Gem Show coming to Houston this month

[txgreeneyes]

But.. the thing is that no kids 8 and under are allowed.

My daughter will be 9 in August.

I've never been to a gem show before. What are your thoughts about the rule?

 

[chrono]

She's close enough to 9 years old and if she's generally well behaved, I don't see why not. It's not like you have to bring her birth certificate along as proof. The rule is so that there won't be strollers blocking the aisle, rowdy children running all over the place and what not. I know it's a bummer as only my eldest is able to join me now.

 

[minousbijoux]

I would make sure its something she wants to do, too. I used to see huge numbers of very bored kids at shows, some who whined at their Moms, some who ran around. If the show is anything like shows here, it gets really crowded. I've taken my son once (who was ready to leave after 15 minutes) and my niece when she was about ten. Even she, who was into beads and jewelry, got bored pretty quickly. Just something to keep in mind...

 

[txgreeneyes]

I thought about telling her to say she's 9 if anyone asks, but she's on the autism spectrum, and she would be very confused if I told her to lie.

You're right that she'd be bored to tears. I guess she can stay home with my husband, and I'll go by myself. Just me and my credit card.

Any tips on what to look for at the gem show? I've never been to one. Will I get beter deals on the last day?

Wonder if I can get a list of vendors ahead of time and research them.

Can I bring in a stone and ask someone to tell me what it is?

 

[txgreeneyes]

I remember what I wanted to ask..

Are there usually vendors there that can mount a loose stone into a setting?

Just wondering!

 

[Kismet]

You can get things set there, but I wouldn't. Usually they're rush jobs so I wouldn't trust them.

Here are the vendors for the Houston show.
http://intergem-web.ungerboeck.com/oep/oep_p1_exhibitors.aspx?oc=10&ct=EXHIBITORS&eventid=5302

 

[minousbijoux]

I learned the hard way not to have anything set at the show. Those who do it are indeed in a hurry and don't really care about building any rapport with you, as its unlikely they'll see you again for setting. Its quantity over quality there. I'd definitely go elsewhere. But do put a shout out for dealers people know that frequent that show. Unfortunately, I don't know any there. People here love Vance and Prima, but I don't know if they attend the Houston show. Does Nomad do the Houston show? That would be amazing to see. Check out Andrew Sarosi (father of Marc Sarosi of Africagems) if he's there. Very beautiful high end jewelry and stones.

Have a great time!

 

[chrono]

Just look around, handle stones, ask questions and etc. Don't feel pressured to purchase anything. You will not necessarily get the best deal on the last day. Good material will sell early. Vendors will be very busy and their intent is to sell, so I'm not sure what you mean when you wrote "Can I bring in a stone and ask someone to tell me what it is?".

There are vendors who will set stones but I wouldn't do it there either. It is a rush job for them, plus if you discover any issues afterwards, you have little to no recourse.

 

[Dioptase]

I learned the hard way not to have anything set at the show. Those who do it are indeed in a hurry and don't really care about building any rapport with you, as its unlikely they'll see you again for setting. Its quantity over quality there. I'd definitely go elsewhere. But do put a shout out for dealers people know that frequent that show. Unfortunately, I don't know any there. People here love Vance and Prima, but I don't know if they attend the Houston show. Does Nomad do the Houston show? That would be amazing to see. Check out Andrew Sarosi (father of Marc Sarosi of Africagems) if he's there. Very beautiful high end jewelry and stones.

Have a great time!

We're considering going but we're not sure right now.