February took me back to Arizona for the annual Tucson Gems, Minerals, & Fossils Showcase, which is comprised of many different shows in several locations throughout the city.
I was reminded, yet again, why this trip is one of the highlights of my year as someone who absolutely LOVES colored gemstones. Every year at this show, I get to spend long days looking at incredible wonders of nature and talking to the most passionate gem people from all over the world.
In between going to lectures, seeing breathtaking and unique items,
and catching up with old and new friends in the trade,
I wander around Tucson's colorful neighborhoods talking to locals about their beautiful homes and fabulous gardens. And the food... While at breakfast I'm already talking about what I'm going to have for lunch!
There's something magical about being surrounded by people who share the same passion for color, craftsmanship, and discovery
(And being in a beautiful place never hurts!).
I returned home inspired, my suitcase a little heavier, my wallet lighter,
and my head full of new ideas.
Treasures That Caught My Eye
This Tucson event is THE MOST fabulous gem show in the world! Every year I go with a plan for specific things to focus on and this year I was looking for juicy cabochons of every variety, lustrous emeralds and rubellite, Ethiopian opals for our men's collection, and tanzanite, tsavorite, and spinel from Tanzania.
BUT don't think about 9 million other things didn't catch my eye!
Being the daughter of a geologist, it was ingrained in me practically from the womb to love the earth and natural history. I reflected on this sentiment while at the show this year, and felt lucky to do this for a living.
To see nature in all of its different and impressive forms is a never-ending privilege.
For my clients, this means we can tap into these resources at any time. This direct access to the global gem supply allows me to offer the widest selection and the best value.
