(Dallas, Texas), February 19, 2020 – Social media is still buzzing, hot on the heels of a highly successful AGTA GemFair™ Tucson. With packed aisles and increased buyer attendance, GemFair generated hundreds of posts on social media outlets, including Instagram®, FaceBook®, and Twitter®. Leading the effort on behalf of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), were the AGTA Gembassadors™ – hosted social media influencers who featured highlights from GemFair before, during, and after the show. This year’s Gembassadors included: Tracey Ellison & Bebe Bakshi, The Diamonds Girl, Champagne Gems, and Luxury Jewellery Events; Severine Ferrari, Engagement 101; Danielle Miele, Gem Gossip; Barbara Palumbo, Adornmentality; and Becky Stone, Diamonds in the Library.
Another big draw to GemFair were the many special exhibits exclusive to AGTA GemFair™ Tucson. Collaborating with AGTA since 2012, the renowned “Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection” was a gathering spot for many attendees, eager to peruse the lapidary exhibits and special projects. “With a strong focus on furthering education through exhibiting at AGTA, ‘Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection’ was proud to host more than 130 collaborations with miners, gem dealers, cutters, designers, and craftspeople,” said Shelly Sergent, Curator. “We had an outstanding turnout, lots of great gatherings, and always, so much fun!”
Furthering their mission of education, “Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection” hosted multiple gem cutters for a learning session with area high school students who attended GemFair with the Jewelry Career Initiatives Program sponsored by the Diamond Council of America (DCA). The students had the opportunity to tour GemFair, meet with mentors, and practice hands-on skills with gemstones at a luncheon hosted by AGTA. “This year, we had two high schools participate from across Arizona,” said Rebecca Shukan, Director, Jewelry Career Initiatives Program. “The program promotes the jewelry industry through the business and marketing pathways in high schools across the country. Attending GemFair is an amazing opportunity for the students to learn about the industry first-hand and is energizing for those that get to teach them as well.”
The GILC – ICA’s invitation-only Gem Industry Laboratory Conference, was once again held in Tucson on Monday, February 3rd, at the Tucson Convention Center, hosted by AGTA. This year’s featured topic, unstable color in gemstones, was sparked by newly discovered gems with tenebrescence – the ability of a gem to change color when exposed to sunlight. Recent finds of “Padparadscha” with fading color prompted the discussion.
“At a recent meeting of the LMHC (Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee), sapphires that appear at first to be pink-orange Padparadscha, but eventually fade to a pink sapphire will not be called “Padparadscha,” said Gary Roskin, CEO, ICA “And because of these new finds, now all stones submitted to the laboratories are tested for color stability.”
Back by popular demand was the “At the Bench Live” program, sponsored by the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA). This MJSA’s interactive “At the Bench Live” sessions featured some of the industry’s most renowned jewelers demonstrating tips, best practices, and innovative approaches to common (and not so common) repair and fabrication projects.
The GILC Meeting was one of many special events held around GemFair, from annual association meetings to the hottest social events. “One of the great things about AGTA GemFair™ Tucson is that it encompasses the whole industry,” said Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “There’s an exciting synergy here between associations, educators, influencers, exhibitors and buyers that is unique and is a vital part of the magic of GemFair.”
The next AGTA GemFair™ takes place in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, as part of The Collective, with the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show. It will be held June 1 – 5, 2020. Registration is now open: https://agta.org/register-for-gemfair-las-vegas/.
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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