Heavy rainstorms, winds and lots cooler temperatures still could not keep the Tucson Tour down! Amidst all the downpours, winds and colder temperatures, it almost did not seem like Arizona, but more like an early February Eastern winter and clearer sky has prevailed on Thursday. Here is the rundown review, again, our opinion and experiences of the shows attended over the past few days.
Our Hits:
Tucson Electric Park RV Show – Everything lapidary describes this show; from slabs, raw materials, beads, equipment, tools and did I mention slabs. It was all there at the RV Park show. This is one of the better shows attended this week and definitely should be on a list if you are in the world of lapidary.
Tucson Electric Park Show – This is open to the public but is a pretty good show if your are looking for anything from jewelry, beads, tools, equipment, gifts, and if you hit the tents behind the big show tent, the world of minerals, fossils and anything goes is vented.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – Open to the public, The Big One that started it all, located downtown at the Tucson Convention Center. In a word – WOW! This show offers something for everyone and in our opinion is definitely the daddy of them all. The bigger world of all lapidary, minerals, tools, fossils, and more minerals….dealers, clubs, and everyone in Lapidary from all over the world and United States take over the convention center.
Our Misses:
Grant Inn Show – Aside from one or two vendors, this show just did not have anything that I was looking for nor did it hold up to my expectation of other G&LW shows in the area. The main tent is mostly vendors that have African trades, vintage, massive overpriced beads and trinkets, and jewelry, definitely not our ‘cup of tea’.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tucson Review – Day 1 & 2
Early morning drives to the airport, sleeping on the plane with a short hop and final designation….Tucson! It the ground running first thing in the morning yesterday after arrival, it’s good to be back, but there are some things that need still need some work and this review covers day 1 and 2 of this week’s adventure.
First up, a big KUDOS for the I-10 construction completion!!! It’s really great to drive all around on the new roads, on/off ramps, it really makes it easy to get around. However, the one thing that missing, the Free Gem Ride system that was only a part of the I-10 construction is gone. Though a few shows are offering free show shuttle between their and neighboring shows, you will need to consider renting a car from now on, in addition to everything else. And as far as parking goes, better get to shows early to get a spot; if not and you park on the street, Tucson PD is handing out those tickets as there is no parking on the streets where posted.
Here is our look at the first few days of our Tucson adventure; this year scheduling conflicts moved the trip to the 2nd week of the Gem & Mineral Shows, we’ll see just what’s different or not between coming the 1st week verses the 2nd week.
Disappointments:
JOGS – Just not what it used to be and again this year they are allowing the public in with “Guest” badges; everyone still has to register though to get in. The show was not completely full and had a great deal of finished jewelry; a few good vendors, but prices were high everything and selection was a minimum.
Holidome – Marketed as the “Show not to miss in Tucson”, I would beg to differ. If you are after finished high-end jewelry, faceted precious gemstones, gifts/clothing or anything of that nature, along with very high-end vendors then this is the venue for you. Prices seemed a bit high from last year and the returning vendors that we do shop with didn’t have the quality, selection or pricing as with previous years.
Middle of the Road:
Pueblo Gem & Minerals – Just a ‘so-so’ show with a full line of vendors for everything minerals, rocks, raw, and fossils and beads.
African Art Village – Not really, what I was looking for, but a first this year and probably won’t be on next year’s list either.
Tucson Showplace – Just a very ‘so-so’ show, mostly lapidary, raw materials, just not what was looking for.
Hits:
Gem Mall – This has to be by far the best show we’ve attended this week. An excellent selection of vendors, quality goods and prices are about the same or just above last year. The best news, not open to the public and plenty of free parking and will definitely be back on the list to attend next year.
Various Street Vendors – Starting with Days Inn (Globe-X show) to Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show were good and not bad. Many vendors willing to ‘deal’ but be ready to pay cash to get those deals and show your Sales Tax ID for any wholesale pricing where required by the majority of vendors at these shows.
The Tucson Adventure continues, as we review the different shows giving our own opinion and viewpoint.
First up, a big KUDOS for the I-10 construction completion!!! It’s really great to drive all around on the new roads, on/off ramps, it really makes it easy to get around. However, the one thing that missing, the Free Gem Ride system that was only a part of the I-10 construction is gone. Though a few shows are offering free show shuttle between their and neighboring shows, you will need to consider renting a car from now on, in addition to everything else. And as far as parking goes, better get to shows early to get a spot; if not and you park on the street, Tucson PD is handing out those tickets as there is no parking on the streets where posted.
