Goin'' to the Tucson Gem Show

[joflier]

So DH and I are going to Tucson AZ this next week. He''s been wanting to go the the gem show there forever! His grandpa used to go every year (he was a diamond buyer overseas back in the 70s and 80s) And said its just phenonmenal. I have no idea what to expect, but am very excited nonetheless! Has anyone else gone or going? Any places that are must-see must do?

 

[Harriet]

Lucky duck! I would love to be there. I might get gem overload though.

 

[Kaleigh]

You ARE lucky!! You''ll have to tell us all about it!!

 

[Beacon]

How cool. I was reading the website about it and it seemed to me that I could not get into many of the parts of the show w/o a resell license which I do not have.

Am I reading it wrong? Can a person who is not in the trade go to this show and get into the exibits? I think it would be a blast to go and I am not so far away as I live in CA. Can you update me?

 

[Nicrez]

I believe for consumers, the tickets are $9 and it''s a wonderful entryway into buying gems. There are MANY shows, and not just in one location. I suggest contacting the Tuscon Gem Show for further details. I assume you are going to the main one at the Convention Center from the 14th - 17th. They open at 10am to the public and close at 6pm, except on Sunday, they close at 5pm. for tickets, call: 520-321-1000


If you go there, I suggest you take a gem buying guide you have read through, that way you can identify different gems and minerals you see. You can ask questions, and some people will certainly be more giving of their time (generally the retail-centric folks), stands to reason I think... The Smithsonian book is quite useful (and portable) and the pictures are excellent, I think.

here is a Retail & Wholesale listing

Also, there are seminars through out the show that are interesting. I know they are geared towards the industry and some will be a bit heady, but if you can get in (I am not sure if it''s industry only) try to, if you truly want to understand the industry more indepthly. If not, walk around and enjoy all the lovely specimens that are displayed!

Have a great time, it''s truly like being in a candy store!!!

 

[Nicrez]

hey Beacon!

You can go, but there are sections you can not enter. It''s just a way to allow that wholesalers can intermingle without selling to public. Consider they are not allowed to, unless they charge sales tax and are registered.

You can''t get a Resale Certificate unless you apply for a Resale number. It''s pointless to you, unless you are a reseller, or just technically illegal to avoid paying the taxes. But generally people use their corporate EIN for such transactions.

For you, as a consumer you can go and ejoy the show, even now, they have a Fossil, and Mineral showing going since the 2nd. The Gem show with faceted and wearable stones starts on the 14th at the Convention Center though...

Have a great time!!!

 

[joflier]

Erased.......I just reread your post Nicrez, I answered my own question......I am gettting SUPER excited!
We have an EIN # so plan to look at the wholesale side......

 

[strmrdr]

kewl
You should contact Gary at www.diamondexpert.com and meet up for lunch :}

 

[bebe]

Gosh, that show popped up quick! For some reason I always think of it
in the Spring.

From what I have read, consumers are welcome at many booths/tents, but
there are vendor only areas. Also, aren''t there events all over town?
Lots to see! Have fun and report back. With pics!

 

[joflier]

Date: 2/5/2008 1:27:59 PM
Author: bebe
Gosh, that show popped up quick! For some reason I always think of it
in the Spring.

From what I have read, consumers are welcome at many booths/tents, but
there are vendor only areas. Also, aren''t there events all over town?
Lots to see! Have fun and report back. With pics!

Well, spring isn''t too far off!

 

[Beacon]

Thanks Nicrez!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I wish it was THIS week! We are going there tomorrow-sunday.

 

[MustangGal]

I''ll have to try going next year, I''m in Phoenix so not a far drive at all! Too bad I have company coming in this year

 

[Skippy123]

Have fun out there. I was suppose to go w/a friend who makes jewelry for fun (she is an artist) but I have something else going on. I plan to go next year because it is only an 8 hrs away from me by car or a 45 min flight. hehe Tell us what you see; can''t wait to hear about your trip and goodies!!!