Bonnie and I are flying out to the Tucson rock and gem shows for the next couple weeks. I try to attend every couple years, not because I need any more rocks, but just to soak in all the excitement of attending forty plus trade shows and seeing all that is new, old, and exciting.
The attached photos were taken in past trips to Tucson. 
We don’t have these funny looking trees, that you see in one of the pictures, where we live. This time of year rain is not uncommon in Tucson, and according to the weather report is does indeed predict some rain. But any rain and 65 degrees is better than the snow we have and 10 degrees.
Each show has from 100 to 500 dealers from all over the world. This is a great time to connect with others who have mutual interests to ours.
Rather then doing a normal monthly blog, I thought it would be fun to write a journal as we explore the shows. I hope to include photos so you can share in the thrills with us.
I think Bonnie would like to help with the blog and you all can pick up a woman’s prospective also. Should be fun!
A few things you need to take if you go to the shows are money, money, credit cards, and checks to spend. OK, that was just a joke (sort of). Some of the shows are strictly wholesale, so you need a sales tax license, and business ID to get in. Other shows are what is called wholesale/retail, and anyone can attend. If you want wholesale prices at these shows you need to show your business credentials, but anyone can go to these shows. It helps to know what you are buying and what you should be paying for it. There seems to be a wide variety of prices and qualities of items, so intense shopping may be in order.
I usually take a quick check over the shows the first few days making careful notes as to where and how many items I’m interested in are. If you don’t make notes you will NEVER remember where you saw something later. I then go back and bargain in earnest on items I’m interested in. There are also dealers I know have the best stuff, and I am willing to pay top dollar for the best stuff. My customers deserve this. There are also a few dealers that have merchandise so unusual or spectacular I buy immediately.
I also take a jeweler’s loupe for closer examination of stones, a camera to take photos (with permission from the dealer), and a sharpie marker to label the bags–how much I spent, where I obtained the rock, and any other information I might need later. I always get a business card, write on the back notes on the items and put everything in small plastic lockable bags.
Come back tomorrow for our latest info!