Seattle Intergem March 2015

[SapphireStyle]

I am most likely going to attend the Seattle Intergem in March. I am not really looking for anything in particular, as I am still paying for a couple of Jeff White stones coming my way, but I thought I would use the opportunity as a learning experience. I have never attended a gem show. I did a quick search and it appears not many Ps'rs have been to the Seattle show. I gather it is not one of the main events. For anyone who has attended, I am wondering if there are any particular gemstone vendors I should check out, or if anyone has any general tips for me? Thanks in advance!

 

[lilmosun]

I don't recognize any of the gem stone vendors but I am on the East Coast. From the size of the list, it's a smaller show (but I wouldn't let that deter you if you are local...still fun way to spend time looking and less overwhelming for those new to gem shows).

Here is a link to the exhibitors scheduled in case others might recognize some:

http://www.intergem.com/shows/upcoming-shows/seattle-wa-march-13-15

 

[SapphireStyle]

Thanks Lilmosun. Hopefully someone will recognize someone on the list. I am hopeful that there will be more than just all beads. I am not local, but we are taking our kids to the Pompeii exhibition which happens to be in the same complex area, so I thought I would check it out.

 

[digdeep]

I have been to this show and have not found any dealer's that I can recommend.........I've found semi-precious stones and 'affordable' beads and rocks and it's an entertaining day for those who like 'rocks' but I have always felt hustled at the higher end precious stone vendors. It is easy to be overwhelmed when walking into this show so be sure to grab a map and walk around a few times to sort out what you are REALLY interested in. There is usually a local club (retiree's) set up with lapidary and working some stones which may be fun for you (or kids) to see--and they will talk rock. There are some local (Washington, Oregon) people that sell.......you just need to find their name on the banner and where they are from.........they have interesting gems, but not usually precious gemstones--but they are true rock hounds, not end of the line sales people. This show is good for entertainment but I would not recommend high dollar purchases and certainly NOT any type of jewelry work.......ring sizing, repair, etc. Good luck!

Full Disclosure: I usually go to this show as a hobby day, but if you want to look at rings, earrings, bracelets, etc there are vendors that do sell finished products. So it isn't just a bead show.....although that is the bigger market. Probably 20-25% of vendors have higher end jewelry or gems.

 

[SapphireStyle]

Thanks Digdeep. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Now that I know what to expect I will keep my expectations low and just try and have a good time!

 

[digdeep]

SapphireStyle...... I think you will have fun especially if you go in with reasonable expectations......there are all types of people that attend and a lot of jewelry artisans pick up supplies--so if you get tired of rocks you have people to watch!! There are deals to be found and some things are negotiable.....ie: Bring cash for purchases. I bought a string of faceted rubies at the last show I went to. It was a "lost" strand and had a very good price on it (CHEAP)....... they won't win anything on this forum, but they are natural rubies and they turned into a nice earring & necklace set with gold beads--sort of like Cinderella! It's also somewhat of a cultural event as there are people of other cultures buying gems for events/rites of passage/etc. Have a fun recreational day!!

 

[lilmosun]

Dig deep has good advice for a first show. Although I've been going for decades and will buy more semi-expensive items from vendors I am familiar with (because I will see them again and they have more to lose by cheating me). Agreed on setting stones...they are often too rushed and I had an issue with a stone falling out of stock setting I purchased there when I got home. If you do make an expensive purchase, do pay by credit card and get them to write a very detailed receipt in case there is cause for dispute. Cash is king for less expensive items.

I don't discount some of the less expensive beaded jewelry either. A lot is junk but some vendors have nice looking things that make great inexpensive gifts. In fact, I have co-workers who go there specifically for that reason.

 

[SapphireStyle]

Thanks very much for the advice. Now I am excited to attend!

 

[geogeo21]

i cant find any info on this. how is their a fee to get in? where what hotel? i'd like to go i live out in the seattle area also

 

[SapphireStyle]

Click on the lick that lilmosun posted above. This will give you the location details. It is held in the vicinity of the Space Needle. I think the admission fees are $8-9.00 or something close to that.

 

[digdeep]

Here's a link to it: http://www.intergem.com/shows/upcoming-shows/seattle-wa-march-13-15 (same as above)

At the Seattle Center, not a hotel. There is an admission charge but you can get discounts through Goldstar and sometimes people have passes that are shared at the door.........but don't count on that.

Posting at the same time..............double the fun!