Tell me about these gem shows

[hoofbeats95]

I keep reading about Gem shows. Specifically the one coming up in Tuscon. What are these shows? Who goes? And more importantly I live near St Louis - are there any near me?

 

[chrono]

I don't know about any near/at St. Louis. Tuscon's show is really large with 2 sections - one that is open on to Trade members with a license and another to the public. Most gemshows are open to the public.
http://www.visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow/

 

[Harriet]

I believe this one travels around the country and is open to the public: www.intergem.com

 

[T L]

Intergem is really not a "serious" gem show. They have really gone down hill over the years IMO. Mostly purses, clothing, fake designer watches, and perfume. Many of the exhibitors are less than trustworthy as well. You have to be very careful. The Tuscon gemshow that is open to the trade is more reputable because the dealers there are dealing with professionals, and it''s difficult to pull over a "fast one."

Intergem is fun, but just be careful when purchasing anything of significant value.

 

[Harriet]

Have you been to any of the Tucson trade ones, TL?

 

[T L]

No Harriet,
But I have been to the intergem ones, and dealers tell me that the Tuscon one is much more serious. I cannot speak about the Tuscon shows open to the public, but the one only opened to the trade.

 

[hoofbeats95]

Oh! I have been to intergem. It comes to a town about 20 mins from me. But I was there shopping for beads at the time. Not for anything real. Hmm. . . it''s coming again in March. Is it worth going to at all? I''m probably not educated enough to be able to tell of someone is trying to sell me something fake, etc.

 

[T L]

Well I''ve been to many intergems, and I finally stopped going. It was very disappointing.

 

[shinyrocks]

There are quite a few "real" gem shows around, but I think Tucson is the grand-daddy of them all. People pour in from all over the world for that one. I know some of our cutter friends are making the trip, but are any of you planning to go? I''ve often wondered if it would be worth it for a "lay person" to go, given that the biggest shows are only open to those in the biz....

 

[Harriet]

Date: 1/19/2009 7:07:25 PM
Author: hoofbeats95
Oh! I have been to intergem. It comes to a town about 20 mins from me. But I was there shopping for beads at the time. Not for anything real. Hmm. . . it''s coming again in March. Is it worth going to at all? I''m probably not educated enough to be able to tell of someone is trying to sell me something fake, etc.

I''d go, not necessarily to buy, but to gain exposure to gems. Even if it sucks, at least you''ll learn more about separating the weed from the chaff.

 

[Catmom]

Hoofbeats, the intergem shows can be a lot of fun. Just don''t go looking to buy top quality gems although I have seen some amazing emeralds and sapphires at some of them. If you go enough you will recognize those vendors that have better quality items.

 

[omieluv]

Ditto to what Harriet and Catmom said.

I went to a show a year ago when it came to Chicago and took much of it with a grain of salt. Like you, I was not sure what exactly I was looking at, so I did not purchase anything. The show would have been more fun had my BF not been with me, as he looked like it was pure torture for him to be there (we were in the area and I asked him if we could pop in for an hour or so just to see what it was like). Go with a few friends who might enjoy that sort of thing and have fun!

 

[T L]

Date: 1/27/2009 11:48:12 AM
Author: omieluv
Ditto to what Harriet and Catmom said.

I went to a show a year ago when it came to Chicago and took much of it with a grain of salt. Like you, I was not sure what exactly I was looking at, so I did not purchase anything. The show would have been more fun had my BF not been with me, as he looked like it was pure torture for him to be there (we were in the area and I asked him if we could pop in for an hour or so just to see what it was like). Go with a few friends who might enjoy that sort of thing and have fun!

I wish they would move the Chicago intergem out of the Rosemont center, the parking is a nightmare, and you have to walk so far to get in there. The tax is also something outrageous, like 12%. They really monitor that closely, so you can't get out of paying with cash and not having to deal with tax.

There's a very nice antique show that comes to the Arlington racetrack a couple of times a year. There are some very pretty things, and at least you don't see someone selling fake Coach and LV purses or perfume.

