Gem Shows - how does a newbie shop?

[lovetodream]

I have the opportunity to be near Franklin, NC at the time of their major gem show in May. Has anyone attended this one? (there appears to be a big one at one location, then a bunch around town where maybe gem dealers don't want to pay the price of the "main" one, or you don't need the requirements to get in to those? Not completely sure). In any case, for someone who is fairly new to loose diamonds and colored gemstones, what should I look for? Should I bother attending? Are there good purchases to be had at these, and, if so, do you negotiate? Tell me about your experiences if you have them, please!

 

[distracts]

“Good purchases” as in you’re able to see a lot of stuff at once and decide between things, yes. As in unusually good pricing, not in my experience. I would not buy any modern cut diamond at a gem show. Antiques, quite possibly. Colored stones, yes, from reputable vendors with good inventory. If this is like an Intergem, there will be 1-6 vendors actually worth looking at out of hundreds. They are absolutely worth going to so you can look at a lot of things at once, see what you like, and train your eyes. I would not go in with a budget of more than a couple hundred dollars for your first show though.

 

[lovetodream]

“Good purchases” as in you’re able to see a lot of stuff at once and decide between things, yes. As in unusually good pricing, not in my experience. I would not buy any modern cut diamond at a gem show. Antiques, quite possibly. Colored stones, yes, from reputable vendors with good inventory. If this is like an Intergem, there will be 1-6 vendors actually worth looking at out of hundreds. They are absolutely worth going to so you can look at a lot of things at once, see what you like, and train your eyes. I would not go in with a budget of more than a couple hundred dollars for your first show though.

Thank you for this. How does one find the 1-6 vendors worth looking at? I would imagine you get a little overwhelmed at seeing so much inventory. And is it better to expect colored stones over diamonds? Do they sell much vintage (which I love)?

 

[Beagles]

My only gem show experiences have been smaller ones where there were a number of vendors selling gemstone beads and/or hanks of bead and pearls, and a few selling finished jewelry. The prices of jewelry seemed high to me.

I'd suggest researching what items you are interested in before going and determine what you think are fair prices. It's tempting to get carried away with all the sparkles!

 

[musicloveranthony]

Aaalways negotiate pricing!

 

[Fabtwinsmom]

I haven’t been to any gem show but had gone to some other types of shows. This may or may not apply but here are a few things I did:
- Have a budget and stick with it; can always get a card from the vendor and follow up after—they’re not going to sell out of everything; write details of the item on the back of card so to not forget what the item is.
- Take pics if the vendor allows it.
- Have a smart phone with internet connection so can Google up similar things (do it away from the vendor so not to be offending—that’s just me).
- Bring a friend who can be a good sounding board (and not one like me where I encourage everyone to buy it! buy it!).
- Take a breather- ask the vendor to hold the item I really love and come back in an hour if I feel I’ll regret not getting it.
- Have a list, know in general what I’m looking for whether it’s category, color, size, shape, etc.
- When I see an item I like, I think about what it’ll go with. It’ll have to be something I absolutely love (extraordinary) for me to get it if it doesn’t really have a place/role in my life. I did this a couple of times at charity auctions.
- I always negotiate. I try not the say the price. I just ask can you do better? Is there any room? I’d keep asking until It’s the price I’m comfortable with or walk away. If they ask me to name a price, I’d ask what would you accept. If really pressed, I’d go in about 10-30% (one time 50%!) less depending on what it is, condition, etc. One thing I learned years ago from my negotiation class (and I’m pretty bad at it because I’m a softie) is to know your walk away price.

Hope this helps.

 

[distracts]

Thank you for this. How does one find the 1-6 vendors worth looking at? I would imagine you get a little overwhelmed at seeing so much inventory. And is it better to expect colored stones over diamonds? Do they sell much vintage (which I love)?

Either post the website for the gem show with the list of vendors and we can tell you if we are familiar with any of them - otherwise if you are familiar with the sorts of things you want from looking on PS, you will probably be able to tell at a glance. My experience with gem shows is that the vast majority of vendors are selling beading supplies, some are selling low quality gemstones, some selling nice but common gemstones (peridot, amethyst, etc), a decent number of vendors selling inexpensive stock settings that you can certainly find for much less money online, and 1-3 vendors selling nice gemstones and 1-3 vendors selling nice jewelry whether new or antique. There are also usually a few mineral or geological or gem clubs, and talking to those people is really interesting. I think if you've been lurking on PS for any amount of time, which is which will be readily apparent.

 

[LLJsmom]

If it’s on a weekend, plan on going two days. Don’t bring your wallet on the first day. If you see something you like, ask them to hold it and give yourself overnight to co wider and sleep on it. If you still want it the following day, go back. Don’t get pressured to make a hasty decision.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

I participated in hundreds of gem shows early in my career. Definitely go to a gem show if you are new to gems and jewelry and if it is local to you. They are fun and you can learn a lot.

As others have said, try not to get carried away, especially with any big purchase. If you are considering a substantial purchase, research the reputation of the jeweler. Many of these folks do not have physical stores or offices. Getting recourse on any warranty or other promises can be problematic.

Lighting can be a wild amalgamation with each vendor providing their own lights. It hurts my eyes just thinking about it now. It can be very difficult making accurate assessments, especially to color.

Go. Have fun. Ask a lot of questions. And be conservative!