Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:00 pm Posts: 461 Location: Washington DC
This will be my first trip to the Tucson show and I really want to make the best of the short amount of time I can spend there. It seems like things will be very spread out and I was wondering if I could get some guidance on the best places to look for the things I'm interested in. In particular, I'll be hunting for gem rough and insects in amber. I'll also be keeping my eyes open for fossils and other curiosities, but I'm less worried about that. Are there any venues that I should be sure to visit? Also, I don't have a business license so I'll be restricted to the public access venues. Thanks in advance!
Joined: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:14 pm Posts: 1383 Location: Royal Oak, Michigan US
Hi Bob, As Barbara noted, the Pueblo Inn Show (which actually takes place at the River Park Inn) is THE ideal spot to locate quality and quantity of rough. However, along the west side of the I-10 Freeway affectionately known as the 'Strip', is where all the items you've mentioned will be found including the Pueblo Inn Show.
There is a relatively new show that set up last year on the east side of I-10 at the corner of 22nd Street. You can park in their lot for free. Review the show for any goodies, then cross under the I-10 overpass and head north from 22nd Street on the west side 'Strip'. You can walk through all the venues along the way ending up one mile north at Congress Street.
On this one-mile-corridor, you can find just about anything having to do with gemstones, gem rough or the tools we normally use in the craft. Can even get a massage.
Assuming you are thoroughly scouring for rough, you'd best allow one full day to review all the options along the strip. Prices will be negotiable, though more so when dealing with foreign nationals. Most domestic rough dealers are price fix.
Wear really comfortable shoes, and carry water. Enjoy yourself.
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