What in the world is the Tucson Gem Show anyway??
Have you ever wondered about the Tucson Gem Show? I know, most of you have never even heard of it. Let’s just say for jewelry designers (and shop owners) it is pure heaven although pretty hard on the wallet.
The event is actually the largest gemstone and jewelry exhibit in the world with over twenty shows, some with multiple venues, overlapping for about three weeks each year from late January to the middle of February. I am sure I’ve never seen more than 5% in any given year!
Welcome to Tucson!
It attracts the world’s best mineral, jewelry and lapidary dealers. I’ve traveled to a lot of places, including Thailand, India and China, and I firmly believe one can find the best prices on the most awesome stuff in Tucson, Arizona. So, let’s go shopping!
Day 1:
Since this is about my 10th gem show (?!) I am proud to say I (finally) know many time saving tips and also how to avoid mental and physical exhaustion. I arrived late in the day, already pre-registered for my favorite wholesale show (more in a later post about the many, many benefits of being a legitimate business right from the start and getting your first business license!), and found an awesome parking spot when someone was leaving. Armed with my empty half-size rolling suitcase, bottle of water in hand, I immediately found old friends (well, some folks that took my credit card several times last year with my permission).
I had something really specific to seek out for jewelry for the Museum of Glass gift shop (more in a later post about my first sales there!). I also generally like to look for really unique stones and findings (findings are the components like clasps and such).
My idea of unique may be different than yours. I liken it to a white elephant party my artist friend Lynn DiNino hosts. She asks you to bring the most horrible gift everyone will want. I can relate to this. Often (ok, pretty much always) when I see something that strikes me at first as hideous I end up wanting it. Why? Because it is unique. web page speed I know you’re thinking no sane person should want such things. Fair enough.
When I was in Mali, West Africa, I saw the most awful ring with a really tall “tower” that was a replica of the type of ring that held poison to kill foes back in the day. I wish I had a photo to show you because that description is terrible. Anyway, it took about five minutes for me to realize it was so horrible AND unique that I had to have it. I still love it and get lots of inquiries and many compliments about it.
Maybe this is a better example: I found some platform metallic silver pumps with cork heels. Who would ruin these beautiful shoes with ugly cork heels I wondered? Guess, that’s who. And, I was drawn to them because I hadn’t seen anything like them. Of course I had to have those too and I wear them all of the time. Now that I think about it, no one has complimented me on them. But, I secretly think everyone admires them.
So, back to gemstones! I found really cool “spiky” rock quartz, amazing rough amethyst (giant!), beautiful freshwater pearls and really unique sterling findings (I like to buy at least one of the new ones I find and order more later when I figure out what in the world I’ll do with them!). I was even lucky enough to find the special stone for my MOG jewelry. Now that the pressure is off I can just look for whatever strikes my fancy.
rock crystal – I’m seeing 253heart jewelry with these
Amethyst
Freshwater Pearls
I also ran into Viki from The Bead Factory . I love it when I run into Viki! This means (in my head) that I’m on the right track for finding the best things! Her bags were really full. I love it that she brings so many cool things back to Tacoma for everyone who can’t make it to Tucson. When I run into her in Tucson I always want to follow her around! I know that sounds creepy. It’s only because she has such a great eye. And, she is one of Tacoma’s gems.
Ok, more tomorrow! (PS happy 100th birthday, Arizona!)
