How to Get the Most out of your Tucson Experience
The content of this article reflects the views of the writer, and not necessarily those of Ethical Metalsmiths. This article was written for The Source.
Are you missing Tucson already? I know I am!
This year, I got to visit the Tucson gem shows for the first time ever–after working with ANZA Gems at the Ethical Gem Suppliers Ethical Gem Fair, of course!
It was an absolutely jam-packed week filled with amazing things, such as: gawking at football fields worth of gems and superbly designed jewelry, being reunited with industry mentors, meeting wonderful new clients and people I’d only ever met on Zoom, and celebrating with our Ethical Gem Fair crew. Oh, and let’s not forget: really good tacos!
So, without further ado: here are 8 ways to get the most out of your time in Tucson and find all the hidden gems (to go along with your actual gems).
#1 Join The Most Epic Crew
Our EM/Ethical Gem Suppliers/WJA Community
Having mentors and solid friends in this industry is something I don’t take for granted, and I must say, our responsible jewelry community is pretty amazing!
The Ethical Gem Suppliers hosted a joint Ethical Metalsmiths x WJA (Women’s Jewelry Association) meet up in the Scottish Rite Cathedral on our second to last day of the gem show, and it was a blast. Thank you to everyone who came–it was great to see familiar faces as well as a bunch of new ones.
If you’ve read my other Illuminators articles, you may have noticed that I love to ask people what their favorite part of being an Ethical Metalsmiths member is. Almost, if not every, time the answer is the same: the community. We can share our highs and lows, responsibly sourcing resources, and so many laughs together. The camaraderie is like nothing else, and I still pinch myself that I get to be in a group of such deeply dedicated and warm people.
To view EM’s Event Calendar, click HERE.
Stuart Pool and Alix Hart at the EM x WJA Meetup. Photo courtesy of Stuart Pool.
Hewan Zewdi, Percy Maleta, Chloe Pflug, Jessica Hudson, Susan Wheeler and Monica Stephenson at dinner in Tucson. Photo courtesy of Chloe Beaumont.
Quendi Benitez holding a Nature’s Geometry Rutilated Quartz. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
Will Nevins-Alderfer, Emily Phillippy, Sam Malandra-Myers and Stuart Pool. Photo courtesy of Emily Phillippy.
Stuart Pool and Jay Moncada posing at the Ethical Gem Fair. Photo courtesy of Stuart Pool.
#2 Ask Your Suppliers Really Quality Questions
Representative gemstones from each of the companies in Ethical Gem Suppliers. Photo courtesy of ANZA Gems.
EM published a Guide for “Ethical” Gemstone Supplier Conversations that came out right before Tucson 2023. In case you missed it, no worries, it is still available here!
This brilliant resource provides guidance on “how to interact in a trade show environment and how to frame the comprehensive questions in the conversation guide for quality answers and better business relationships.”
However, this guide could truly be used year round, not just at trade shows. The purpose behind its creation was to foster long-term change in our industry, as well as to help develop relationships.
#3 Meet Inspiring Next-Gen Jewelry Industry Members
Such as Nadine Marshall!
Nadine Marshall, Chloe Beaumont, and Monica Stephenson.
Gems of many varieties all cut by Nadine herself. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
I have been following Nadine and her gem-cutting journey for several years now (she started cutting at age twelve), and I got to meet her when she came to our Ethical Gem Fair. Nadine is just sixteen years old, yet you would never guess that from the stunning gems she has cut; I was truly blown away!
I just had to buy one, not only to support her, but because I couldn’t resist after being mesmerized by the cut and color of a particular Blue Zircon.
Nadine, thank you for being an inspiration to us all that you’re never too young (or old, for that matter) to start doing what you love.
#4 Dine at a “Foodie” Restaurant
Like The Coronet!
Coronet Restaurant and Market. Photos courtesy of Chloe Beaumont and Sam Malandra-Myers.
Photos courtesy of Chloe Beaumont and Sam Malandra-Myers.
The last thing you want after working up an appetite after a long day at the gem show is to be disappointed by your dinner.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed by Coronet Restaurant and Cafe.
Upon entering, I felt like I stepped into a mix between an early 1900’s apothecary and a warmly-lit corner pub. Not only was the gourmet dinner we had delicious, but we also got to enjoy good coffee and pastries from the adorable outdoor Cafe in the mornings. If you didn’t get to try this spot this year, be sure to book it next year!
*Note: in 2023, the Market Cafe was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to short staffing issues. Hopefully this improves in 2024.
#5 Gawk at Insanely Gorgeous Wearable Art
Like this intricately crafted piece by Crevoshay.
Butterfly Brooch by Crevoshay. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
Sure, Tucson is mainly about loose gemstones and minerals, but there is also plenty of ridiculously beautiful jewelry to admire!
As Monica Stephenson (current EM President) and I were leaving AGTA’s Jewelry Designer Ballroom one day, we were stopped in our tracks by the pieces at Paula Crevoshay’s booth. I just had to hold this brooch in the shape of a butterfly to get a closer look at all the different gemstones sparkling together in harmony.
We listened as Paula explained more about where she pulls her design inspiration from (hint: the incredible variety of nature and the gems themselves and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into executing the designs. There is always something new to learn in this industry, and that is one of my favorite things about it.
If you have time, I’d highly encourage perusing designer’s booths next year if you didn’t this year– you never know when you could be inspired or see something you’ve never seen before.
#6 Fuel Up Pre-Show at These Caffeine Spots
My top three favorites: Exo Roast Co (W Simpson Location), Cartel Roasting Co. and The Scented Leaf Tea House.
Exo Roast Co. on West Simpson St. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
If you’ve been to Tucson before, you know just how full-on busy your days get! If you need to fuel up for all the selling, buying and socializing with some quality caffeine, here are some great places to do so.
EXO Roast Co—The West Simpson location is one block away from the Convention Center/ a 3 min walk from the DoubleTree Hotel. Pro tip: get here before 9:30am or there will be a line out the door!
Coffee not your thing? Try the Scented Leaf Tea House on Congress St. for a giant selection of quality teas. It’s a bit of a further walk from the shows, but well worth it according to one tea-lover I know.
#7 Pose with Life Sized Crystals
Like the Heart Chair at Pueblo Gem Show!
Christine Heidel of Silver and Salt Jewelry sitting the heart crystal chair at Pueblo Gem Show. Photo courtesy of Christine Heidel.
I won’t judge you for doing it for your Instagram, OK? It’s basically a Tucson must-do, if you are lucky enough to have some free time built in during your trip.
I had seen glimpses of the Pueblo Gem Show on instagram before, but there is nothing quite like seeing row after row of giant crystals and minerals in person. You might even find a little souvenir each year to take home with you and show off to friends and family.
#8 Celebrate with a Cozy Cheers
Owl’s Club in Tucson. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
A craft cocktail at the Owl’s Club. Photo courtesy of The Owl’s Club.
The Owl’s Club is hands-down the coziest happy hour spot in Tucson.
There’s a lot to celebrate in Tucson, whether it be another successful gem show, or a beautiful haul of gems. The Owl’s Club was a convenient and inviting place to “cheers” and catch up with friends and colleagues. They have an extensive list of cocktails with fun names and various different spaces besides the bar to hang out in.
Cheers to a great Tucson this year for all who participated and attended the various gem shows! I’m looking forward to seeing even more of you next year!
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