It is amazing the diversity of items sold during Tucson's Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. Fully 68% of our shows have a primary focus on minerals and fossils which can take the form of a $5 geode that a child can purchase and have opened on site, to cut and polished pieces of gold, pink tourmaline, and azurite(to name a local mineral) rising from a base and displayed in deluxe cases, priced in the tens of thousands of dollars for the discerning collector. During the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® (TGMS) several years ago, a T-Rex was reassembled in the middle of the show floor!
Everything to Make Your Own
Another 11% of the shows are categorized as Bead Shows. There is everything for sale at these events that the emerging hobbyist needs to get started, as well as supplies for artists who show and sell their work at the high-end craft shows that tour the country, like the American Craft Council shows. Seed pearls, Swarovski crystals, vintage German buttons, Murano glass beads, precious gems such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds in all sizes, clarity, and quality are available for purchase. Added to that are the findings necessary to assemble the final product. A number of exhibitors will show finished pieces that are of very high quality and artistry. Classes on beading and jewelry making are offered at many of these shows.
Jewelry, Art & Craft from Across the Globe
There are a couple of specialized shows as well. One focuses on African imports and has everything from textiles and carved wood home décor and masks to inexpensive handmade jewelry. There are also shows featuring work by artists of many Tribal Nations, where jewelry and crafts such as Kachina dolls and turquoise belt buckles are sold. One of these shows is also a place where customers can commission a piece from a Native artist and/or have a previously purchased item authenticated. Additionally, if the visitor has a piece of Native jewelry in need of repair, it may be brought to this show to ensure that it will receive the best care.
The Finest Available
The remainder of the shows really have a variety of items including finished high-end designer jewelry (primarily at shows requiring credentials for the trade such as MELEE, OJB (Out of the Jewel Box), GJX (Gem & Jewelry Exchange), G&LW (Holidome and Gem Mall), and AGTA [American Gem Trade Association], cut gems (including diamonds) of all sizes, amethyst and citrine geodes the size of bathtubs, petrified wood, textile art, home décor and clothing and accessories.
The Show that Started it All
TGMS, has displayed the Hope Diamond, the Lincoln Inkwell, and other treasures from around the world and on loan to them from such venues as the Smithsonian, the British Museum and Sotheby’s. This show also has the distinction of being the only one offering tours to school groups as well as a large educational component. Several professional societies, such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), hold meetings during the Showcase and TGMS, and offer training and seminars for gemologists pursuing certification or continuing education.
Who Attends these Shows?
The visitors at the shows are as diverse as the items available. In addition to the types of attendees outlined in our recent economic impact study, we also welcome media from around the country, such as The New York Times, Jewelry TV, HSN, and the Wall St. Journal covering various parts of the event. Another emerging type of visitor are the Etsy Personal Shoppers who advertise their services via various social media, and who will shop for others who cannot attend the shows in person.
Finally, the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum in Downtown Tucson, is a wonderful year-round attraction that rolls out the red carpet during the shows with a free day and other special events.
No matter what you seek, no matter your role in the industry: academic, miner, collector, show owner or promoter, vendor or buyer....or a curious shopper or museum visitor, your treasure is here!