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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jan 11, 2013 13:56:36 GMT -5
Ok, I sort of have my arms around what Quartzsite is like.
Now Tucson I don't understand at all. Sometimes I hear it's wholesale only, sometimes not, etc.
So since I'm starting to get into jewelry making a little (total noooob), would Tucson be fun?
Also, what's the best window of time to go?
Thanks all!
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Post by deb193redux on Jan 11, 2013 16:34:32 GMT -5
I puzzled this out a few years ago. Here is what I got.
Tuscon is about 20 different overlapping shows all over town, while quartzite is about 3-4 locations. Some are wholesale only. Some retain. Some big with many vendors, and some 12 vendors at a motel. There s more international vendors in Tuscon than at Quatsite (not counting Mexaco). Also, much more finished work, beads, classes, ... etc at Tuscon.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 11, 2013 16:50:11 GMT -5
While there are some shows that are strictly wholesale (register with resale number in advance, and all that - You can't even go in to look, unless you have been pre-authorized!) there are also shows that sell retail. And then there are the people that are not even IN shows, selling out of their hotel rooms - merchandise spread out of the beds, and sleeping in the bathtub (or so I have heard...). Last year, Jewelry Artist magazine sent out "The Tucson Show Guide" to their subscribers. It was full of maps, layouts, lists of vendors and all the different show locations (it is pretty much throughout the entire city, I am told). A lot of extremely useful info, especially for a newbie. I longer get the mag, so don't know if they have/will be sending the 2013 version out to subscription holders again this year or not. Looks like there is an EZ-Guide for Tucson (which is free for the Quartzsite shows), sells for like $10 www.xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.htmlFrom Google, info on locations, dates and contact numbers: maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=204861243309977725653.00045932ed9d24d750027This may also be helpful: realmofthegoddess.com/tucson/tucsonshows.php One more, this one from the Tucson Visitors Bureau : www.visittucson.org/events/gem-show/Okay, don't want to overload you. Just Google Tucson Gem and Mineral show if you want more. Jean
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2013 17:20:01 GMT -5
I have been going there for the last 5 years and I always hit the two bigger shows and the ones with the most lapidary material. First stop is at the Days Inn (I-10 and Congress St) from there I go to Kino Stadium (I-10 and Ajo Way) here you can hit the people selling in the parking lot from there RV's, lots of the same people from Quartzite, great place for rough. From there I walk over main tent area, this is good place to buy equipment (Grinding wheels, rock hammers, etc.)
Lots of the other hotels in town have shows going on, but they seem to be more specialized in material or origins of material.
For me this is a full day, with a two hour drive back to Phx.
Have fun,
Tim
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Post by Pat on Jan 11, 2013 18:32:58 GMT -5
Good information above. LJJA did send their guide with their most recent issue.
Wear your most comfortable shoes.
Thieves target cars that obviously belong to rock hounds.
It's a wonderful experience. Enjoy!
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 11, 2013 19:40:01 GMT -5
The shows run over approximately a 2 week period. The last weekend is usually the big club show. It is retail and huge. Somebody there is tied in with the Smithsonian so the displays are truly the best you will find. Along the I-10 motel corridor are many vendors selling retail. The formerly known as Electric Park RV Sports complex) is a repeat of Quartzsite as most dealers do both. Gets bigger every year and more of a tail gate show. The other sports complex show is really big and has most of the manufacturers of lapidary. We will be in the BD/MK tent there the last week. If you are looking for rock you will generally find better prices at Quartzsite. The same $425 spot at Desert Gardens is in the $2000 range at the tailgate. Tents and motel rooms and spaces in big tents much higher yet. Tucson is an experience for sure. We used to shop for two weeks but have never seen all the shows. Overwhelming really.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jan 11, 2013 23:37:53 GMT -5
Interesting, thanks everybody. What if I was interested in jewelry findings? Do they have those in Tucson? (finally figured out how to spell that, doh)
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Post by NM Stone Supply on Jan 12, 2013 12:06:04 GMT -5
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 14, 2013 20:38:27 GMT -5
My wife used to buy findings at a place in a front room at one of the motels. The large wholesale only shows will have a lot too.
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