Qtn about Tucson 1998 Shows

r.d_wheat 1997-05-05 14:03:00 UTC #1

I am planning to go to the "Tucson shows" next February for the
first time. I'm interested in gemstones (precious and
semiprecious) of all varieties to use in jewelry making. Am also
interested in jewelry suppliers.

Can anyone give me advice as to what dates to go and to which
shows as there seem to be so many listed in Lapidary Journal over
a few weeks in February.

Thanks in advance for your help.

r.d.

MOIRAG2112 1997-05-06 00:42:48 UTC #2

Depends on whether or not they string it out for three weeks like they did this Feb. Most people try for the week that AGTA has their show. I work for a friend in the show that is at the Howard Johnson Inn. He has been doing Tucson shows for 23 years there - the company is Globe Gem and we sell Gemstones - Cabs thru Diamonds. The owner is Vijay Kumar and he is a GG from GIA - I hope to be finished with my studies by then - I also have an AAS in Jewelry and Goldsmithing Technology from Highline College in Seattle, WA. Hope to see you in Tucson at Howard Johnson Inn - Room 144 next February.

Stella Samson

Joan963 1997-05-06 00:42:57 UTC #3

Tuscon show goes forever--- The first weekend in February is the AGTA - big cut stones, little cut stones, so many cut stone that you think that there can't be anything left under the surface of the earth - or that there are that many rings to be made. - tough to get into without JBT certification. There are lots of outlying shows are hotels everywhere in Tuscon. Everything is wholesales - but easier to get into. Business license, card etc... You can find rough to museum quality crystal specimens - fossils, Indian beads - anything you can imagine for jewelry is in Tuscon.

The Show that started the whole thing opens on Thursday of the second week and is retail - but everything is still going on in all the hotels...

If you want to have a crack at everything before it changes hands 6 or 7 times, increasing the price accordingly - I suggest that you hit Quartzite - which is in Ariz on the border of Cal and Az. 1000"s of RV's park there for the last week in Jan - and lots of buying and trading happens - BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING AND LOOKING AT!!!!!

It really is overwhelming !

Joan

r.d_wheat 1997-05-07 14:03:53 UTC #4

Tuscon show goes forever--- The first weekend in February is the
AGTA - big cut stones, little cut stones, so many cut stone that
you think that there can't be anything left under the surface of
the earth - or that there are that many rings to be made. - tough
to get into without JBT certification.

Thanks for all the info. Does one register in advance for AGTA? I'm not JBT certified but would like to go to this show. Will I be able to know in advance if I can get in?

Again, I appreciate your advice.

rd

Joan963 1997-05-08 00:35:22 UTC #5

I know that I have had a hard time with the AGTA but now that I do get in, I get in every year... You must have receipts from metal, stone, findings companies... business cards, stationary, LICENSE - and it helps if you are from any state other than ARizona... We really get screwed... to say the least. They think we are on holiday.. anyway... I am sure that there is a way to preregister - but dont have the address etc. When I do, I will put it out.. Hope this helps. Joan

Lance_Kanaby 1997-05-08 00:35:27 UTC #6

Thanks for all the info. Does one register in advance for AGTA?
I'm not JBT certified but would like to go to this show. Will I
be able to know in advance if I can get in?

Yes, you do need to register to get into the Tucson AGTA
GemFair. Call the AGTA at 1-800-972-1162 or send them a letter to:

AGTA
2050 Stemmons, Suite 181, Box 581043
Dallas, TX 75258

You must be in the gem and/or jewelry related business.

Lance Kanaby

GemData, Mine Design & The Spectrum Network at http://www.gemdata.com Home of the famous interactive "Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show Calendar" Colored Gemstones, Diamonds & Cutting Rough Databases and Information Soapstone Carvings by Sandy Cline, AGTA Gemstone Enhancement Codes

GoldStones_Inc 1997-05-08 00:35:42 UTC #7

... Does one register in advance for AGTA?
I'm not JBT certified but would like to go to this show. Will I
be able to know in advance if I can get in?

I was not JBT rated or even listed and I had no trouble
registering two years ago. If I remember correctly, I sent them a copy of the state acknowledgement of the sole proprietorship I had at the time, and a business card. If you call them, they will send you the pre-registration packet in the fall. Be sure to make any hotel reservations early. I had tried in the

beginning of December and there was nothing to be had for less than $157 a day. I ended up in a B&B out in the desert.

As far as entrance, as long as you have a legitimate business you should have no problem. If your not a bona-fide business yet, set up a sole proprietorship. It doesn't cost much ($50 in NH) and it is not difficult to figure out taxes at the end of the year (you file as part of your 1040), just keep records.

Hope we see you there.

Sharon Ziemek

Barry_Diana_Hansen 1997-05-08 13:22:38 UTC #8

You can pre-register with AGTA by getting in touch with them at:

American Gem Trade Association
World Trade Center, Suite 181
2050 Stemmons Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75207

P.O. Box 581043
Dallas, Tx. 75258

Phone # 1-214-742-4367
1-800-972-1162 (USA ONLY)
FAX # 1-214-742-7334

Barry Hansen, Hansen Designs

customer 1997-05-09 03:59:18 UTC #9

I registered for AGTA a couple weeks before this year's show. I am not JBT certified or certified by anyone for that matter, but was able to produce the few things they required for advanced registration. Since I am not at home, and since my memory is zilch, I can't remember what they asked for.

Go for it. I truly loved the AGTA show!

Candy