The industry abuzz about the 2016 JCK Tucson jewelry show, which takes place Feb. 3–7 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, is heating up. The most notable development: Exhibiting space in the Design Center has completely sold out, prompting the show to add a limited number of new, exclusive design salons. In addition, several engaging events have been added to the calendar, including a special Friday night screening of the award-winning documentary Sharing the Rough, the UncommonGoods Design Challenge, and Inside the Designers Studio fireside chat, headlined by Todd Reed and Sarah Graham.

Along with the impressive schedule of events is an equally important lineup of exhibitors, including but not limited to the aforementioned Todd Reed, Nina Nguyen, Boaz Kashi, Kurtulan, Michael Jensen Designs, Dorian & Rose, and Alexis Barbeau. JCK Tucson will welcome 50 of the best design-focused retailers in the industry, including Aaron Faber, Broadmoor Jewelry Co., Christensen Heller Gallery, I. Gorman Jewelers, Marthaler Jeweler, Squash Blossom, Talisman Collection, and more.

“The JCK Tucson show comes at the perfect time of year for us to stock up after the holidays,” said Adam Gorman, president of I. Gorman Jewelers. “This will be our first year attending the show, and we look forward to building new relationships both on the show floor and off.”

JCK Tucson’s event program is tailored to mirror the show’s focus on unique design and craftsmanship, capturing the spirit of artisanal-minded design and manufacturing. With the Inside the Designers Studio fireside chat, master talents Todd Reed and Sarah Graham will offer retailers and designers insight into the vision and impressive careers of two of the industry’s most noted design icons. The chat will be moderated by JCK magazine’s editor-in-chief, Victoria Gomelsky.

Friday evening’s screening of heralded documentary Sharing the Rough, which will take place under the starts, will surely appeal to all attendees. The film chronicles the journey of a single rough gemstone from an East African mine to a piece of finished jewlery. In addition to a cocktail reception, the event will also feature a Q&A with the film’s director, writer, and producer, Orin J. Mazzoni III. Invitations to the screening will be sent out next week.

“We are very excited with the response we are getting for Tucson and how the 2016 show is shaping up,” said JCK events industry vice president Katie Dominesey. “Our mission for JCK Tucson is to celebrate design and give our design-focused community a unique, eclectic environment to connect. As any visitor to Tucson Gem Week knows, it is a time to treasure hunt and inspire. We are ecstatic to have such a positive response to a lot of the changes we’ve made. We look forward to seeing everyone at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, a place that is unlike any in Tucson.”

For more information on the show, visit jckonline.com/tucson.

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor