Tucson or bust … for two weeks every year, in late January and early February,  Tucson becomes the number one playground for the world of international gem and mineral trading.  The “Gem Show” sounds like a single site, but the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase happens all across Tucson at more than 40 sites.  This year I traveled to Tucson to explore the offerings of some of the finest stonecutters and gem dealers in the world.  Among my favorites was the exhibit hall featuring the stonecutters from the Idar-Oberstein region of Germany.  Here gemstones come to life carved in the images of flowers, animals, abstract art – almost anything one can imagine.  The beauty of the gemstones and artistry of the cutters meld and inspire a myriad of ideas about jewelry design. Watch for Paula’s new creations later this year!

 

As well as attending the stone shows, I visited the JCK design jewelry show.  Here I was able to see the work of new and upcoming jewelry designers and well as visit with a few of my favorite designers who we represent at Jewels That Dance.  Keep an eye out for the new work of Alishan, Barbara Heinrich and Todd Reed next time you visit the store..         Carol