Visit to the Tucson Gem Show

As an artisan jeweler I've always wanted to visit the annual Tucson Gem Show in Arizona, but the economics of travelling all the way from the UK to the USA mean I'm unlikely to get there for a while yet. The Tucson show itself is actually multiple shows, held at many different venues all over Tucson, and taking place over the course of several weeks between late January and mid-February each year. Today, four of our JET Team members share their experiences at this year's Tucson show.

Perusing the Gemstones

For Lynn this was her 4th visit to the show:

"Talk about being a kid in a candy store! For anyone who makes and sells jewelry, or sells jewelry supplies on Etsy, or is truly into fossils, gemstones, minerals and bigger than life rocks, the Tucson Gem Show is the place for you! This year was brilliant, as the organizers split the shows in to two categories, Gems-Beads-Jewelry and Rocks-Minerals-Fossils. This made it much easier to find what I was looking for, rather trying to visit all the shows for fear of missing something special!

Clockwise from top: Brooke of BrookeJewelry and friends; JET purchases; and Mexican and Ethiopian Opal Rough

The show weeks are quite overwhelming, with total and complete sensory overload. There are shiny things, sparkly things, silver and gold things, and everything you see you tend to feel you just can't live without. It's difficult to keep focused and not bring home boxes full of things you will never use, and wind up with an empty bank account. I have finally come to grips with staying focused on what I need to buy, rarely straying from the plan of attack. I am a pearl wedding bridal designer with a shop on Etsy, so I do my entire year's worth of pearl buying at this show. I must admit that some of those unexpected sparkly shiny things did happen to 'fall' in to my bag - but gosh, are they going to be pretty when made into bridal and bridesmaid jewelry designs! This year several of our Jewelry On Etsy Team members met up for dinner one evening, and it's just great to get together in person with those you work with online every day. It's the second year we have gathered together, and we all hope it is something we are able to continue in years to come."

Piles of Precious Gemstones for Sale

Susan of cserpent managed to fit in visits to many of her favorite shows, including Holidome, Gem Mall and the Howard Johnson GIGM show. Her favourite vendors include Toyo Feng of Feng's Trading and the Nevada Turquoise Co. You can read more about Susan's visit, and see photos of some of her gemstone purchases, on her blog: cserpentdesigns.blogspot.com. Susan shared the drool-worthy photo above, explaining:

"You see piles and piles of gemstones at the show. The ones in the photo include sapphires, peridot, citrine, amethyst, pink tourmaline and more, all high quality stones just sitting in plates for sale. Amazing to hear about and even more amazing to see in person! There are so many gemstones sparkling and winking at you from almost every booth as you walk up and down the aisles of the show! And next to them are strands of those same gemstones - beautifully faceted and sooo sparkly! Needless to say they have good security at these shows. Other shows that don't allow pictures have plates of diamonds sitting out!

Phylly

Phylly (pictured above at the 2014 show) is another JET regular at Tucson. Of the various individual shows, she says:

"I find JOG is good for buying individual gem quality stones, while G&LW is great for faceted gem strands. At To Bead True Blue you can find lampwork beads, beads made of many different materials, findings and jewelry supplies, polished stone strands and pearls. This show is particularly useful for bead weavers and jewelry designers as it introduces new findings from the big companies, as well as new and trendy processes - this year GlasClay was featured. My favorite show is Pueblo at the Riverpark Inn, where there are gorgeous, free standing mineral specimens in the parking lot! It has become my favorite place to buy gemstones and gem beads, and is also a favorite with the metaphysical gem crowd. There are many jewelry artists exhibiting their work for sale around a central courtyard, and it is an interesting place to see other artisans' work as well as a great place to find gifts!"

Last year was the first time Denise of LoveStoneArts had attended the show, and she was thrilled to be able to participate in the both first meet-up of JET Team members, and the second meet-up this year:

"The main show is known as TGMS, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, which has been held since 1946 by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society. TGMS features museum quality gem and mineral specimens, lectures and a whole gaggle of wholesale and retail sellers. The JOGS show features good dealers of fossils from Madagascar, carvings from Peru and specimens from Brazil. I’ve shared my rock-hound passion with my father since I was a kid, so when I found a cool fossil or specimen it was “one for Dad, one for me!”

