The JCK Tucson show continues through Sunday

The picturesque JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa welcomed guests, exhibitors, retailers, and members of the media to the JCK Tucson jewelry show, which opened Feb. 3. In this the show’s third year, several major improvements have been made, including a new look with new booth structures, lounges, and a signature coffee shop. The environment is upscale yet casual, offering a warm atmosphere for business and discovery.

JCK Tucson’s designer ballroom, featuring names such as Todd Reed, Alishan, Boaz Kashi, Aaron Henry, Dorian & Rose, and Nina Nguyen, exemplifies what the show has to offer. “I was excited to see the new look and feel of JCK Tucson,” said retail jeweler Lisa Bridge of Ben Bridge. “It combines the right mix of what you hope to find in Tucson and the quality you expect to find from JCK.”

The “Inside the Designers Studio” fireside chat on Feb. 3 kicked off the show and featured talented designers Todd Reed and Sarah Graham and was moderated by JCK magazine’s editor-in-chief, Victoria Gomelsky. “The setting is incredible. It’s a fantastic mix of artists, and we love the educational element that JCK added to the show,” said Squash Blossom‘s Patti Cogswell of the standing-room-only event. “When I think of the roster of talent that I’ve worked with over the years, Todd Reed and Sarah Graham immediately come to mind when I think of camaraderie and sharing information. They are both such smart businesspeople, and it was a great decision to have them lead us in a fireside chat that created warmth and collaboration.”

A new hosted retailer program is helping to bring in some of the most design-savvy stores in the country, including the aforementioned Squash Blossom, Aaron Faber Gallery, Broadmoor Jewelry Co., Patina Gallery, and I. Gorman. With multiple jewelry events in the area, Tucson was the place for visitors to be this week. Understanding the need for relaxation between busy, business-filled days, JCK has made spa-like features and conveniences such as transporation between shows, morning hikes, and meditation available to its guests.

“In planning for our third edition of JCK Tucson, we formed a Design Advisory Board that could speak to the unique needs of a show in Tucson,” said JCK Events industry vice president Katie Dominesey. “Listening to industry icons, we built this special event specifically with the discerning designer in mind. “We are ecstatic to be able to offer an oasis in Tucson at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa where retailers and designers can connect in a fun, relaxed way.”

Feb. 5’s events include a special screening of Sharing the Rough (a documentary that follows the life of a gemstone) beneath the starlit desert sky. The show continues through Feb. 7.

For more information, visit jckonline.com/tucson.

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor