(December 14, 2020) — Qatar's maritime history, particularly the pearl, remains in the spotlight at the 10th edition of Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. "Qatar, like many countries of the world, always had a great historic connect with the sea. Qatar's maritime history is full of legendary tales of how the nation has become renowned for pearls globally," Katara . the Cultural Village Foundation said in a press statement on Thursday. The festival "brings this facet to light for the present-day generation to learn from history and to see for themselves the valuable marine resources of Qatar and the heritage, besides many other sea-related products of other participating countries," the statement notes. Pearl has been one of the most valuable and ancient natural resources of Qatar, and the deep-sea diving history of the nation has been well-known for ages. For the younger generation, the presence of some of these professionals and how oysters are brought to land and how a pearl is actually found is fascinating. (more)

(DALLAS, TX — December 1, 2020) — The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced today the cancellation of the 2021 AGTA GemFair^™ Tucson. "We have worked hand-in-hand with the many show producers in Tucson, and the Pima County Health Department to develop a show that could be safe and conscientious," said Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO, "unfortunately, with the trajectory of the spread of the coronavirus, the requirements we would need to meet to produce the show, and the health risks associated with a gathering of this size have made the GemFair 2021 untenable and Pima County Health Department has chosen to deny our application for the event." The cancellation of GemFair, one of the anchors of the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase, follows the recent cancellations of the Gem and Jewelry Exchange Show (GJX) and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show^® (TGMS). 2021 would have been the 39th AGTA GemFair^TM Tucson show. (more)