​Clockwise from top: Cantera Fire Opals from Mexico; Ammolite Cabs from Canada; Large Fossil Ammonite from Madagascar

This year I received a pre-sale invitation to shop with IGM at the Gem Mall location, two days prior to opening day. I spent 4 hours in their vault, pouring over bins of gems, selecting my treasures and getting valuable insights from the owners on what the biggest selling jewelry items of the season will be. But beware how terribly confusing pricing can be in Tucson. Various venues have become more and more liberal about selling to the general public. As a result, you will see retail pricing interspersed with wholesale pricing. It is important to know what you should pay for the items on your wish-list in advance of the show, and if you know your prices you can make a reasonable offer when faced with an inflated price sticker. I take notes of the metric vs. carat conversions, because you will not find uniform methods of pricing or units of measure. I try to do the figures in my head and offer a carat/gram/unit price that is in line with what I’m willing to pay. You will find discounts, but you may have to ask for them. Most of my offers are cheerfully accepted, but I’m willing to compromise - or walk away if an item is over my budget. I may be a wheeler-dealer but believe me, I’m no match for the Chinese grandmother who knows her costs and will always make a profit!"

​Petrified Wood Dish and Madagascar Marine Fossils

If you'd like to attend the Tucson Gem Show, you need to know that most of the shows are wholesale only, and you must pre-register to qualify for admission. Starting to plan a year ahead is a very good idea, as the hotel rooms are available on a supply and demand basis, so rooms booked later on in the year cost premium prices. Lynn strongly recommends early booking at a suite hotel with a full kitchen or kitchenette: "This will not only help with expenses but will allow your tired weary bones to come home from a long day of work, make a bowl of pasta and flop in to a big comfy chair with a glass of wine". Many of the suite hotels offer free breakfast, and some have a complimentary manager's happy hour with a full dinner served. For more information, the Tucsonshowguide.com will give you some idea of the breadth of the show, while venue details and maps are available on TucsonGemShows.net. For hotel rooms and more details about Tucson itself, check out VisitTucson.org.

 Thank you all very much for sharing your photographs and experiences with us!

JET of the Day - Seemomster

Looking for some beautiful jewelry for a special occasion, or any occasion for that matter? Seemomster is a shop of delights - it has it all! Melanie See is a very talented artisan, and when you visit her shop, this is very apparent. The shop is filled with delicate designs inspired by nature and handcrafted using lovely elements like natural faceted gemstones and precious metals. The earthy collection is diverse and will crossover from everyday jewelry to formal and bridal. Her pieces feature semi-precious stones that are beautifully showcased in her creative use of styles. You will also find lovely pearl jewelry here, and she uses a variety of metals, offering wonderful choices for your shopping experience.

The birthstone for February is amethyst, and lovely, genuine amethyst pieces are showcased at Seemomster. Her beautiful Purple Amethyst Bracelet (1) is one of many amethyst offerings, and is perfect to wear year around - especially if you are a February girl.

Getting married? Look for wedding jewelry that is hand crafted, of good quality, and will last a lifetime, to remind you always of your special day! Pearl earrings are the perfect wedding accessory, and Melanie's Modern Wedding Earrings (2) are made with AAA freshwater pearl drops. They are understated and stunning, and her lovely White Freshwater Pearl Bracelet (3) completes the look!

Whatever your gemstone preference, there is a fine array at Seemomster. Here you will find labradorite, quartz, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, amethyst, and opal, just to name a few - and silver pendants are also available. The Rainbow Gemstone Necklace (4) caught my eye, and has been made with all the colors of the spectrum represented by high quality gemstones. Its black, braided leather and fine silver make for incredible contrast. Alternatively, celebrate summer wearing the sweet Butterfly Fairy Necklace (5) or the lovely Endless Summer piece (6)

Seemomster is a shop filled with jewelry created with great care given to quality, craftsmanship, and diversity. Stop by and browse - you are sure to find something delightful!

Until next time!
Laurie

JET of the Day - SatinDollCo

Are you ready for a treat? If so, you've come to the right place, because today we're featuring the delightfully distinctive work of Gaetana of SatinDollCo

Gaetana started her career as a fashion designer, and her special talent for employing color and style shines through in every one of her jewelry designs. She is not afraid to use color. And LOTS of color. Combined with textures and bold patterns, Satin Doll Co jewelry really stands out in the crowd. The strong fashion sense is very evident in her collection and she doesn’t seem to follow the trends... she creates the trends. I love her big, bright and bold pieces like her gorgeous, mod and whimsical Glass and Howlite earrings (1) and her lovely Spring Flower necklace (2).

But Gaetana's fashion sense also extends to natural and neutral palettes, as seen in the Aurora Blue bracelet (3). This gifted designer has an enchanting sense of humor too! Take a look at the names she gives her designs, and you'll see what I mean. Names like "Wild Thang", "Laugh a Lot Buddha", and "Seeing Spots" are sure to bring a smile to your face! And be sure to look through her shop for "Banana Boat Butterfly" and "Wild Watermelon" too!

