Sheri and I have just returned from the world’s largest gem show and we are completely stoned from looking and buying stones! I have been attending the Tucson gem shows for almost 28 years and have seen many changes over the last decade. I also use the word “shows” literally as there are approximately, 16 different, independent shows around town. There are fine gem shows that require 20 different forms of ID before you are allowed in ( not to mention a DNA sample, credit check, background check, confidentiality agreement, firstborn and Facebook check) and fossil shows, mineral specimen shows, bead shows and tool shows…
Most of the shows and tents are owned by promoters who gather exhibitors together by like material, countries, ethics and/or industry association and brownie baking ability. The finest location is the American Gem Trade Show (who also sponsor the International Spectrum Jewelry Design Competition) at the Convention Center. I have added video of this show looking down upon the trading floor and revealing the huge scope of exhibitors. Imagine trying to shop this behemoth with any kind of budget..The first day in Tucson found us here and quickly greeting, perusing and buying with the best one-of-a-kind gem dealers in the world! ( scored some of the most gorgeous “Souffle” pearls available) Sheri and I then moved on across the street to the mammoth, GJX gem show which is housed in a highly secured tent that Ringling would envy. After more blood, DNA and body cavity searches we were on the prowl for elusive and rare precious goodies. Later, back to the hotel to soak our feet in the hot spa and pass out.(I have discovered the Gem show inverse ratio theory…the more your feet hurt, the worse the gems look.) The next day is always the most fun because the initial buying pressure has been released and we are cruising through shows that are also open to knowing members of the Tucson public. We have to continually mention to vendors that we own a business and that we want a “trade” price, not the price for Billionaire, desert ranchers and Pro golfers..
One of the downfalls of Gem show modernization is that many hip, cool vendors that we used to find in incense filled alleys, puffing on hash hookahs in oriental carpet, mini-casbahs are now in climate controlled mega-tents with NO atmosphere or hookahs. The sense of discovering an independent miner, fresh from his mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, behind the Wendy’s parking lot with his pickup filled with rough slabs of killer geodes, is gone. No longer does one have to wander 10 miles in the desert to find a porta-potty or saguero cactus to hide behind…Country Club style potty trailers behind barbed-wire (for your security) are the norm. Sheri is pretty happy about these changes (the potty ones) but we both miss the bazaar, flea market atmosphere that characterized the Tucson gem shows. Speaking of characters, we also miss the easy going, independent, eclectic, neurotic, stoned, hippy folks who were everywhere! There is still the cool, 150 year old earth momma who walks up and “tunes” your aura with her “singing” bowl of “virgin” quartz. (I’m still not clear what qualifies quartz as “virgin”?) I have also included video of some of the amazing spheres, skyscraper sized crystals and acre-sized tables loaded with pearls that are scattered about.
We have also learned and coached others in the survival tactics of bottled water procurement. By the time you are thirsty (or hungry) it’s too late and the fatal migraine has set in. Of course the constant guzzling of water means repeated trips to the “potty behind barbed-wire” so keeping your sense of direction as to where you last saw the exit to “the real world” is paramount. Sheri and I have considered becoming professional, gem show tour consultants, but figure the hazards and stress on the clients would be too great…enjoy the video and please stop by the gallery and allow me to play “show & tell” with many of our new Tucson treasures!
Mark