Tucson Gem Show
The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is an annual event in Tucson and is one of the largest and most prestigious gem and mineral shows in the world.
The show, which has been taking place annually since the 1950s, attracts over 50,000 visitors from all over the world and features more than 4,000 dealers and vendors from over 40 countries.
Tucson Gem Show
The Tucson Gem Show, as it is commonly known, is actually not a single event but a series of shows and exhibitions that take place at various locations throughout the city. The show is held in late January and early February and lasts for two weeks. During this time, Tucson is transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with vendors and visitors from all over the world coming together to buy, sell, and trade a vast array of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.
Tucson Gem Show Sections
The show is divided into several different sections, each with its own focus and theme. The main section of the show, known as the “Tucson Convention Center Show,” is held at the Tucson Convention Center and features a wide range of vendors selling everything from rough gemstones and minerals to finished jewelry and beads.
Another popular section of the show is the “Gem and Jewelry Exchange,” which is held at the Hotel Tucson City Center. This section of the show features a large number of international dealers and is known for its high-end jewelry and rare gemstones.
In addition to these two main sections, there are several other smaller shows and exhibitions that take place throughout the city during the show. These include the “Kino Sports Complex Show,” which features a large number of fossil dealers, the “22nd Street Show,” which focuses on beads and jewelry, and the “Downtown Show,” which features a range of vendors selling minerals, fossils, and jewelry.
Tucson Gem Show Educational Opportunities
One of the unique features of the Tucson Gem Show is the wide range of educational opportunities available to visitors. The show features a number of workshops, seminars, and lectures, presented by experts in the field of gemology, mineralogy, and paleontology. These events cover a wide range of topics, from lapidary techniques and jewelry design to mineral identification and fossil hunting.
Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Art Show
Another unique feature of the show is the “Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Art Show,” which is held at the Tucson Convention Center. This section of the show features a range of artists and craftspeople who create stunning works of art using gems, minerals, and fossils. Visitors can see a variety of pieces, from intricate jewelry and sculptures to detailed paintings and carvings.
Economic Impact
The Tucson Gem Show is not only an important event for the gem and mineral industry, but it is also an important economic driver for the region. According to a study conducted by the University of Arizona, the show generates over $120 million in economic activity each year, with over $60 million in direct spending. The show also supports over 1,500 jobs in the region and generates over $4 million in state and local taxes.
In addition to its economic impact, the Tucson Gem Show is also an important cultural event for the region. The show celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Southwest and the unique beauty of the region’s natural resources. The show is a testament to the enduring appeal of gems, minerals, and fossils, and the many ways in which they have been used and appreciated throughout history.
More Information
See the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show website.
More Information
See the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show website.
OUR PICK OF THE GUIDES
From that blues bar you haven’t visited yet to the desert hike you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Phoenix & Tucson.
- Cool things to do in and around the cities: Kick back at a Spring Training game or squeeze into the grandstands of El Gran Mercado for some lucha libre. Bike the famed Loop in Tucson, kayak Tempe Town Lake, and lace up your boots for an urban hike in the Phoenix Mountains. Support local BIPOC writers at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and taste what’s on tap at a women-owned brewery. Savor Sonoran-style food like tamales and carne asada or try authentic Tohono O’odham fry bread.
