#1.) Must-See Jewelry - 2025 Golden Globes

Dazzling Red Carpet Looks

Now Hear This - There Were Some Serious Earrings!

Lauralee –

Who Wore What Jewels –

"The 2025 Golden Globes featured some seriously unforgettable jewelry moments that had everyone talking. Zendaya’s engagement ring? It wasn’t just big, it was the most talked-about gem of the night!"

Lauralee's latest red carpet report highlights over a dozen fabulous celebrities wearing spectacular jewels at this year's Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

Nicole Kidman's 29.87 carats of deep purplish-blue tanzanite drops against the star's strawberry blonde hair was a true standout. (seen here)

"Emma Stone and Angelina Jolie took ear drama to a whole new level with bold ear climbers and cuffs," says Lauralee, "proving that when it comes to red carpet style, traditional is overrated. Meanwhile, Tiffany & Co. reigned supreme in the diamond game."

Opals made a big splash too at the Globes, with Anya Taylor-Joy wearing Tiffany's Blue Book Céleste Star Burst necklace—64 carats of crystal opals and diamonds.

Tap here to see the jewels worn by movie stars on the red carpet, courtesy of WhoWoreWhatJewels.com

Second week in a row!

#2.) Sotheby’s Geneva November Recap

– A Lesson in Diamond Grading

What You Can Learn from a Lab Report

Gary Roskin –

Roskin Gem News Report –

13 November 2024

Geneva

The Magnificent Jewels Sale this past November in Geneva featured quite a few fancy color diamonds, with four that really caught our attention.

The first, of course, was the Fancy Red—a highlight of the auction. The color grade and general quality notations are fairly straightforward, but it’s always important to discuss the rarity of a red diamond.

Next was the large round brilliant graded Very Light Pink, which sold for 1.2 million seen in the picture here. The color grade of “Very Light Pink” isn’t considered a “Fancy” color grade, so why the big price tag? We need to clarify a few details about this one.

Then, there was the Fancy Orangy-Pink diamond that sold for more than three times its high estimate, raising the question: why? We think we have an idea.

And finally, there’s the Fancy Intense Yellow, which, based on the photos in the catalog, appears to be very close to a Fancy Vivid. Let’s discuss the challenges of grading based on catalog images and grading reports.

Tap here for a few diamond grading lessons, courtesy of Sotheby's



#3.) What's Happening with Aussie Opal Mining?

That's the Question, but What's the Problem?

January 14, 2025

Samuel Ord

JewellerMagazine.com

Jeweller Magazine, an Australian publication, reports that "Debate over the future of opal mining in New South Wales has continued in recent weeks as the industry continues to reject proposed legislative changes."

This January Jeweller Magazine report actually begins from a story posted in Australia's Mining Monthly, that follows the minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, whose department's review "discovered" 3,343 mineral claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs that are now "impacted by invalid decisions."

The review, and proposed new rules, has since caused a fight between opal miners and farmers. The miners are saying that the new rules proposed for their industry, created by the results of the discovery of these 3,343 "invalid" claims, will "send them broke.” You can learn all about these new rules from two news reports we have here.

Tap here to read, listen, and watch what is happening right now in Lightning Ridge!

According to the 2025 Tucson Gem Shows website, "The most complete, accurate and up-to-date Gem Show schedule anywhere!" there are more shows than we recall... but then, we are never there long enough to see all of them (or even half of them!).

Check out the list here!

TucsonGemShows.net

Registration for Converge, the singular gem and jewelry event combining the unique expertise of the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is now open.

Industry professionals, including AGS members, can explore registration options and other key details for the September 7 – 10, 2025 event in Carlsbad, CA, at www.ConvergeEvent.com.

– GIA Press Release –

CARLSBAD, Calif. –

January 27, 2025 – 

“Converge brings together the best of AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium in an exciting, first-of-its-kind opportunity for education, professional development and networking with leaders from every sector of the gem and jewelry industry,” said AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh, RJ. 

“With the unprecedented challenges in the gem and jewelry industry, the expertise, experience and innovation offered by AGS and GIA have never been more critical,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “That is why we are making AGS and GIA’s combined expertise and experience available at Converge through education, knowledge, groundbreaking research and unparalleled networking.” 

Tap Here for more information and registration!

"Columbia Gem House, an industry leader in responsible gemstone sourcing, is proud to announce an exclusive collaboration with Cheal Opal, an Australian-based brand renowned for its legacy of family mining and artistry, with some of their work featured on Discovery Channel’s popular Outback Opal Hunters. Together, they will introduce a new line of calibrated Lightning Ridge opals, setting a new standard for both quality and artistry in the industry."



We warmly invite you to join us at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson, held from February 3–9 at the Tucson Convention Center. This event brings together the finest gemstones, innovative designs, and the expertise of the Omi Privé and Omi Gems team, who will personally guide you through our stunning collection.

We will be showcasing an exquisite selection of gemstones that embody a full array of color. Mark your calendar and prepare for an unforgettable visit to the AGTA GemFair.

Visit us at Booth #401



Nick from OM Imports invites you to visit at Booth No. 507 between 10 am and 6 pm daily and explore the exceptional diamonds that define OM Imports.

◊ Salt & Pepper Diamonds

◊ White Diamonds perfectly matched pairs, and melee.

◊ Rustic, Black, and Brown Diamonds

◊ Diamond Beads



Welcome to Constantin Wild's

"Cyber Gem Gallery 2025"

at the Tucson GJX Show

where the journey into a fantastic world of haute uniqueness continues

We are looking forward to welcoming you again!

ANZA is thrilled to be returning to Tucson as part of the Ethical Gem Suppliers. We can’t wait to see you there!

We have been busy over the past few months preparing for the magical color vortex in the desert known as Tucson! We’re so excited to announce that we have dozens of new ANZA gems and Moyo gems ready for debut.

We will be at the Ethical Gem Fair with our full collection, 9am to 6pm Saturday through Tuesday, and our Moyo Gems Collection will be on display at the Out of the Jewel Box Experience from Thursday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Please reach out and make an appointment to see the full collection. 

From Mine to Cutter to Tucson!

VirtuGem will be in Tucson showing at the Ethical Gem Suppliers Show at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 160 South Scott Avenue

Day: February 1-4

Time: 9am to 6pm 

Join us on Sunday, February 2nd from 4 to 6pm at the Scottish Rite Cathedral to celebrate our dear ambassador from Zambia, Pauline Mundia who will be turning 70!! 



AGTA BOOTH #1123

It's time for the Tucson Gem Shows, and we’re really looking forward to seeing you! This year we've greatly expanded our selection of American turquoise from our mines and other Nevada classics. You will find the turquoise you need for your lines as well as for those special individual jewelry pieces.

Our vintage turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, and lapis lazuli selection is newly refreshed from the incredible century-long collection we're working with, along with an additional selection of vintage gemstone items.



And of course, we'll be bringing the beautiful jelly gem cabochons and faceted stones that you love...all natural color!! Tourmaline from California and Afghanistan, glowing Hessonite Garnets, yummy Holley Chalcedony, blazing hot Fire Opals and so much more!!

You will find true treasures for your designs at Out of Our Mines!!!

DMM TRADERS invites you to visit us at the:

GEM & JEWELRY EXCHANGE, BOOTH #411  

Sant

Gemstones since 1963

Please visit us at GJX

Booth # 2200, 3003, 3005

We are already looking forward to Tucson and it would be a pleasure seeing you again.

We still have same location in GJX tent - BOOTH #4002 in Idar-Oberstein group.

Beside exclusive high quality necklaces we also present a nice variety of cut stones like tourmaline, rainbow moonstone, mandarin garnet, tanzanite and tsavorite.

Wishing you a save journey and looking forward seeing you soon!

With best regards,

Hans & Stefan



Dear Customers and Gemstone Lovers,

 

This year, the GJX Tucson Gem Show takes place from

3 - 8 February 2025.

We are happy to welcome you to our Booth #4006!

We always seek high-quality gemstones like Ruby, Sapphire, Padparadscha, Paraiba Tourmaline, Imperial Topaz & Aquamarine. These high-grade investment stones stand as steadfast guardians of your wealth.

In combination with the Classic-Cut and our Kreis-Cut, we can offer you a vast range of rarity, art, and investment to make sure that you will stand out.

We are happy to see you soon!

AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award

Established in 2000, the AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award was created to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the field of gemology and pays homage to the legacy of Antonio C. Bonanno, a pivotal force in the formation of the Association.

Selected by a majority vote of the AGA membership, the recipient receives global recognition, a specially commissioned plaque and medallion, and an honorarium funded by AGA members.

The Bonanno Award encourages and rewards advances in gemological research, education, innovation, and ethical practices in the field of gemology.

This year's recipient, Dr Michael S. Krzemnicki is director at the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF, internationally reputed as leading laboratory for the testing of coloured stones, diamonds and pearls. 

Apart from working at the SSEF since more than 25 years, he is lecturer at the University Basel and is supervising gemmology-related research projects in collaboration with Swiss universities and international research facilities. In 2017, he was awarded the Gemmological Excellence Award of the Swiss Gemmological Society.

Furthermore, he is appointed member of the Scientific Board of the Swiss Gemmological Society SGS, the Executive Board of the International Gemmological Conference IGC, the Committee on Gemstone Varietal Names (CVN) by CIBJO, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee LMHC, the Technical Board for the Standardization of Fei Cui (Jadeite) Testing by HKTDC, and further technical and editorial boards.

As an internationally renowned expert he is a frequent speaker at gemmological conferences worldwide and has published numerous articles in scientific and trade journals on gems, pearls, and new analytical testing methods.

Tap here for more on the Bonanno Award and Past Winners!