 

[omieluv]

Date: 1/27/2009 12:38:30 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

I wish they would move the Chicago intergem out of the Rosemont center, the parking is a nightmare, and you have to walk so far to get in there. The tax is also something outrageous, like 12%. They really monitor that closely, so you can''t get out of paying with cash and not having to deal with tax.

There''s a very nice antique show that comes to the Arlington racetrack a couple of times a year. There are some very pretty things, and at least you don''t see someone selling fake Coach and LV purses or perfume.

This was probably why my BF was grumpy the entire time we were there, aside from the fact that he thought most of the vendors were shady. I have not been to the antique show at Arlington, but really want to get there one of those days. To go further off topic, there is a nice antique show at Pheasant Run each year too.

 

[Catmom]

Date: 1/27/2009 12:38:30 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 1/27/2009 11:48:12 AM
Author: omieluv
Ditto to what Harriet and Catmom said.

I went to a show a year ago when it came to Chicago and took much of it with a grain of salt. Like you, I was not sure what exactly I was looking at, so I did not purchase anything. The show would have been more fun had my BF not been with me, as he looked like it was pure torture for him to be there (we were in the area and I asked him if we could pop in for an hour or so just to see what it was like). Go with a few friends who might enjoy that sort of thing and have fun!

I wish they would move the Chicago intergem out of the Rosemont center, the parking is a nightmare, and you have to walk so far to get in there. The tax is also something outrageous, like 12%. They really monitor that closely, so you can''t get out of paying with cash and not having to deal with tax.

There''s a very nice antique show that comes to the Arlington racetrack a couple of times a year. There are some very pretty things, and at least you don''t see someone selling fake Coach and LV purses or perfume.

I have to agree with you there TL! I hate the parking. I usually end up on the very top of the garage out in the open. I''ve been to the Arlington Heights show and agree it''s very nice. I wish they would do a gem show there.

 

[T L]

Back in 1997 I went. It was the summer show, at the the end of August. Talk about bad luck. The owner of the show bought one of Princess Diana's dresses from the Christie's auction, and it was on display. I made a comment to someone, "well who wants to see a dress of someone who is still alive?" I think the next day Diana died. I felt AWFUL and a bit shaken for the crass comment I made!! I remember the local news covering Diana's death went to the Intergem show to film Diana's dress for their broadcast.

At that same show, I bought an emerald and paid $3500 for it. I was incredibly stupid back then and didn't realize that they were heavily impregnating emeralds with plastic. The guy who sold it to me told me it was just oiled. On a trip to the gemologist, she told me it was full of resin (plastic). It was an arduous experience getting my money back, his refund check bounced, and I had to wait until the next show to confront him. He finally paid me back in bits and pieces because he sold the stone on consignment.

That same day, I also bought an emerald ring from a dealer and it was chipped in the setting. I did not notice the chip until I got home later that day. I went to the show the next day and he blamed me for the chip and charged me $700 for it if I was to return it. I was boiling mad, but I had no way of proving to him that I did not cause the chip. I certainly did not cause it because I had it less than a day, and I did not bang it on anything since I was super careful. I think he noticed it because before he sold it to me, he and his partner were talking quietly to each other and invetigating the stone in the setting closely. I asked them what they were talking about, "oh nothing." I was really stupid.

I'm not as dumb as I used to be, and that was 12 years ago, but still, these shows leave a very bad taste in my mouth. Speaking of parking for the Chicago show, not only is it outrageously far from the center, but it's outrageously priced as well.

The last time I was there, I think half the show consisted of fake designer handbags, clothing and perfume. This is supposed to be a gem show for crying out loud. At least I didn't buy anything because there were so few reputable gem dealers, and some of them are no longer even joining that show - they've moved on to bigger and better things.

 

[omieluv]

TL - given previous experiences, I can understand why you avoid those shows. I might be going out on a limb here, but your experiences might also explain, to some degree, why it is hard for you to collect super fine gems -- given that you were burned in the past when spending a considerable amount of money on stones you have mentioned. Logically, I am sure you know that you would not go to an event like that to find a fine gem, however, that experience seems to have stuck with you for a while and might still be influencing your behavior. Just a thought...

