Where to Shop at the Tucson Shows

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Every year, thousands of people gather at the annual Tucson gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry bead shows, looking for supplies and inspiration. We have compiled all the show information in the free Tucson Show Guide, which you can pick up in Tucson or access online. Here are some vendor highlights and places we like to shop, and we’ll be sharing more as the shows draw nearer. Please share your favorites in the comments below.

Above: You’ll find beads, rough, and any other jewelry-related materials and supplies at the shows.

Shop for Gemstones

John Dyer’s gorgeous Oregon Sunstone Dreamscape Cut is one of the Jewelry Arts Awards Grand Prize Winners and appears on the cover of the 2023 Tucson Show Guide. He recommends the AGTA show for high-quality dealers and good contacts with gem laboratories, authors, trade organizations, and such.

But his favorite shows are the ones where he’s a vendor. John says GJX has the largest selection of medium-to-high-end gems at competitive prices. He also likes the more relaxed atmosphere at the Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show, with some very high-quality dealers and a good selection of gem rough. Read John Dyer’s Designer Gemstones for more Tucson tips from John Dyer.

Related: John Dyer’s Designer Gemstones

See Tool Demonstrations

You will find Bill Fretz Designs showing how to use hammers, stakes, and Bill’s newest innovations at Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show. And be sure to look for Anie Piliguian with the Jooltool at the G&LW Gem Mall. Anie demonstrates grinding, sharpening, sanding, deburring, and polishing. While you are in town, take time to visit Potter USA in their permanent location on 18^th Street for dies, texture plates, and hydraulic presses. Or shop for tools, supplies, and more at Kent’s Tools on 1^st Street.

Shop for Beads

If you are looking for beads, beads, and more beads, you will find them at nearly every show in Tucson. Shop at Colors of the Stone at Casino del Sol for artisan-made beads and beads from around the world and take classes using your favorite beading techniques. G&LW Holidome is a great stop for gemstone beads, Czech glass beads, and other beads in bulk. Some local venues, such as the Beads of Courage headquarters, host special shopping hours during the citywide event.

Decorate Your Home

There are so many shows to explore, and many of them have beads and beyond. The African Art Village is a fun place to shop for beads, baskets, clothes, and other wares from African countries. There’s music and plenty of inspiration. You will find decorative treasures at many shows, but we especially enjoy shopping for stone décor at JOGS Gem and Jewelry Show and 22^nd Street Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show.

Discover Something Unexpected

Among the usual stones, beads, and findings, you can always find some more unusual discoveries. From coprolite (fossilized poop) to carpet shoes, many of us have added sheets, meteorites, and other unexpected items to our shopping bags. Leave a little extra room on your shopping list—and in your budget—no matter which shows you shop. Read about our favorite weird buys from the Tucson shows.

Get Your Tucson Show Guide

The 2023 Tucson Show Guide is your best companion for all the shows, restaurants, and things to do in Tucson. You can pick up a copy at many shows around Tucson during the event. The special annual issue is complete with maps, exhibitor listings, recommendations, and industry news. Download your free digital copy for an inside look even if you aren’t attending the shows.

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Get Ready for the Shows and Find Your Inspiration