Here are some of my thoughts on other Tucson shows:
1. GJX, the Gem and Jewelry Exchange. Wholesale only. Talk to most wholesale buyers and they'll say this is their favorite show. Located across the street from the convention center, it seems to have just the right mix of faceted gemstones, cabochons, finished jewelry, pearls, chains, ethnic items, even a bit of small sculpture. Everyone is selling quality material and the prices aren't as high as across the street. To me, it also has a very nice "feel" and is relatively uncrowded and easy to move around in. If it's any indication, many excellent dealers who aren't located at GJX will tell you that they are on the waiting list to get in.
2. The Pueblo Inn, aka, the Riverpark Inn. Wholesale. The motel hosting this show seems to be always changing its name, but that's a behind-the-scenes issue. The show is located on the opposite (west) side of the freeway within walking distance of the convention center and GJX. The show is worth a visit because some top-notch international dealers are located there. In addition to the usual mix of jewelry and gems, it also has dealers offering mineral specimens and rough, plus dealers carrying findings and equipment.
3. The Holidome. Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers. GL&W runs several shows scattered throughout the city, and this one is on the far south end of the city. You can drive there or take a shuttle. If you drive, I suggest that whatever day you choose to go, get there at least an hour before the show opens, otherwise, you'll end up parking a half a mile away and having to hoof it through the dust just to reach the show.
The Holidome has the usual motel venue, plus a huge tent with dealers carrying everything from fused glass jewelry, Swarovski crystals, and an amazing selection of sterling silver chains, to equipment like diamond-coated drill bits, even photography equipment---It's where I bought the studio setup that I now use to photograph stones for my website. The Holidome has more finished jewelry than anything else, and even has a booth where you can bring gemstones that you buy elsewhere and you can pick out a setting from that booth and they will set your stone while you wait.
The problem with the Holidome is that it usually is a mob scene. On opening day the aisles in the tent and in the ballroom are so packed with people, you can barely move, and you certainly can't see much. I suggest going either early in the morning or an hour or two before closing to have the best experience.
While you're in the area, there are several other shows you might want to visit, including The Best Bead Show at the Kino Sports complex, and other shows in that general neighborhood. Many of these other shows are open to the public; check your map and the designations in the Tucson Show guide or online at: http://www.tucsonshowguide.com/tsg/show_index.cfm. Be aware though that the smaller shows will be "heavy" on mineral dealers, which may or may not be of interest to you. To save your energy, if a show looks interesting to you, go online and check out its list of dealers. Often you can get an idea about whether it's worth a visit.
Next, more shows you should know about...
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