Each Year I attend the Gem show in Tucson. The February event is the largest venue for purchasing anything gem or rock related. Actually this show consists of about 40 different venues. Vendors come from around the world to showcase their wares. The city of Tucson is virtually taken over. Just TRY to find a hotel room during these 2 weeks! The entire experience is one to savor. What a rush!
Every show has a slightly different niche.
Some vendors specialize in selling rough rock. Others sell highest quality faceted gems. Many features beads, cabochons, jewelry or cab cutting tools. Plus let us not forget the finished pieces. Buyers of these wares descend upon Tucson with the hope of finding new designs, new stones, the perfect tool and so much more.
For me the show is about finding the perfect cabochons.
Cabochons are the flat sided gem that I use in most of my jewelry. They are available in EVERY shape, size and gemstone. For me, I attend only two shows typically. I find that these two venues give me enough variety. One or two treasure seem to jump out at me and say ‘ BUY ME’ every year. I also take my list with me so that i can source the gems that I know i want to use during the year. I was not always so focused though. During the first few years of attending the show, I purchased anything and everything that sparkled ,shined or just simply appealed to me. I think they call this a beginners mistake!
Would you like to see what I find this year? Stay tuned to my blog to see what treasures emerge from my days in Tucson.
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