons, we built this special event specifically with the discerning designer in mind," said Katie Dominesey, Industry Vice President of JCK Events. "We are ecstatic to be able to offer an oasis in Tucson at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa where retailers and designers can connect in a fun, relaxed way". German artist Leiss For more information, visit www.jckonline.com/tucson and follow @jckevents, #JCKTucson.

#TucsonGemShow - NEW RENEE NEWMAN BOOK DEBUTS AT AGTA GEMFAIR TODAY!

After a dry year, all you Gem Lovers are getting the news we've all been waiting for...

Renee Newman Debuts Exotic Gems #4 at the AGTA GemFair Tucson!

Exotic Gems, Volume 4: 

How to Identify, Evaluate and Select Jade & Abalone Pearls

Thurs. Feb. 4, 2016, 9 AM Renee  will join Jeff Mason and Kirk Makepeace for a Seminar titled, "Update on Jade Markets and Trends" .  immediately following that presentation there will be a book signing at the NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) booth in the "Hall of Educators"  located in the foyer of the Tucson Convention Center.

#TucsonGemShow What I Am Looking Forward To Seeing in 2016

Sophia By Design

AGTA GemFair Tuscon 

Booth numbers: 2401-2403
in the Tucson Convention Center
in the ballroom located right after the registers when you walk in.

Helen Serras-Herman

#TucsonGemShow #TBT Tucson 2015 - a few of my favorite things....

One of my most favorite thing is the new format of the Tucson EZ-Guide: 

A unique new engagement ring from Lord at the JCK Show:

This flirty earring featuring brushed metal as the gem from Sophia By Design:

The fabulous woman owned and operated Porini Gems:

Alishan never disappoints...loved his mask like pendants:

I always look forward to the latest beasties from ZORAB:

Over at the To Bead True Blue Show - Hot Cakes ROCKED!

I loved the glittery necklaces from Firefly Designs:

The raw gems of Jewelry by Kia:

...and these crazy man-made beads that seemed to have a light within!

In the big tent - GJX - Jefferey Bergman had these amazing sapphires along with his incredible collection of Trapiche Sapphire:

Rob Lowe had gorgeous bi-color and watermelon Tourmaline:

I shared a table with a woman who through this gem to me and asked if I knew what it was (FYI - it was the size of my thumb!): 

At AGTA my first stop is always PrimaGemsUSA:

Zoisite

Mint Tourmaline that turns pink in black light

The incredible Chi of Galatea tells us about the Momento Pearl

A NEW Leslie Weinberg Design

Erica Courtney Earrings and Csarite Ring

One of the newest shows...the new Glass only show! 

The Pueblo Show at the Riverpark is definitely a favorite...John Dyer's booth in the tent:

Marco with Gems In Gems:

Maury and Aisha introducing the featured speakers at the Mineral Lecture Series:

...and what a fun and educational series it is....

The always inspiring Aisha Jan of Rocksaholics

It is always a fun evening but bundle up!

 Just a little bit of the stunning Aquamarine that Rocksaholics brought to the show:

...at the Gem Mall

I got to meet my Facebook friend Ajay!

 Over at the Tucson City Center Hotel (InnSuites), Dinosaurs roamed the earth:

 Museum quality skeletons filled rooms:

Upstairs above the lobby is a designer showroom that will amaze you:

 At one of the Special Events for the Fine Mineral Show at the Westward Look, I met the incomparable cutter Victor Tuzlukov

...at the show:

A small sampling of the museum quality pieces this show attracts....