Now, I'm sure you've noticed Gaetana's flair for photography too. Just look at the way she uses her rich earthy backgrounds and expert lighting to accentuate and complement her jewelry - from wood, to feathers, to gemstones - as in her Primal Feather earrings (4). These days Gaetana is returning to her first love - fashion design - and you can see her own special signature style in her wonderful handmade headbands and other lovely accessories, such as her Leather Card Case (5). But don't worry! Gaetana will continue creating her wonderful Satin Doll jewelry too! While tending to go for an earthy tribal look, she's already branching out into designing more personalised and dainty pieces like the Blessed Rose bracelet (6), because, as she says: "... not everyone can wear one of our in your face pieces."

Gaetana demonstrates great use of mixed medium in all her jewelry designs so whatever your favourite style - be it Rustic, Boho, Tribal, Whimsical, Bold and colorful, or delicate and traditional - you're sure to find lots to love in her shop! Don't be surprised if you find yourself spending the entire day exploring SatinDollCo ... and coming back again and again!

Until next time!
Mollie and Lynn

JET of the Day - SammysBeadworks

Welcome to the JET Blog, we’re glad you visited us today as I have a delightful surprise for you! Her name is Sammy and she runs SammysBeadworks. Every once in a while we are fortunate enough to find an artist who is not only ultra-talented, but also an artist who looks at life from a more unique perspective, is bold and daring and not afraid to take a chance and put a smile on your face every time!

Sammy is not only talented, she is an enterprising woman who began selling her art jewelry in high school! And you can certainly see why she has been so successful just by looking at her art. Are you ready to smile?

How about a Dobby the House Elf keychain (1)? This little guy will do it every time, at least for me it does! I should have warned you though, do NOT go into Sammy’s shop if you’re hungry, I can tell you that if you do, Bertie’s Botts charm bracelet (2) may start a craving that won’t quit if you have a sweet tooth! These beans look so realistic you just might mistake them for the real thing! I bet you just wrote them down on your shopping list to pick up the next time you’re at the mall, didn’t you?

Have you ever been stumped with the question of what to get someone who is hard to buy for? Like your new Father-in-law, or the long lost Uncle you just met? I have. . . and I HATE it when that happens! What I always do is try to find something that is totally unique, and I bet her burger and fries cuff links (3) will work perfectly!

I love Sammy’s unique art as it always makes me smile, but I’d also like to point out she has a more serious side too. For example, her Sorcerers Stone Pendant Necklace (4) is gorgeous, and I know I’d love to buy this either as a gift, or to keep for myself. And her beautiful red rose bracelet (5) with the matching rose rose earrings (6) will make a very special set of jewelry, perhaps even an heirloom to be enjoyed for many years!

Be sure you save some time to see the rest of Sammy’s shop, I know you’ll be glad you did! And don’t forget to stop over at sammyselegantdesigns. . . it’s just as awesome! You can thank me later! ;-)

Until next time!
Donna

JET of the Day - Rough Magic Holidays

I’m so very happy to bring you this instalment from a shop I know you need to head over to soon - it’s Mollie Ann & Joe’s RoughMagicHolidays, a HOLIDAY version of Rough Magic, from the beautiful state of Maine. I always look forward to the holidays in “JET land” and I know there are many team members who feel the same way. Why? Because jewelry is almost always considered THE gift to give, and handmade IS always the best choice.

I like to say that “Handmade is Heart-made”, because I know that when someone receives something handmade it seems to be so much more personal, thoughtful and expressive of our feelings toward one another. I also know that you will NOT find anything like their Victorian Valentine Earrings (above) from a big box store or chain, but as you can see, these are just one of many great jewelry items you will find in this wonderful shop!

Of course, I can’t think of a more significant holiday to give handmade than Valentine’s Day. One thing you can always count on is finding something absolutely PERFECT for your Valentine in this shop! A personalized valentine (1) is sure to win their heart and will surely be remembered many years from now as a sincere and thoughtful gift, perhaps even a keepsake for family members.

Are you lucky enough to have several Valentine’s to buy for? These Valentine earrings (2) could be just the thing to make someone’s eyes light up! Now, a smart and savvy shopper may want to anticipate an upcoming occasion - like Easter - where you can find these gemstone earrings (3).

We also know that since spring is right around the corner, there WILL be some spring weddings, so a pastel pink wedding bracelet (4) will look fantastic on the blushing bride! Speaking of the bride, her special day would not be complete without a touch of handmade at the table such as these adorable table wedding favors (5), simply perfect for the beach wedding.

According to the old children’s rhyme, “First comes LOVE, then comes MARRIAGE, then comes (fill in the blank) in a BABY CARRIAGE”! And you will find a unique gift by way of this lovely Blue Matryoshka Bracelet (6), perfect for Mother’s Day or the new Mom.

The Rough Magic Holidays shop run by Mollie and Joe is literally the ONLY holiday shop you need to visit for finely crafted, eco-friendly jewelry & gifts, with a constantly changing inventory to offer the perfect gift for ANY holiday or special occasion. Be sure to check back often!

Until next time!
Donna