Here is our look at the first few days of our Tucson adventure; this year scheduling conflicts moved the trip to the 2nd week of the Gem & Mineral Shows, we’ll see just what’s different or not between coming the 1st week verses the 2nd week.
Disappointments:
JOGS – Just not what it used to be and again this year they are allowing the public in with “Guest” badges; everyone still has to register though to get in. The show was not completely full and had a great deal of finished jewelry; a few good vendors, but prices were high everything and selection was a minimum.
Holidome – Marketed as the “Show not to miss in Tucson”, I would beg to differ. If you are after finished high-end jewelry, faceted precious gemstones, gifts/clothing or anything of that nature, along with very high-end vendors then this is the venue for you. Prices seemed a bit high from last year and the returning vendors that we do shop with didn’t have the quality, selection or pricing as with previous years.
Middle of the Road:
Pueblo Gem & Minerals – Just a ‘so-so’ show with a full line of vendors for everything minerals, rocks, raw, and fossils and beads.
African Art Village – Not really, what I was looking for, but a first this year and probably won’t be on next year’s list either.
Tucson Showplace – Just a very ‘so-so’ show, mostly lapidary, raw materials, just not what was looking for.
Hits:
Gem Mall – This has to be by far the best show we’ve attended this week. An excellent selection of vendors, quality goods and prices are about the same or just above last year. The best news, not open to the public and plenty of free parking and will definitely be back on the list to attend next year.
Various Street Vendors – Starting with Days Inn (Globe-X show) to Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show were good and not bad. Many vendors willing to ‘deal’ but be ready to pay cash to get those deals and show your Sales Tax ID for any wholesale pricing where required by the majority of vendors at these shows.
The Tucson Adventure continues, as we review the different shows giving our own opinion and viewpoint.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Classy Chic Elegance
Classy yet chic in a graceful style; this pieces has a little bit of flair using nuggets of varying colors of Magnesite (might even find a bit of Wild Horse Magnesite mixed in). Beautiful tones in shades of spring and summer that will last wearable into the fall seasons. It is really truly a year-round jewelry piece!
Designed in Magnesite, freshwater Pearl accents, with a hint of faceted Crystals and copper; you can find it with many other custom Artisan crafted designs available on our website.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
More Tucson 2010 Shows
There is plenty to see at Tucson 2010; precious faceted gemstones, raw material slabs, lapidary, equipment, beads, findings, finished jewelry, minerals, and fossils and much much more! It’s almost enough to make one’s head spin, but Tucson 2010 has now been in full swing for a week. Plenty still to see next week, with the Original Tucson Mineral & Gem show towards the end of the week; here’s some shows remaining to check out…
Madagascar Minerals Gem Show – Visit Norcross-Madagascar Gallery
Globe-X Gem & Mineral Show - Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; many different Amethyst geodes, minerals, lapidary, beads, and much more!
1820 Oracle Warehouse Show – TopGem Minerals, Fossils and more
Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show – Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; features jewelry, colored gems and minerals from all over the world!
Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show at Mineral & Fossil Marketplace – Selling of mineral & fossil specimens, lapidary material, gemstones, jewelry, and other nature related materials.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – “Where the Best Happens”
Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show – A wide variety of very unique and unusual products from all parts of various countries.
For more details and lists of shows check out the Tucson Jewelry Show Guide.
Madagascar Minerals Gem Show – Visit Norcross-Madagascar Gallery
Globe-X Gem & Mineral Show - Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; many different Amethyst geodes, minerals, lapidary, beads, and much more!
1820 Oracle Warehouse Show – TopGem Minerals, Fossils and more
Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show – Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; features jewelry, colored gems and minerals from all over the world!
Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show at Mineral & Fossil Marketplace – Selling of mineral & fossil specimens, lapidary material, gemstones, jewelry, and other nature related materials.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – “Where the Best Happens”
Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show – A wide variety of very unique and unusual products from all parts of various countries.
For more details and lists of shows check out the Tucson Jewelry Show Guide.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Funky Pendant Earrings
A customer purchased this pendant last Fall and contacted me later to make a pair of matching earrings. The challenge with this was that the pendant was a purchase at the Tucson Gem & Mineral show a few years back; it’s a Red Flame Agate. I’ve been trying to match it as best I can and finally was able to with these red/orange Agates; which are highlights to the twisted coil design of the earrings.
Browse our collections for other custom design jewelry pieces from nature’s treasured gifts!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A Stone of a Different Horse
Discovered in the mid-90’s near the Globe copper mine in the Gila wilderness area of southern Arizona, Wild Horse is naturally striking and beautiful. It is often called “Wild Horse Turquoise” however the composite is not the same as Turquoise. It is a mixture of Magnesite and hematite, generally white with brown or purple matrix veining; no two Wild Horse stones are the same retaining a high value and making it remarkably popular among jewelry designers and mineral collectors.
