All about the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
It's that time of the year again! The Tucson Gem show...which is always my favorite time. I get to go on a trip to the desert, which I always find so peaceful and healing. And I get to see an ocean of new gems! What more could a girl want?
The Tucson Gem show is every February which also is right after my busiest time of the year, so I also tend to see it as a much needed mental break. I also find it is a time to get new ideas, find amazing inspiration, see some of my friends and come up with a plan for the new year of what to see happen for Island Cowgirl.
It is hard to really explain to people how vast and expansive the show is. In fact it is not just one show. This year there were over 42 venues, all featuring different items. From minerals to cabochons, from diamonds to sapphires all the way to dinosaur bones. I have been attending the show for close to 20 years and it took me a long time to really even begin to navigate it and find my way to the best vendors.
Here are some of my best finds this year....boulder opal and these amazing black jack turquoise stones from one of my favorite mine owners. A lot of the vendors actually own the mines and cut the stones themselves. These are the ones I like to buy from the most! Supporting other artists making a living following their passion is always so important to me.
The Tucson Gem Show: A treasure trove for Free-Spirited Jewelry Lovers
The Tucson Gem Show began in 1955 when a few rock hounds got together to show their finds to the world. It has grown to one of the biggest gem shows in the world. Vendors, mine owners, stone cutters, collectors and mineral enthusiasts gather once a year from all corners of the globe. It truly is a journey through the heart of the gem world and all the beauty that it brings.
It truly is a celebration of community, creativity and the raw and unbridled spirit of nature all meeting together in one place. We all share a common passion and awe for mother nature...not to mention jewelry!
It definitely is one of the biggest highlights of my year and always full of magic.
