Laura Finkelstein is right; the show season is upon us. My January show circuit includes the Jewelers of America venue in New York, and Centurion and a variety of gem shows in Tucson.

The shows are rich sources of information for JCK editors. We learn of new jewelry trends, merchant tips and tricks, what’s selling and what’s not, and the welfare of our industry friends. At the most recent Jewelers of America jewelry I got an earful of happy news from some of my industry pals.

For example, Bill Callahan from Sterling Possessions (its own branded line is Thistle & Bee) excitedly told me about his company’s health. Its fine gift sales and private label business continue to flourish. The addition of a jewelry-only booth at the JA show better meets industry interest in their creations. A new web site at www.thistleandbeesilver.com is helping business grow, and so is an underused etiquette move: thank you notes to customers.

Marya from Marya Dabrowski enthusiastically showed me some of her newest jewelry. [A whiskey quartz ring with rubies was one of them.] So were sterling silver versions of many of her beaded creations, price points down for those who can’t purchase her work in gold. We also chatted giddily about the upcoming Tucson show, a candy store for rock hounds.

At Monday night’s Tanzanite Celebration of Life Jewellery Design Awards, I watched Turkish jeweler, Sevan, accept an award for one of his amazing rings. Kwiat’s Janice Debell (profiled in JCK’s Luxury Magazine in summer 2005) also got an award for a beautiful pair of earrings. And as always, Sarah Cort and Amy Williamson of the Tanzanite Foundation happily mingled with guests (their presence always makes events special).

Michelle Orman, Lup Rocks, organized an impromptu gathering immediately after the Tanzanite bash. About a dozen folks from various jewelry media gathered at the Hyatt on Lexington (near the Tanzanite event at the New York Public Library) to chat and catch up.

More fun to come over the next week during Centurion and the Tucson gem shows! I leave tomorrow morning for a week of work and festivities. Stop back to the blog and I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening in the desert this week.

JCK