This design highlights the magnificent colors of Wild Horse Magnesite, deep shades of purple and a little bit of black matrix, capped with swirled pewter end-caps. For sparkle we’ve added Swarovski faceted Crystals in a pale shade of pink/purple and finished with freshwater cultured Pearls in a matching pale color of purple and bronze/copper.
Browse our collections for this and other custom designed jewelry pieces in natural stones.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Artisan Earring Blues
Expanding the limits into different things this time...…instead of just doing simple dangle, hoop or post style earrings, we’ve designed some different single pairs of earrings in shades of blue!
Southwest Flair in glass lampwork bead as a focal center and accented with copper, pictured to the right.
Another work in Southwest Flair, this one is with 9 different shaped teal/turquoise marbled Zircon beads; all single charmed in a cluster, pictured to the left.
Mystic Artisan in all shades of blue, glass lampwork pillow beads in swirls of blue and white and accented with cool white charmed Swarovski crystals, pictured to the right.
Browse our collections for custom designed stone and wire jewelry!
Southwest Flair in glass lampwork bead as a focal center and accented with copper, pictured to the right.
Another work in Southwest Flair, this one is with 9 different shaped teal/turquoise marbled Zircon beads; all single charmed in a cluster, pictured to the left.
Mystic Artisan in all shades of blue, glass lampwork pillow beads in swirls of blue and white and accented with cool white charmed Swarovski crystals, pictured to the right.
Browse our collections for custom designed stone and wire jewelry!
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tucson Review Day 3 & 4
Heavy rainstorms, winds and lots cooler temperatures still could not keep the Tucson Tour down! Amidst all the downpours, winds and colder temperatures, it almost did not seem like Arizona, but more like an early February Eastern winter and clearer sky has prevailed on Thursday. Here is the rundown review, again, our opinion and experiences of the shows attended over the past few days.
Our Hits:
Tucson Electric Park RV Show – Everything lapidary describes this show; from slabs, raw materials, beads, equipment, tools and did I mention slabs. It was all there at the RV Park show. This is one of the better shows attended this week and definitely should be on a list if you are in the world of lapidary.
Tucson Electric Park Show – This is open to the public but is a pretty good show if your are looking for anything from jewelry, beads, tools, equipment, gifts, and if you hit the tents behind the big show tent, the world of minerals, fossils and anything goes is vented.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – Open to the public, The Big One that started it all, located downtown at the Tucson Convention Center. In a word – WOW! This show offers something for everyone and in our opinion is definitely the daddy of them all. The bigger world of all lapidary, minerals, tools, fossils, and more minerals….dealers, clubs, and everyone in Lapidary from all over the world and United States take over the convention center.
Our Misses:
Grant Inn Show – Aside from one or two vendors, this show just did not have anything that I was looking for nor did it hold up to my expectation of other G&LW shows in the area. The main tent is mostly vendors that have African trades, vintage, massive overpriced beads and trinkets, and jewelry, definitely not our ‘cup of tea’.
Our Hits:
Tucson Electric Park RV Show – Everything lapidary describes this show; from slabs, raw materials, beads, equipment, tools and did I mention slabs. It was all there at the RV Park show. This is one of the better shows attended this week and definitely should be on a list if you are in the world of lapidary.
Tucson Electric Park Show – This is open to the public but is a pretty good show if your are looking for anything from jewelry, beads, tools, equipment, gifts, and if you hit the tents behind the big show tent, the world of minerals, fossils and anything goes is vented.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – Open to the public, The Big One that started it all, located downtown at the Tucson Convention Center. In a word – WOW! This show offers something for everyone and in our opinion is definitely the daddy of them all. The bigger world of all lapidary, minerals, tools, fossils, and more minerals….dealers, clubs, and everyone in Lapidary from all over the world and United States take over the convention center.
Our Misses:
Grant Inn Show – Aside from one or two vendors, this show just did not have anything that I was looking for nor did it hold up to my expectation of other G&LW shows in the area. The main tent is mostly vendors that have African trades, vintage, massive overpriced beads and trinkets, and jewelry, definitely not our ‘cup of tea’.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tucson Review – Day 1 & 2
Early morning drives to the airport, sleeping on the plane with a short hop and final designation….Tucson! It the ground running first thing in the morning yesterday after arrival, it’s good to be back, but there are some things that need still need some work and this review covers day 1 and 2 of this week’s adventure.
