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.
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
Stella Samson
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
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
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
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
… 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
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
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