The American Gem Society (AGS) Suppliers’ Reception and Showcase occurs annually during the American Gem Society’s Conclave, the industry’s premier educational and networking event.
This year’s Conclave was held in Nashville, TN, and the AGS Suppliers’ Reception and Showcase featured 16 AGS members. Below are photos from the highly successful evening, featuring the incredible jewelry and the lovely ladies who modeled them.
Like tourists to the Grand Canyon, thousands of people routinely descend on Tucson, Arizona, in the first quarter of every year. The reason? Gemstones!
An annual gathering of miners and cutters that is loosely dubbed the “Tucson Gem Shows” is the draw, with 40-plus individual fairs targeting largely professional buyers of rough and loose stones and some finished jewelry.
While some venues permit entry to consumers, the bulk of the shows exist to serve the business-to-business audience. As a longtime member of the trade, the American Gem Society secures entry to the toniest destination in town—the American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair Tucson, held Jan. 31 to Feb. 5—to find out what AGS member artisans brought for your favorite stores to buy.To wit, here are three trends that you can shop by fall.
To wit, here are three trends that you can shop by fall.
Colored gemstone halo style engagement rings. You’re accustomed to seeing all-diamond halo-style rings in stores, but colored stone merchants are getting in on this style game with their own vivid versions. Think naturally color-changing alexandrite melee surrounding purple spinel at OMI Gems, or multiple hues of fancy color sapphires. These options are fresh in terms of look and can also help contain costs, depending on the gems. “Young couples are really interested in color for engagement rings—and not just blue!” observes Kambiz Sabouri, president of Gem 2000.
Ring with a purple spinel center stone and a halo of diamonds and alexandrite from OMI Gems.
Unexpected color combinations. From rare pink Mahenge spinels with Mozambique ruby to opals with tsavorite or mandarin garnet, there are no rules for robust and beautifully colored gem pairings. In fact, Royal India isn’t creating anything that could be considered a basic look anymore; instead, it is making one-of-a-kinds. “People are tired of being ‘dull,’” remarks CEO Vishal Kotahwala. Helping to grow the numbers of sui generis? Rare stones like Paraiba tourmaline. “Paraiba with anything is wonderful,” notes Sabrina Bindra, director of sales and marketing for B & B Fine Gems.
Earrings with mixed colors of gemstones from Royal India.
Long necklaces for layering. Length remains a go-to for many fine jewelry-buying fashionistas. Versatility is one reason—heard of layering?—but so is a variety of materials. Long necklaces from pearl maker Mastoloni feature not just round or baroque shapes of South Sea pearls but also gemstone accents. And at Jye’s International, lightweight numbers, particularly 36-inch-long necklaces with rose-cut sapphires, are most in demand. “The younger generation loves to mix up their wardrobes with functional pieces,” says founder Jennifer Chang.
Multi-strand necklace with rose-cut multi-color sapphires from Jye’s International.
Want to learn more about these gemstones and trends? Do you have your own designs in mind? Visit an AGS-certified jeweler near you and they’ll be happy to help you find the gems and look that’s right for you!
During the American Gem Society’s Conclave, held April 13-16, 2016 in Washington, D.C., Jewelers of America produced their annual Fashion Show. This much-anticipated show starred AGS suppliers and their gorgeous jewelry! After the show, guests mingled with their AGS suppliers for a closer look at what the models were wearing.
We’d like to thank all of the participants for showing their support and making this event a huge success! Not pictured is Grunberger Diamonds, who displayed their exquisite diamonds at the AGS Suppliers’ Showcase.
A special thanks goes to Ella-Rue for providing the luxury fashions complimenting the jewelry.
By Robin Skibicki There are two birthstones that represent the month of March: aquamarine and bloodstone. Both are beautiful and unique gems, but aquamarine is currently the most popular of jewelry designers and wearers.
The aquamarine gemstone is a member of the beryl family—same as the emerald—and its colors can range in tones from colorless pale blue, to blue green or teal. The larger the stone, the more intense the color. The most valuable gemstones come from Brazil, but is also mined in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.
This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, guaranteeing a safe voyage ahead. It is said its serene colors can cool the temper, allowing the wearer to be calm and levelheaded. This leads to heightened awareness, better communication, and the ability to retort with a quick response.
The healing powers associated with the aquamarine gemstone are believed to cure ailments of the liver, jaws, stomach and throat. The transparent aquamarine was once used to make eyeglasses and lenses.
Now that you know a little more about these brilliant blue beauties, here are a few exquisite examples of how designers showcase the gorgeous gem.
An 18K white gold stunner by AG Gems, with an 9.59 carat aquamarine flanked by blue sapphires, accented by diamonds.
Aquamarine and diamond pendant, a new addition to Jye’s International Inc. Luxury Collection.
Elegant dangle earrings by Spark Creations, featuring aquamarine and diamonds.
A glistening collection of aquamarine favorites by SUNA Bros.
A diamond swan and garnets frame a soothing, 75.59 carat aquamarine. The Swan Lake pendant by Yael Designs.
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This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, guaranteeing a safe voyage ahead. It is said its serene colors can cool the temper, allowing the wearer to be calm and levelheaded. This leads to heightened awareness, better communication, and the ability to retort with a quick response.
