The last week of January every year Tucson becomes an international marketplace for thousands of exhibitors, wholesale buyers, jewelers, rock hounds, exporters, private collectors, importers, and artists. One of the largest gem shows in the world, people travel here each year to barter, sell, and buy everything from African masks to rare gems. Dozens of separate shows pop up across town, many along the I-10 frontage road and downtown. Yet there is a contingent of locals (you know who you are) who have never once been, or maybe went to look at specimens as a kid at the TCC with your nerdy rock collecting neighbor, surmised that’s all there is and never looked back. Well, you’re missing out.
Sure, you can see wall size geodes cut out of a cave, work with the jeweler himself to choose a custom setting for a that rare black Australian opal, handle strand after strand of all walks of beads, or hunt through endless bins of sparkly this and glittering that. But if you don’t get over it and check it out yourself, you’d never know about the other non-gem, well, gems. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint in advance precisely who will offer their wares and the exact spot they’ll set up shop, here is a sampling seen in previous years. Besides, you don’t want a specific destination with this thing. Exploring these tents and booths, overhearing languages from across the globe, and people watching while you make your away through it all is what makes it an adventurous treasure hunt.
Vintage Bangles
Keep your eyes out at the Tucson Electric Park show for a table completely covered with vintage Bakelite pieces in every color of the rainbow. You can find the boldly-colored costume jewelry made of the first synthetic plastic in antique stores or vintage boutiques, but here rings, bracelets, and necklaces in any color you can think of are offered up in a one-stop shop.
Magic Carpets
Ok, not really magic, but certainly breathtaking. Whether you’re in the market for one or just want to admire the intricate and ancient art, you can find rugs—both new and antique—from far away locales such as Persia, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and China throughout all the various gem shows around town.
Artful Artifacts
Dozens of on-site booths offer artifacts from nearly hundreds of origins, dots on the map both unfamiliar and those more recognizable. At New Guinea Art’s booth each year, find collected items like a crocodile canoe prow, a coastal ramu mask, a babakumbu (helmet mask) from the Abelam people, or a sago basket used by the women of the Sepik.
From Russia with Love
Traditional matryoshkas (nesting dolls) abound at Russian import booths in spots along the frontage road. Some simple and wood, others elaborate with gold flourishes, sided by other interesting Eastern European crafts such as a plethora of gilded boards displaying the elaborate images of many Russian Orthodox saints.
Buddhas Abound
From nearly the size of a quarter to larger-than-life scale—sculptures and figurines of the Buddha can be found everywhere during the gem show. Antique statues brought from India, laughing Buddhas in every size, carved wooden Buddhas, jade Buddhas, and don’t forget the paintings! The shows are simply awash with this beloved figure.
Textile Talk
From fine pashmina shawls embroidered by hand in Kashmir, to silky Indian sari’s and fuzzy cashmere wool scarves in any color you can think of, this is a serious opportunity to stock up for gift giving or your own collection.
There are several shows all over Tucson from late January through early February. For a list of all the shows, locations, schedules, and additional info, visit xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html. Contact individual shows for parking information (some offer free parking), or visit ParkWise.tucsonaz.gov/parkwise/where-can-i-park-downtown.
