Arizona: feels like New Mexico

I hit the road today on my “first business trip”… well, ever… (not counting the hour drive up to Ventura for Dr. 90210). I drove Interstate 10 (or the 10 as we Angelenos like to call it) halfway home to LA and landed in Tucson, AZ where the largest gem and jewelry event of the year for the industry takes place. Designers, buyers, and enthusiasts alike come to see what’s new for the upcoming year. My company has a bead show which lasts one week, however the town of Tucson hosts many more shows throughout the month of February.
One of my favorite parts of the festivities, aside from visiting the "family diamond guy", is heading to the high end jewelry shows (go figure) to look at who won the annual design competition. All entries are on display and any one of the finalists could design circles around David Yurman or Bulgari.

Here are examples of some past winners (these pictures don't even begin to do them justice!)

This is a 39 carat white and yellow diamond necklace... enough said ;)

This ring is a 20 carat garnet set in platinum

I like this last ring simply because it's so unique and different from anything I've ever seen. It has a 1 carat sapphire set in ebony wood. This was a winner for the "Fashion Forward" category a few years ago... no wonder I love it