Jennifer Heebner, Editor in Chief
Last week we gave you a preview of what to expect to see at the Tucson shows, and this week we’re offering a few more treasures you can find on the AGTA GemFairTM Tucson show floor. You can also click through to the redesigned Prism Volume 1 magazine flipbook to see the “Treasures from Tucson” feature on page 65, which also casts a spotlight on new pieces to see at the show. Be sure to follow @agta_gems and @jenniferheebner on Instagram to see new pieces from the fairs.
Unheated Lilac Sapphire
“The center stone is a spectacular vivid lilac Sapphire that measures 8.7 x 11.91 mm. It was mined in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and has not been heated or treated in any way. The mounting was custom made specifically for this Sapphire out of 18K white gold and features H-I-color, SI-clarity round brilliant cut Diamonds (0.65 ctw.). It retails for $38,155.”
Philip Zahm, Philip Zahm Designs, AGTA booth #327
Tahitian Pearls & Opals
“The ‘Femme Libell’ necklace features a multicolored strand of Tahitian Pearls accented with a platinum and demantoid Garnet flower and titanium dragonflies. It retails for $20,400. We also have a ‘Blue Angel’ necklace in platinum with a 3.98 ct. blue Opal and pink and lavender Sapphires for $8,700.”
Zoltan David, Zoltan David Jewelry, AGTA booth #3318
Sun Queen Beryl
“I never cared much for Beryl before, to be honest, but now it is one of my favorite varieties. I think sometimes you just have to find a specimen that is cut in a way that resonates with you to really appreciate a gemstone. To me this piece is very much about the way the stone integrates into the design to create a very visceral feeling of liberation, a woman free of bondage and stepping into the light to become more, to become a queen in her own right. The Estrella Sun Queen neckpiece is hand fabricated in matte-finish sterling silver and 18K yellow gold with G-color, VS-clarity Diamonds (0.33 ctw.) with an approximate 27 ct. round golden Beryl cabochon. It retails for $10,200.”
Belle Brook Barer, Belle Brooke Designs, AGTA booth #3215
Umbalite Garnet
“This Bouquet ring in platinum is in a hand-engraved mounting and features an exceptional pinkish-purple 7.08 ct. umbalite Garnet surrounded by white Diamonds (1.44 ctw.). Its approximate retail value is $19,650. This Garnet comes from only one source, the Umba River Valley in Tanzania, and this stone is the definitive prized color.”
Dallas Prince, Dallas Prince Design, AGTA booth #300
Unheated Sapphire
“One of the amazing gems we’ll have in Tucson is a 10.37 ct. unheated oval-shape Sapphire that is believed to be of Burmese origin (we have two certs from 1996). It will have updated certification and origin verification at the show.”
Andrew Rosenblatt, Akiva Gil Company, AGTA booth #716
Viva Magenta
“This superb vivid red specimen has a vibrant magenta tone that matches Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2023, Viva Magenta! The gem is an unenhanced 21.36 ct. cushion-shape Spinel from Mahenge, Tanzania, that we value at $1.2 million.”
David Nassi, 100% Natural Ltd., AGTA booth #210
Munsteiner Cuff
“This is our first AGTA Tucson show, and we are bringing a lot of special and different works: gem-centric estate and vintage jewels and designer gem jewelry from private estates including an amazing 134.44 carat Citrine hinged cuff bracelet by Tom Munsteiner.”
Patricia Faber, Aaron Faber Gallery, AGTA booth #3310
Padparadscha Sapphire
“This padparadscha Sapphire is a top gem color with excellent clarity and cut. It’s a special rare find weighing 2.21 carats in an oval shape. It’s heated, from Madagascar, and has a keystone price of $17,570.”
Kambiz Sabouri, Gem 2000, AGTA booth #911
Australian Sapphire
“While Australian Sapphire has been part of Columbia Gem House’s selection for decades, we have copious amounts of teal, bicolor, and traditional blue rough that will be cut and debuted in both traditional and unique signature cutting styles for the 2023 shows.”
Eric Braunwart, Columbia Gem House, AGTA booth #1117
One of a Kind
“Over the years, I have fallen in love with gemstones that have been cut in Germany. Gorgeous colored gemstones, in general, are inspirational, but I wanted to make a piece of jewelry that was cut by award-winning Alexander Kreis. With this beautiful Morganite, I was able to make it happen. I also wanted to pay homage to Sonja Kreis with my design. The finished ring is a one-of-a-kind design made in 18K yellow gold with a 3.96 ct. Morganite purchased from Kreis. The ring also has G-H-color, SI1-SI2-clarity Diamonds (0.15 ctw.) and is retail priced at $8,280.”
Martha Seely, Martha Seely Jewelry, AGTA booth #3321
Original Brazilian Paraíba
“This will be the first exhibition of these original Brazilian Paraíba Tourmalines since 1990. All the stones are GIA-certified as Brazilian and include three color-change stones. These are super rare and will be exhibited by Intercolor at GemFair.”
Steven Stieglitz, NYC Gems at Intercolor USA, AGTA booth #507
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