BACK FROM TUCSON 2009 !

A little less for ware and tare, tired feet, sore back and heavy suitcases. But back from the Tucson Gem Fair 2009. It was fun, could definitely move around a lot better this year with the smaller crowds. Several past shows did not come at all, vendors were moving about to find places in other shows, and by mid-week several of the Wholesale Only shows had opened up to the Public also. The lapidary and minerals area seemed to be doing a brisk business, but the faceted gemstone locations were for the most part customer bare. Those that were there were buying, but you did not see the families with children and the tourists wandering about, and the few there were did not seem to be buying at all. Lets take a quick tour of the some of the shows.

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The Days In and Inn Suites set-ups (good buys at both)

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Electric Park Show and the RV section beside it (best buys)

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Holidome and the G&LW Shows. (Started out Wholesale Only)

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The JOGS and GJX Shows. Two of the bigger. (a bit more expensive and JOGS opened from Wholesale Only to the Public after 3 days also)

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And the grandaddy of all expensive shows, the AGTA.

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And just couldn't pass throwing in a few street scenes from around Tucson.
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Thanks to Ron, theimage1, for some of the pictures, especially the cars.

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TUCSON GEM SHOW 2009 ! - Real Gemstones for Beaders

Nothing too special today. Providing some pictures for the "Beaders" among you so you can see some of what is very plentiful around and in the various shows. Some of the more unusual material will be shown later on as it is included in completed jewelry pieces as they are finished up over the next several months.

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Carnelian ---------------Chrysoprase

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Labradorite---------------Snowflake Obsidian

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Lapis-------------------------Mahogany Obsidian

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Kyanite----------------------Wild Horse Magnesite

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And the ever popular Baroque Tahitian Pearls

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TUCSON GEM SHOW 2009 ! - Material for Jewelry

The following material found during Gem Fair 2009 should make into quite nice jewelry. Most of the material shown in these pictures would be for Pendants, but matching smaller pieces cut as chips and beads would make into necklaces and earrings.

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Pietersite -------- Lodolite ------------ Zebra Jasper

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Todolite --------Indian Paint Rock -------Psilomelane

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Green Spiderweb Turquoise ----- Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

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Orbicular Rhyolite

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A couple local favorites from the area.

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Chalcopyrite (Peacock Stone) ------------------ Opalite

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TUCSON GEM SHOW 2009 ! - The Fine Pieces

Today we look at some of the more pricer items that can be found a plenty around Tucson. Actually one needs to look no further than the showfloor at the AGTA Show at the Tucson Convention Center. Pictures are off-limits on the floor but an overall shot from the viewing balacony is possible and you are looking at millions of dollars in gems and finished jewelry.

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You can find beautiful pieces from artist like King

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Australian Black Opal jewelry always draws a crowd.

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And since the ban on the importation of the Burma Ruby, the king of the show has become the Red Spessarite Garnet, like this piece from Andre'.

Only 16ct mounted in a 22k gold pendant setting.

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And least we not forget the bazaar, a Triebold Paleontology Turtle to hang in ones den.

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If you get bored looking at expensive items inside, you can go outside and spend you time looking at expensive items inside the GJX Show Tent.

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