Ethical Gem Fair and OJB Experience Return to Tucson’s Scottish Rite Cathedral

By Victoria Gomelsky | January 28, 2026

For the third year in a row, Tucson’s Scottish Rite Cathedral will host back-to-back fairs during the gem shows when the Ethical Gem Fair (Jan. 30–Feb. 2) and the “Out of the Jewel Box” (OJB) Experience (Feb. 4–7) return to the historic downtown venue. Located at 160 S. Scott Avenue, the building is just minutes from the convention center.

Natures Geometry quartz crystal — *Rutilated quartz crystal from Brazil at Nature’s Geometry*

The Ethical Gem Fair features eight brands, a mix of jewelry designers and gem dealers, committed to using traceable materials and invested in responsible sourcing: Agere Treasures, Anza Gems, Capricorn Gems, Columbia Gem House, Nature’s Geometry/Quore, Nineteen48, Perpetuum Jewels, and Virtu Gem.

Columbia Gem House Liberia Star Sapphire Vietnam Star Ruby — *In Tucson, Columbia Gem House will show star sapphire cabochons from Liberia and cabochon star rubies from Vietnam.*

For the first time, the event will feature a designer showcase of finished jewels that incorporate consciously sourced gemstones in order to highlight intentional design and material choices, as well as draw the link between responsible sourcing and its final expression in jewelry. Buyers, don’t miss the happy hour on Sunday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m., and the optional “Sip & Stamp” scavenger hunt.

Anza citrines — *Anza Gems is bringing these matched 2.54 ct. and 2.78 ct. citrines to the Ethical Gem Fair.*

Come Wednesday, Feb. 4, when the OJB Experience opens, the show floor expands to accommodate a dozen exhibitors including Sorbet Sapphire, Gold and Smoke, Swedish GemGroup, Renisis, Rémy Rotenier, GemologyGeek, Moyo Gems, Atelier Zobel, Integrity Gems, PCD Pearls, Willow Diamonds, and Renata Cambauva Jewelry. A Wednesday evening welcome party, “Cocktails at the Cathedral,” runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual, it serves as the kickoff for the event and as the platform for a major announcement about OJB’s evolution.

Remy Rotenier brooch — *Amoeba brooch in sterling silver and 22k yellow gold with ruby and diamond (on back), $2,480; Rémy Rotenier*

“All previous years’ exhibitors will be returning, with the addition of a handful of new carefully curated and exciting brands that beautifully complement our unique and intimate Out of the (Jewel) Box Experience,” OJB cofounder Kelly Selcer Phoundoulakis tells JCK. “The OJB will have a retro-chic coffee cart and bistro-style tables positioned in front of the Scottish Rite Cathedral serving specialty coffee drinks. Attendees will be issued a coupon upon entry to the show to enjoy a free specialty coffee on us (while supplies last).” The coffee cart is sponsored in part by JCK.

Gold and Smoke platinum chain bracelet — *Platinum custom link bracelet, $14,025; Gold and Smoke*

“Lastly, we are excited about the addition of our speaker series that will take place on Saturday,” Phoundoulakis adds. “It will include a rotation of short sessions with speakers engaging in thoughtful and pertinent topics designed to benefit our industry community.”

Atelier Zobel designer Peter Schmid will use the OJB show as a platform to debut his newest collection, The Power of Light, a tribute to crystals in all their splendor. “We always look for interesting stones, the ones that truly touch the soul, that stand out,” says Michael Schrodt, the brand’s head of communications. “We wanted to make tangible the light that shapes our world, hence our alternative title, Frozen Light. Combined with Peter Schmid’s signature design style and masterful craftsmanship, The Power of Light is a collection of bold one-of-a-kind pieces.”

Atelier Zobel cuff — *Cuff in sterling silver, 22k and 24k yellow gold, and palladium with rock crystal and diamonds, $14,000; Atelier Zobel*

Meanwhile, Renisis designer Sardwell will be showcasing new one-of-kind pieces from the brand’s Curl collection and Infinity Loop Series, including a new ring execution featuring a large blue-green indicolite tourmaline. “This deceptively simple ring was very hard to construct and balance on the finger and took months to develop,” Sardwell tells JCK. “Another addition is the Infinity Loop earrings with pavé diamonds, adding a shimmer of diamonds to every movement. And lastly, a pair of unique one-of-a-kind Curl earrings with bullet rose-cut diamonds—very sculptural, edgy, and truly out of this world.”

Renisis Infinity Hoop earrings — *Infinity Loop earrings in 18k yellow gold with 0.54 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,900; Renisis*

Gold and Smoke, Phoundoulakis’ brand, is planning to introduce a series of jade bracelets and necklaces featuring a beveled edge custom toggle and jump ring. “We are also digging deeper into our Continuum series, which has a bit of a deco vibe,” she says. “We’ll be showcasing a new stick pin from this series featuring a gorgeous pear-shape fancy deep yellow-orange diamond.”

Gold and Smoke Guatemalan jade bracelet — *Green Guatemalan jade bracelet with 18k yellow gold toggle, diamonds, and 18k yellow gold chain and ring, $3,685; Gold and Smoke*

Gold and Smoke orange diamond Continuum stick pin — Continuum stick pin in 18k yellow gold with 1.17 ct. fancy deep yellowish-orange diamond, oxidized sterling silver flattened bullet, diamonds, quartz, and 18k yellow gold pin cap, $71,745; Gold and Smoke

For Erica Silverglide, the founder and creative director of GemologyGeek, an education, gem sourcing, and custom jewelry atelier service in New York City, OJB will serve as a platform for the debut of her first collection, a line of one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the years she’s spent “understanding how gemstones truly perform, from faceted structure and light behavior to color and rarity,” Silverglide tells JCK.

GemologyGeek ring — *Ring in 18k gold with 4.29 cts. t.w. pink and yellow bicolor tourmalines and diamonds, price on request; Gemology Geek*

“Each piece pairs fine gemstones with faceted metal work details inspired by art deco, antique filigree, and modern architecture,” she says, adding that jewels have a superpower: “All the diamonds fluoresce blue.”

Top: Cuff in sterling silver and 22k and 24k yellow gold with amethysts and diamonds, $30,000; Atelier Zobel