US Ethical Gem Fair Tucson February 1st-4th

9am till 6pm daily

"The Destination for Responsibly Sourced Gemstones from around the World"

A collaborative partnership of leading responsibly sourced gemstone suppliers

Ian Bone/Heather Blake (Capricorn Gems), Stuart Pool (Nineteen48/Moyo Gems), Monica Stephenson (ANZA Gems/Moyo Gems), Jay Moncada (Perpetuum Jewels), Brian Cook/Quendi Cook (Nature's Geometry/Quore), Hewan Zewdi (Agere Treasures), Eric Braunwart/Natasha Braunwart (Columbia Gem House) and Susan Wheeler/Jessica Hudson (Virtu Gems) will gather in Tucson at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

"The fifth U.S. Ethical Gemstone Fair will see gemstones available from gem suppliers with a commitment to ethics in the gemstone supply chain, including supporting artisanal miners and communities, verifiable origins and traceability, commitment to environmental and health and safety regulations, and SCS-certified recycled diamonds and gemstones."

"The gemstones available will include a wide range of Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Chrysoprase, Garnet, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Spinel, Zircon, Aquamarine, Topaz, Morganite and Bahia Golden Rutilated Quartz and others from around the world."

"These gems come from sources in Sri Lanka, Australia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Brazil, Ethiopia, and the USA, some with verifiable provenance to the country of export, country of origin, and even to the mine or miner."

"Jewelry designers attending Tucson will be able to view and purchase gemstones and diamonds with the assurance of responsible sourcing and practices. Suppliers can provide specific details about the source of each gemstone to every customer."

Tap here to find out more!

Color’s Premier Show

"AGTA GemFair Tucson is recognized as color’s premier show for the finest natural colored gemstones, natural Pearls, and cultured Pearls. Renowned for its unparalleled selection, the show offers a wide selection of exceptional gemstones, jewelry, and jewelry-related supplies and services from sellers committed to following the most stringent Code of Ethics in the industry."

Plus So Much More

"Attendees and exhibitors can also deepen their knowledge through the expert-led AGTA Seminar Series, networking, and business-building opportunities."

TCC - Tucson Convention Center

260 South Church, Tucson

Tap here to find out LOTS more!

GJX premiered in 1994 with only 35 booths and became the fastest growing gem show in Tucson’s gem show history now boasting nearly 700 booths held in a 120,000 square foot ultra-structure that is fully carpeted and climate controlled. We are a “wholesale-to-the-trade-only” show and limited to finished jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, gem carvings and/or related lapidary equipment and packaging. Only qualified buyers will be admitted into the show.

We offer the same amenities found in many of the shows held in permanent facilities, such as a food court, coffee bar, along with a helpful, friendly staff. We also offer spacious aisles for the convenience of our buyers. Armed, off-duty Tucson Police personnel are on-site 24-hours a day to ensure the safety of our staff, buyers and exhibitors.

There are currently about 48 independently owned and operated shows held almost simultaneously during the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show, with over 3,000 exhibitors citywide.

Tap here for the link to the GJX for more details!

Vincent Pardieu will be in Tucson and so will Mineral Talks LIVE!

"Do you want a more personal, in-depth connection with some of the most fascinating people in the mineral world? Then tune in to Mineral Talks LIVE - the monthly LIVE interview series where we sit down with guests from all over the world and talk rocks. Collectors, Curators, Curatrixes, Artists, Researchers, Publishers, Dealers and more. We get into their origin stories and get updated on some of the things they're working on now. It's always fun, often educational and one of the best ways to learn more about the people who make the mineral world what it is."

"Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month, listen to our LIVE talks and get a chance to ask our guests your own questions. It's one of the best and exciting new ways to keep us all connected in-between our normal mineral shows."

"Mineral Talks LIVE - Brought to you by Dr. Raquel Alonso-Perez of The Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard University (MGMH), Dr. Eloïse Gaillou of l’École des Mines de Paris, and The Society of Mineral Museums Professionals (SMMP) and Bryan Swoboda of BlueCap Productions."

Tap here to subscribe and get on the email list!

Trade Shows

TUCSON

JOGS Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 29 – February 9, 2025

The Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 30 – February 11, 2025

Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 31 – February 15, 2025

Westward Look Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 31- February 3

Ethical Gem Fair Tucson

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 1-4, 2025

AGTA GemFair

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 3-9, 2025

Gem & Jewelry Exchange GJX

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 3-8, 2025

Out of the Jewel Box Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 6-8, 2025

THE 69th TGMS Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 13-16, 2025

POST TUCSON

The Melbourne Jewellery Expo

Melbourne, Australia

– February 1-3, 2025

Inhorgenta Munich

Munich, Germany

– February 21–24, 2025 

Feninjer

Sao Paulo, Brazil

– February 10-13, 2025

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand

69th Edition – Bangkok, Thailand

– TBD

Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair (TGJTA)

Impact Challenger, Bangkok Thailand.

– TBD



HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show

Hong Kong, China Asia World Expo

– March 2-6, 2025 AWE