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/26/2009 9:59:29 AM
Author: Harriet
I'd go, not necessarily to buy, but to gain exposure to gems. Even if it sucks, at least you'll learn more about separating the weed from the chaff.

Ditto H. Intergem has a lot of commercial quality stuff, so be careful purchasing, but have fun viewing stones up close and personal--the best way to learn.

I love one dealer that travels with Intergem, but he is in the wholesale area. He has gorgeous demantoids, sphenes, chrysoberyls, and other fun treats. He's retired and old--does not need to sell--he's great. Most of the other dealers are meh, but another one, Hubert Gems, has really fine Imperial Topaz. In a sea of slightly junkie sparkle, there are some small islands of fine gems.

eta: oh and if you can go to Tuscon, GO!!

 

[T L]

Date: 1/27/2009 2:04:28 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/26/2009 9:59:29 AM
Author: Harriet
I''d go, not necessarily to buy, but to gain exposure to gems. Even if it sucks, at least you''ll learn more about separating the weed from the chaff.

Ditto H. Intergem has a lot of commercial quality stuff, so be careful purchasing, but have fun viewing stones up close and personal--the best way to learn.

I love one dealer that travels with Intergem, but he is in the wholesale area. He has gorgeous demantoids, sphenes, chrysoberyls, and other fun treats. He''s retired and old--does not need to sell--he''s great. Most of the other dealers are meh, but another one, Hubert Gems, has really fine Imperial Topaz. In a sea of slightly junkie sparkle, there are some small islands of fine gems.

Hubert gems is great, but the last time I was there, I didn''t see him. Does he still attend?

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/27/2009 2:06:22 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover


Hubert gems is great, but the last time I was there, I didn''t see him. Does he still attend?

Yah, he was at the last SoCal Intergem. He''s based in Los Angeles. I wanted to buy the most beautiful Imperial Topaz, but I couldn''t.

Have you seen his cat''s eye chrysoberyl pinky ring? One of the finest specimens I''ve ever seen.

 

[T L]

Date: 1/27/2009 1:58:21 PM
Author: omieluv
TL - given previous experiences, I can understand why you avoid those shows. I might be going out on a limb here, but your experiences might also explain, to some degree, why it is hard for you to collect super fine gems -- given that you were burned in the past when spending a considerable amount of money on stones you have mentioned. Logically, I am sure you know that you would not go to an event like that to find a fine gem, however, that experience seems to have stuck with you for a while and might still be influencing your behavior. Just a thought...

No, not necessarily. I have some very nice quality gems that I am very proud of. I don't think many of us have really super fine top quality gems unless we are very rich, or we bought it for that one perfect stone like an e-ring. I do like a bargain though, and I routinely hunt for them. I think one of the reasons I stray away from super fine gems is that the gems I like the best, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, are routinely treated, and the ones that are not, cost a literal fortune. I have been spending a lot on nicer quality merchandise as of late (I don't post everything here), and I do find that a well cut stone is very important, not just color.

I do think the one thing I lack is patience though, and that is such an important thing to have when trying to buy anything of excellent quality, not just gems.

 

[hoofbeats95]

Date: 1/27/2009 2:12:50 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

No, not necessarily. I have some very nice quality gems that I am very proud of. I don''t think many of us have really super fine top quality gems unless we are very rich, or we bought it for that one perfect stone like an e-ring. I do like a bargain though, and I routinely hunt for them. I think one of the reasons I stray away from super fine gems is that the gems I like the best, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, are routinely treated, and the ones that are not, cost a literal fortune. I have been spending a lot on nicer quality merchandise as of late (I don''t post everything here), and I do find that a well cut stone is very important, not just color.

I do think the one thing I lack is patience though, and that is such an important thing to have when trying to buy anything of excellent quality, not just gems.

