The big event is almost here; time to get ready for Tucson 2010!! If you haven’t already made your reservations (plane, hotel, car, etc.), now is the time to do so before you miss out on the biggest event for all gem, mineral, and rock enthusiasts.Every year, Tucson is host to the United States largest Gem and Mineral show; starting late January and running thru the middle of February. Dealers, wholesalers, and buyers all converge on the small southern Arizona town to discuss, barter, sale, buy, meet & great, and see what is new (and old) in the industry. There are hundreds of shows with thousands of vendors from all over the globe and across the United States, with one thing in common; show what they have and entice us with the newest, latest and greatest.
Some of the following shows are ones that I recommend and do attend. You’ll find a wide selection of finished jewelry, tools, findings, displays, beads, gems, lapidary, and much much more. These shows as most in the Tucson area require wholesale and business industry credentials to get into them. Check with each show’s site to pre-register for many of them, see details and check for dates; as this year, several of the shows do not overlap as in past years.
Street Vendors: This is my favorite place to shop; I’ve gotten some of the most unique and unusual items here. Miles and miles of vendors take over the hotels, parking lots, and anything in-between. Across the street from the freeway, starting at Congress and running all the way down past Freeway Aveune, you can find any type of vendor; beads, findings, silver, raw materials, lapidary, finished products, gemstones, clothes, bags; just to name a few. And best of all, most are open to the public, however check with vendors before purchase to make sure they don’t require a wholesale license.JOGS: If you’re looking for Amber or Southwest jewelry, this is the place to be. Dealers from around the globe bring the best and finest in Amber and southwest products. The show also hosts many vendors of finished products, collectables, and raw materials. This is a wholesale only show and requires a Tax ID to register and attend.
G&LW (Gem Mall, Holidome, Grants Inn): At many of these shows you can find international dealers and wholesalers; pearls, turquoise, silver/copper, finished products, beads galore, beading findings/products, displays, and much more. This show is a wholesale only and requires Tax ID to register and attend.
China Mountain: If Turquoise is what you are after, then you’ll need to visit the buildings located between Gem Mall and Holidome, where you’ll find the well known vendor China Mountain. Plenty of Turquoise and Coral in all different cuts and styles to chose from. Also a wholesale vendor, but you’ll need to check with them at the site to see if they will sell retail.
Electric Park RV: Though I’ve only attended this one once, I understand it is a great place to get lapidary, rocks, minerals, or slabs; so I’ve added it back onto my list for this year’s trip. Most sell either wholesale or retail so check with each vendor before purchase.While this is just a hint of what’s at Tucson, there are also many other shows like the AGTA GemFair Tucson, GJX Gem & Jewelry Show, Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, Madagascar Minerals Gem Show, Rio Grande Catalog In Motion and Swarovski Elements-Create Your Style 2010 shows. Several are also offering many of the national instructors for classes and seminars, so check with your favorite instructor or show for schedules and details.
Mark your calendar, make your reservations and start the count-down! Tucson 2010 is just around the corner.
