Dallas, Texas, February 12, 2020 – The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) celebrated its 38th AGTA GemFair Tucson this year with near record crowds of buyers. The show, which ran from February 4th through the 9th, houses over 300 exhibiting companies and welcomed over 7,800 buyers from around the globe. “This was a banner year for many of our exhibitors,” said Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “Attendance by our clients was exceptional and their enthusiasm carried over into robust sales. Many of our exhibiting companies had the best show they have ever had. Our buyers certainly enjoyed the incredible inventory of beautiful gemstones and pearls and they continually mentioned how our newly redesigned Grand Ballroom, with over fifty designers and antique dealers, gave them a comfortable salon like experience in which to shop.”
Over the course of six days, AGTA attendees enjoyed over 38 different gemstone related seminars; a Tools and Technology Pavilion; a CAD Design Studio; and “At the Bench Live” presentations, sponsored by MJSA. Onsite gemstone report services were provided by Guild Laboratories, GIA, American Gemological Laboratories, along with Gubelin and SSEF from Europe. Other special exhibits, including the Smithsonian Institution – Extraordinary Cultured and Natural Pearls; Angie Crabtree, phenomenal gemstone artist; and the 2019 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Winners Showcase.
“AGTA GemFair Tucson never disappoints! Tucson to me is the “Super Bowl” of all gem shows and 2020 exceeded my expectations” says Kimberly Collins, Kimberly Collins Colored Gemstones, “We have the creme de la creme of exhibitors, the Smithsonian Institute, and the 2019 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Winners Showcase. AGTA GemFair is the one-stop shopping experience in Tucson!”
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson also featured many special events including the Scotty Woodward Classic 5k, benefitting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arizona. This year’s Classic had a record-breaking of runners and raised over $7,000.
Another crowd favorite was the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala, which honored the 2019 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ winners. The last award of the year, the Buyers’ Choice award, which voted on by attendees, went to Almut Belote of Almut Belote Jewelry for her rubellite Tourmaline necklace. “The AGTA Tucson Gem Fair was full of first-time experiences; winning an Honorable Mention in the Spectrum Awards, having my award winning piece displayed for all to view, exhibiting my jewelry collection, and receiving the Buyers’ Choice Award” says Almut Belote, Almut Belote Jewelry, “My work is an extension of who I am, having peers in the industry honor me with their vote is the best reward for many years of hard work. It fuels me to create more.” AGTA GemFair™ Tucson dates for 2021 are February 2 – 7, 2021 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an association of United States and Canadian trade professionals dedicated to promoting the long term stability and integrity of the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industries. The Association pursues its goals through the combined use of educational programs, publicity, industry events, government and industry relations, and printed materials for both the trade and consumer. The AGTA is well-known in the gemstone and jewelry industries for maintaining the highest ethical standards.
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