Tucson Gem Show
The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is merely amazing. Twice each year Tucson, Arizona is host to vendors and buyers from around the globe; literally. You'll find almost anything you might imagine. It's a jewelry maker's paradise. Another highlight is plenty of finished, able to wear, jewelry also.
Tucson Gem Show
Of the shows, the one that happens in late January to early February will be the largest. It virtually gets control of the whole city. Smaller show occurs initially of September. No matter what type you attend, you'll have a wonderful time.
Tucson Gem Show
So many stone beads for stringing are cut in China at this time that China is very greatly represented. However for faceted gems, you could rely on the East Indians. The center Eastern countries put on a good show with beautiful lapis lazuli and serpentine (a stone associated with jade) jewelry. Africa is represented with wonderful ethnic beads and jewelry. Trade beads predominate, but there's also metal beads and pendants. If Australian opals are the passion, you will find those, also.
Austria and Czechoslovakia also make a look. The previous with beautiful leaded sand and sculptures in most types of colors and shapes. Rogues with glass beads in each and every colour of the rainbow and every shape imaginable.
Jewelry and supplies to produce jewelry aren't the sole stuff you will discover there. The Russians always bring wonderful art with them as well as diamonds. Hand carved Santa Clauses and nesting dolls abound. You can also find small gem carvings and larger statuary. I remember one year just being swept away with a carving of your eagle completed in Ruby Zoisite. It must have been a minimum of one meter from wing tip to wing tip. True to its name, you will find mineral specimens for your die hard collector.
Lots of the venues will allow the hobbyist to attend. However, nearly all are designed for the jewellery designers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. These require certain credentials for admittance. It's a wise decision to get that settled in advance.
If you can attend only one of the shows, I would recommend attending the bigger of the two. Usually do not intend on getting it all done in a single day, but will have a plan. Printed and on-line show guides will let you know that happen to be there and where they'll be. Pre-plan where you want to go. Don't spend all your funds on the first day on the first venue. Shop around a bit first and take notes of the you saw and where you saw it. If you find that you should attend, but need more information, just type "Tucson Gem and Mineral Show" into your search engine. A lot of information will appear.
