On Tucson Time

Tips for shopping the gem shows

By Deborah A. Yonick

It’s perhaps the biggest collection of gem shows in the world—several dozen scattered throughout the Arizona city of Tucson. Thousands of international fossil, mineral, gem, and jewelry vendors converge here once a year around the first two weeks of February to show their wares. Whether you’re a regular, sporadic shopper, or newbie, consider these tips for getting the most out of your gem show shopping experience.

scapolite1. Go for the Unusual

The Tucson gem shows are best known for featuring the most unique and rare items that the gem world has to offer. It’s the best place to learn what’s available in unusual gems, and to find the sources with the most amazing material to get the job done. In my column in the January MJSA Journal, I discussed a designer movement for lesser-known gems such as scapolite (photo at right, courtesy of John Bradshaw), danbuite, and benitoite. Fueled by the down economy as well as concerns of ever-changing enhancement treatments to many commonly known gems, jewelry makers and consumers alike are seeking out stones that were once interesting only to collectors. Learn what’s available and make sure to ask about durability issues for jewelry styles and settings.

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