First up, a big KUDOS for the I-10 construction completion!!! It’s really great to drive all around on the new roads, on/off ramps, it really makes it easy to get around. However, the one thing that missing, the Free Gem Ride system that was only a part of the I-10 construction is gone. Though a few shows are offering free show shuttle between their and neighboring shows, you will need to consider renting a car from now on, in addition to everything else. And as far as parking goes, better get to shows early to get a spot; if not and you park on the street, Tucson PD is handing out those tickets as there is no parking on the streets where posted.
Here is our look at the first few days of our Tucson adventure; this year scheduling conflicts moved the trip to the 2nd week of the Gem & Mineral Shows, we’ll see just what’s different or not between coming the 1st week verses the 2nd week.
Disappointments:
JOGS – Just not what it used to be and again this year they are allowing the public in with “Guest” badges; everyone still has to register though to get in. The show was not completely full and had a great deal of finished jewelry; a few good vendors, but prices were high everything and selection was a minimum.
Holidome – Marketed as the “Show not to miss in Tucson”, I would beg to differ. If you are after finished high-end jewelry, faceted precious gemstones, gifts/clothing or anything of that nature, along with very high-end vendors then this is the venue for you. Prices seemed a bit high from last year and the returning vendors that we do shop with didn’t have the quality, selection or pricing as with previous years.
Middle of the Road:
Pueblo Gem & Minerals – Just a ‘so-so’ show with a full line of vendors for everything minerals, rocks, raw, and fossils and beads.
African Art Village – Not really, what I was looking for, but a first this year and probably won’t be on next year’s list either.
Tucson Showplace – Just a very ‘so-so’ show, mostly lapidary, raw materials, just not what was looking for.
Hits:
Gem Mall – This has to be by far the best show we’ve attended this week. An excellent selection of vendors, quality goods and prices are about the same or just above last year. The best news, not open to the public and plenty of free parking and will definitely be back on the list to attend next year.
Various Street Vendors – Starting with Days Inn (Globe-X show) to Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show were good and not bad. Many vendors willing to ‘deal’ but be ready to pay cash to get those deals and show your Sales Tax ID for any wholesale pricing where required by the majority of vendors at these shows.
The Tucson Adventure continues, as we review the different shows giving our own opinion and viewpoint.
First up, a big KUDOS for the I-10 construction completion!!! It’s really great to drive all around on the new roads, on/off ramps, it really makes it easy to get around. However, the one thing that missing, the Free Gem Ride system that was only a part of the I-10 construction is gone. Though a few shows are offering free show shuttle between their and neighboring shows, you will need to consider renting a car from now on, in addition to everything else. And as far as parking goes, better get to shows early to get a spot; if not and you park on the street, Tucson PD is handing out those tickets as there is no parking on the streets where posted.
Here is our look at the first few days of our Tucson adventure; this year scheduling conflicts moved the trip to the 2nd week of the Gem & Mineral Shows, we’ll see just what’s different or not between coming the 1st week verses the 2nd week.
Disappointments:
JOGS – Just not what it used to be and again this year they are allowing the public in with “Guest” badges; everyone still has to register though to get in. The show was not completely full and had a great deal of finished jewelry; a few good vendors, but prices were high everything and selection was a minimum.
Holidome – Marketed as the “Show not to miss in Tucson”, I would beg to differ. If you are after finished high-end jewelry, faceted precious gemstones, gifts/clothing or anything of that nature, along with very high-end vendors then this is the venue for you. Prices seemed a bit high from last year and the returning vendors that we do shop with didn’t have the quality, selection or pricing as with previous years.
Middle of the Road:
Pueblo Gem & Minerals – Just a ‘so-so’ show with a full line of vendors for everything minerals, rocks, raw, and fossils and beads.
African Art Village – Not really, what I was looking for, but a first this year and probably won’t be on next year’s list either.
Tucson Showplace – Just a very ‘so-so’ show, mostly lapidary, raw materials, just not what was looking for.
Hits:
Gem Mall – This has to be by far the best show we’ve attended this week. An excellent selection of vendors, quality goods and prices are about the same or just above last year. The best news, not open to the public and plenty of free parking and will definitely be back on the list to attend next year.
Various Street Vendors – Starting with Days Inn (Globe-X show) to Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show were good and not bad. Many vendors willing to ‘deal’ but be ready to pay cash to get those deals and show your Sales Tax ID for any wholesale pricing where required by the majority of vendors at these shows.
