Tucson Buying Spree
Hard to believe, but we’re heading to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Shows on Sunday. Your input this past week through our Buying 2010 Survey has been invaluable. We’ve gotten a better idea of what types of things you are looking for from us as a vendor. Please take the survey and have a chance to win $100 Gift Certificate.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the events in Tucson, there are 40+ different shows over a 3 week period with vendors selling all type of gem and mineral products (and MUCH more now). The original shows were really focused on large, raw materials…think gemstone rocks that weigh tons. Over time, more and more shows were added that included gemstone beads, gemstone jewelry, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Fine Jewelry, etc. Now, it’s the place where everyone in the jewelry supply industry meets to share their wares. There are both wholesale and retail shows, so there are plenty of buyers from all facets (pun intended) of the jewelry industry. We meet buyers from all over the world…some just getting stuff for their own personal beading habit!
We focus our time in the wholesale shows selling gemstones, pearls, and jewelry findings. We also make time to meet with our largest wholesale distributors and wander through different retail venues. The amount of merchandise available is almost impossible to describe. Every single hotel in Tuscon has exhibitors, some of them occupying every room with vendors! The largest shows are held in tents the length of 2 or 3 football fields.The AGTA takes up the convention center with the most incredible precious gemstones from all over the world.
We buy at the shows, we do no selling at all there. Specifically, we try to purchase the gemstones that need to be hand selected like faceted strands and pendants. We import many of our smooth beads directly from overseas, but find that is a poor way to buy faceted stones. We’ll be updating you through DailyBeadBuzz.com for those of you who want to experience the shopping spree virtually!
We’ll be on the lookout for gemstone items in Tucson, but you’ve given us many new ideas for findings, wire, and other items we’ll likely buy from sources who won’t be in Tucson.
