All that glitters right now ....
is the Tucson Gem Shows
Silver Musings is me… a silver haired woman and silversmith musing about life. There is a paid version this year of my newsletter that focuses on my capsule wardrobe and diets and health. Getting dressed every day and staying fit and healthy is important to me so I’m chronicling my journey this year. Join me to read about those issues by subscribing to the paid rendition. (you’ll get all the posts). I am forever thankful.
Meanwhile (as Steven Colbert would say) - its gem show time!
2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows and they have just kicked off. They take place annually in late January and early February here.
Tucson is booming with vendors and buyers from all over the world. The shows have enjoyed international stature since the 70's. So different than the first show in 1955 held at a local elementary school with a dozen or so vendors. Today there are 50+ venues and each venue hosts hundreds of vendors from all over the world. Expected to show up are some 60,000 shoppers looking to buy rocks in all forms. Most of the shows are open to the public with a few high-end shows that require a business license.
It's an experience that brings Tucson alive with color, energy and excitement.
Each show has a “flavor”. If you want diamonds head to the Gem Mall and Holidome. If you want fossils head to the 22nd Street show where you can even see a stuffed dinosaur. If you are into African art the African Market should be on your list. There are were shows specifically for jewelry artists - The Best Bead Show was the choice for lampwork bead artists for years, and I sold at these shows for over 10 years. I even demoed a few times.
Plus, how awesome to be in a room with over 100 talented bead artists some of whom were my teachers.
It was also so much fun to gather… brunches, dinners, lunches - with people you knew and people you didn’t know but who shared the love of jewelry making.
Of course, I also shopped.
And even took classes
And the weather at this time of year might even surprise you with a rainbow.
The tone of experiencing the shows has changed for me. I closed my business and already have so many gemstones and rocks that I can keep myself busy for years. I know myself well enough to know that I really need to avoid the temptations that the shows offer. I live here now full time, and the annual get togethers with 3 fabulous friends is no more. One has sadly passed away and one I hardly talk to anymore. The third just visited - too early for the shows.
Life changes. Memories remain.
But perhaps just one show this year - to see a few friends.