We started out early today by going to the Catalog in Motion Show sponsored by Rio Grande. Rio Grande is possibly the largest supplier to the lapidary arts in the world.
This show does not sell anything, but brings in experts in the use of the products they sell in their catalog. We looked at some new wire wrapping tools that make loops, and a tool that makes ear wires. I talked to the inventor of Argentium Silver, which we use in our jewelry. I was even able to speak to the head buyer at Rio and was able to suggest a additional silver wire product that they should carry. This was Bonnie’s favorite morning so far. All in all a worthwhile experience.
My saw just is not big enough to cut these.
We headed to the Gem Mall where G&LW (Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers) has their show. Its a big show with loads of beads. Bonnie found some really nice beads and I located some really unusual Rhodocrosite Cabs (Yes John, I’ll share them). I also bought a star ruby and a large facetted smoky quartz.
Vendors set up their tents where ever they see open ground at Electric Park.
This show is large but beads all look the same after seeing millions of them.
We took the shuttle from the Gem Mall over to the Holiday Inn and checked out this one. The only excitement was as I glanced into one of the rooms as I walked by and what did my wondering eyes behold? Boxes of Cocoxinite rough. I have not seen any of this stuff since the 70’s. I rushed in to the room and the dealer said he had found an old stash of 1000 pounds and bought it all. Most people would not even recognize this stuff as unusual. I probably should tell you that Cocoxinite is a amethyst/quartz mix containing what looks like tigers eye but is actually Rutile. The material is hard to explain but gorgeous when it is cut. The best Cocoxinite came from Brazil, and this was the good stuff. I bought all I could afford.
Electric Park-more stuff than you have money for.
The weather today was rainy/cloudy and only 58 degrees.
After the happy experience at the Holiday Inn we met Holly, our daughter, and went to the shows at the Tucson Electric Park. Electric Park is where the local semi-pro baseball team plays. We just looked around, had lunch, and I bought a couple tools I needed for wire wrapping as well as a new pump kit for my rock grinder.
This was in general a fairly fun day!
Petrified wood at the Electric Park RV Show. This show was mostly closed due to rain.
Rocks all over at Electric Park.