A Stone Hunter's Guide to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show: An Insider's

Every January, Tucson transforms into a gemstone lover's paradise. As someone who makes the annual pilgrimage to hunt for the perfect stones for SCS Jewelry, I want to share my insider tips to help you make the most of this extraordinary event.

Planning Your Trip
First things first: mark your calendar and book early!
Tucson's accommodation fills up faster than a geode with crystals during show season, and the longer you wait, the faster the pricing soars sky-high. There are so many enjoyable accommodations. You can find yourself a desert oasis resort. I personally love staying at JT Tucson for some well-deserved R&R after long days of stonehunting. For those looking to be right in the middle of things, get a hotel downtown Tucson. If you prefer a more home-like setting, which is always a perk for cooking group breakfasts and dinners, Airbnb options abound – grab some friends to cozy up with and make sure to get a hot tub for those long days stone hunting on your feet. Just book months in advance.

Need a rental car? Not necessarily. You can easily call taxis, ubers, lyfts in the Tucson area. But I personally love having a rental car. It allows you to maximize your time not only at the shows, but also to explore the Tucson region. I'm a sucker for visiting tourist attractions and making my way to the mountains to get a desert sunset amongst the catci. Again, book early for the best pricing.

(I highly recommend making time to hike or seek out sunset in the Catalina Mountains just outside of Tucson!)

Essential Packing List
The desert has its own rules, and your comfort is key when you're spending hours hunting for treasures. Here's what I never leave home without:

Comfortable shoes – While I love wearing my best in Tucson, you have to make sure to wear comfortable footwear. You'll be on your feet all day, every day.
A reliable hat and sunscreen – Tucson's sun means business, even in January
A sturdy water bottle – staying hydrated is crucial while you're exploring. Extra bonus points for bringing electrolytes to spike your hydration!
Your ID and business cards – networking is half the magic of Tucson. You'll need these to get into some shows as well and when purchasing with vendors.
Cash and cards – some vendors prefer cash, others take cards, best to have both. You may be even asked for checks.
A comfortable backpack or shopping bag – trust me, you'll find more treasures than you expect.
A portable scale – invaluable for weighing stones and making informed purchases.
Jewelers accessories – diamond tweezers, loupe, and calipers.
Snacks – always a must!

As for clothing, make sure to pack with layers! Tucson weather during the gem show can range from cooler 50s to hot sunny days in the 90s! I've experienced it all. Pack a jacket, sweater, and some tank tops!

Navigating the Shows
The Tucson show isn't just one event – it's a spectacular collection of shows spread throughout the city. Here's how I break it down:

Public Shows Perfect: for everyone from curious beginners to serious collectors:

22nd Street Show – A fantastic mix of specimens, jewelry, and metaphysical items
Kino Show – Known for its diverse selection and accessible pricing
Pueblo Show – A treasure trove of unique finds
African Market – A must for fun!

For the Professionals: If you're in the trade, don't miss these wholesale havens:

JOGS – International gem and jewelry show with a wide variety of vendors
AGTA – American Gem Trade Association's premier event
GJX – Gem & Jewelry Exchange, a must-visit for serious buyers

Pro Tips from a Stone Hunter

Start early in the day when your eyes are fresh and vendors are just setting up.
Build relationships with vendors – don't be afraid to ask for help or strike up a friendly conversation.
Take breaks to rest your eyes – after a while, all the stones can start to blur together. Remember to refresh and hydrate.
Stay organized – I keep a notebook of purchases and vendor contacts
Don't rush – sometimes the perfect stone is hiding in the last tray of the last booth you visit.

(You may even meet metalsmithing celebrities, like Corkie from the Metalsmith Society!)

The Magic of Tucson
What makes the Tucson Gem Show truly special isn't just the incredible selection of stones – it's the community. Where else can you meet miners from Africa, lapidary artists from Asia, and designers from around the world all in one place? Oftentimes, you're meeting multi-generational small business families. These connections are what make each stone's story even more meaningful when it becomes part of an SCS piece.

Whether you're a first-timer or a show veteran, the Tucson Gem Show is an experience that will leave you inspired and eager to return. It's where I find many of the unique stones that eventually become part of SCS Jewelry's collections, and each year brings new discoveries and adventures.

Have you been to the Tucson Gem Show? Planning your first trip? I'd love to hear your stories or answer any questions. Ask away here!

Want to see which treasures I discover at this year's show? Follow me on social media for behind-the-scenes peeks at my stonehunting adventures!

#TucsonGemShow #StoneHunting #GemologyLife #JewelryDesign

A Stone Hunter's Guide to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show: An Insider's Perspective