The Tucson Adventure continues, as we review the different shows giving our own opinion and viewpoint.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Classy Chic Elegance
Classy yet chic in a graceful style; this pieces has a little bit of flair using nuggets of varying colors of Magnesite (might even find a bit of Wild Horse Magnesite mixed in). Beautiful tones in shades of spring and summer that will last wearable into the fall seasons. It is really truly a year-round jewelry piece!
Designed in Magnesite, freshwater Pearl accents, with a hint of faceted Crystals and copper; you can find it with many other custom Artisan crafted designs available on our website.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
More Tucson 2010 Shows
There is plenty to see at Tucson 2010; precious faceted gemstones, raw material slabs, lapidary, equipment, beads, findings, finished jewelry, minerals, and fossils and much much more! It’s almost enough to make one’s head spin, but Tucson 2010 has now been in full swing for a week. Plenty still to see next week, with the Original Tucson Mineral & Gem show towards the end of the week; here’s some shows remaining to check out…
Madagascar Minerals Gem Show – Visit Norcross-Madagascar Gallery
Globe-X Gem & Mineral Show - Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; many different Amethyst geodes, minerals, lapidary, beads, and much more!
1820 Oracle Warehouse Show – TopGem Minerals, Fossils and more
Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show – Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; features jewelry, colored gems and minerals from all over the world!
Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show at Mineral & Fossil Marketplace – Selling of mineral & fossil specimens, lapidary material, gemstones, jewelry, and other nature related materials.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – “Where the Best Happens”
Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show – A wide variety of very unique and unusual products from all parts of various countries.
For more details and lists of shows check out the Tucson Jewelry Show Guide.
Madagascar Minerals Gem Show – Visit Norcross-Madagascar Gallery
Globe-X Gem & Mineral Show - Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; many different Amethyst geodes, minerals, lapidary, beads, and much more!
1820 Oracle Warehouse Show – TopGem Minerals, Fossils and more
Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show – Located as part of the “Street Vendor I-10”; features jewelry, colored gems and minerals from all over the world!
Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show at Mineral & Fossil Marketplace – Selling of mineral & fossil specimens, lapidary material, gemstones, jewelry, and other nature related materials.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show – “Where the Best Happens”
Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show – A wide variety of very unique and unusual products from all parts of various countries.
For more details and lists of shows check out the Tucson Jewelry Show Guide.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Funky Pendant Earrings
A customer purchased this pendant last Fall and contacted me later to make a pair of matching earrings. The challenge with this was that the pendant was a purchase at the Tucson Gem & Mineral show a few years back; it’s a Red Flame Agate. I’ve been trying to match it as best I can and finally was able to with these red/orange Agates; which are highlights to the twisted coil design of the earrings.
Browse our collections for other custom design jewelry pieces from nature’s treasured gifts!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A Stone of a Different Horse
Discovered in the mid-90’s near the Globe copper mine in the Gila wilderness area of southern Arizona, Wild Horse is naturally striking and beautiful. It is often called “Wild Horse Turquoise” however the composite is not the same as Turquoise. It is a mixture of Magnesite and hematite, generally white with brown or purple matrix veining; no two Wild Horse stones are the same retaining a high value and making it remarkably popular among jewelry designers and mineral collectors.This design highlights the magnificent colors of Wild Horse Magnesite, deep shades of purple and a little bit of black matrix, capped with swirled pewter end-caps. For sparkle we’ve added Swarovski faceted Crystals in a pale shade of pink/purple and finished with freshwater cultured Pearls in a matching pale color of purple and bronze/copper.
Browse our collections for this and other custom designed jewelry pieces in natural stones.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Artisan Earring Blues
Expanding the limits into different things this time...…instead of just doing simple dangle, hoop or post style earrings, we’ve designed some different single pairs of earrings in shades of blue!
Southwest Flair in glass lampwork bead as a focal center and accented with copper, pictured to the right.
Another work in Southwest Flair, this one is with 9 different shaped teal/turquoise marbled Zircon beads; all single charmed in a cluster, pictured to the left.
Mystic Artisan in all shades of blue, glass lampwork pillow beads in swirls of blue and white and accented with cool white charmed Swarovski crystals, pictured to the right.
Browse our collections for custom designed stone and wire jewelry!
Southwest Flair in glass lampwork bead as a focal center and accented with copper, pictured to the right.
Another work in Southwest Flair, this one is with 9 different shaped teal/turquoise marbled Zircon beads; all single charmed in a cluster, pictured to the left.
Mystic Artisan in all shades of blue, glass lampwork pillow beads in swirls of blue and white and accented with cool white charmed Swarovski crystals, pictured to the right.
Browse our collections for custom designed stone and wire jewelry!
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