Have you been holding out on us?? Not fair

 

[omieluv]

Date: 1/27/2009 2:12:50 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

No, not necessarily. I have some very nice quality gems that I am very proud of. I don''t think many of us have really super fine top quality gems unless we are very rich, or we bought it for that one perfect stone like an e-ring. I do like a bargain though, and I routinely hunt for them. I think one of the reasons I stray away from super fine gems is that the gems I like the best, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, are routinely treated, and the ones that are not, cost a literal fortune. I have been spending a lot on nicer quality merchandise as of late (I don''t post everything here), and I do find that a well cut stone is very important, not just color.

I do think the one thing I lack is patience though, and that is such an important thing to have when trying to buy anything of excellent quality, not just gems.

So sorry, I did not mean to imply that you do not discriminate your stones in terms of quality (color & cut), as you have many lovely stones in your collection TL!

From what I have read here on PS, many PSers struggle with patience, heck I am normally very patient and I impulsively purchased a garnet that I knew very little about.

I, as would others, love to see some of your recent purchases!

 

[T L]

Date: 1/27/2009 6:05:35 PM
Author: omieluv

Date: 1/27/2009 2:12:50 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

No, not necessarily. I have some very nice quality gems that I am very proud of. I don''t think many of us have really super fine top quality gems unless we are very rich, or we bought it for that one perfect stone like an e-ring. I do like a bargain though, and I routinely hunt for them. I think one of the reasons I stray away from super fine gems is that the gems I like the best, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, are routinely treated, and the ones that are not, cost a literal fortune. I have been spending a lot on nicer quality merchandise as of late (I don''t post everything here), and I do find that a well cut stone is very important, not just color.

I do think the one thing I lack is patience though, and that is such an important thing to have when trying to buy anything of excellent quality, not just gems.

So sorry, I did not mean to imply that you do not discriminate your stones in terms of quality (color & cut), as you have many lovely stones in your collection TL!

From what I have read here on PS, many PSers struggle with patience, heck I am normally very patient and I impulsively purchased a garnet that I knew very little about.

I, as would others, love to see some of your recent purchases!

No offense taken by your remarks at all. I think my problem is that when I spot a bargain, I can''t resist it, and I end up spending too much on stones that I can''t really set, not so much because of the color, but the poor cutting. All of the above stones are very pretty colors in person, but horribly cut. However, if I do purchase a stone that is more $$$, I will be more discriminating, and I have returned a great deal. unfortunately, that also takes away from my pocketbook because you end up spending a fortune on postage costs to and from.

I also think there is a psychological aspect to gem buying, like you were able to get that one-of-a-kind stone, or rare baubble that no one has, or would have a very difficult time finding. For example, the spinel that Chrono mentioned above, she is probably not only happy about the color, but I would guess that she also happy she has something that is very rare (Chrono can yell at me if I''m wrong). Having a rare color in a species of gem to a gem collector gives great euphoria, at least in my case!!

 

[omieluv]

Date: 1/27/2009 6:25:17 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

No offense taken by your remarks at all. I think my problem is that when I spot a bargain, I can't resist it, and I end up spending too much on stones that I can't really set, not so much because of the color, but the poor cutting. All of the above stones are very pretty colors in person, but horribly cut. However, if I do purchase a stone that is more $$$, I will be more discriminating, and I have returned a great deal. unfortunately, that also takes away from my pocketbook because you end up spending a fortune on postage costs to and from.

I also think there is a psychological aspect to gem buying, like you were able to get that one-of-a-kind stone, or rare baubble that no one has, or would have a very difficult time finding. For example, the spinel that Chrono mentioned above, she is probably not only happy about the color, but I would guess that she also happy she has something that is very rare (Chrono can yell at me if I'm wrong). Having a rare color in a species of gem to a gem collector gives great euphoria, at least in my case!!

I don't think you are alone, as this can apply to collectors/enthusiasts outside of the gem realm. Also, I think you get a thrill from finding a great bargin (you are in good company). Have you considered selling some of your great bargins in order to off-set some of your costs (postage costs), who knows, you may wind up turning a profit if you got a good deal from the start, hence more euphoria...heh.

 

[T L]

Ha!! You sound like my husband. He keeps telling me "sell some of your gems!!"