There’s nothing cooler to me than being surrounded by some of the most unique gems on the planet and connecting with people who feel the same way. That’s exactly what the Tucson Gem Show is all about—thousands of vendors, collectors, and jewelry professionals all coming together in a whirlwind of gemstones, stories, and discoveries. I skipped attending in 2024, but for 2025, I knew I had to go. I had special clients in mind and was on a mission to source sapphires—very specific ones—and there’s no better place to hunt for rare finds than Tucson.
Day 1: Diving Into the Hunt
The Tucson gem show is a dream for gemstone lovers! From the moment I arrived, I dove headfirst into the hunt for unique and rare stones, discovering vibrant sapphires, sparkling diamonds, and exotic gems from around the world.
The atmosphere was a mix of bustling, overwhelming, and inspiring. If you’ve never been to Tucson during gem show season, imagine a sprawling maze of exhibition halls, hotel ballrooms, and outdoor tents filled with every gemstone imaginable. My first day was all about getting my bearings, reconnecting with familiar vendors, and scouting what was available. The thrill of the hunt kept me going, and I passed over thousands of sapphires, holding out for just the right ones.
I also started noticing some trends while browsing. Many vendors still offer “dated” material, meaning older inventory that may not be the best representation of what’s currently available in the market. I tend to skip these booths, as I’m always after the freshest, highest-quality sapphires for my clients. It was clear early on which vendors had the best selection, and I made mental notes of where to return the next day.
I always find that the first day is about setting the stage—seeing what’s out there, identifying trends, and making note of potential buys. But as exciting as it was, I knew the real work would begin on Day 2.
Day 2: The One That Almost Got Away
By the second day, I was in deep sourcing mode. I wasn’t just looking for beautiful sapphires—I was looking for exceptional ones. Color is just one part of the equation for me. Precision cutting, clarity, and overall quality matter just as much, and I can’t tell you how many stones I passed over because they didn’t meet the high standards I set for my clients.
One of the sapphires I was searching for was particularly rare, and I was getting worried I wouldn’t find it. It wasn’t until my very last stop on Day 2 that I finally did. I was ecstatic—it was the perfect stone, and it made all the effort worth it. That moment of discovery is what makes gemstone sourcing so rewarding.
Another highlight of the day was reconnecting with Debbie and Neal, a couple who own their own sapphire mine in Montana. I only see them once a year, but it always feels like picking up right where we left off. Their Montana sapphires are some of the most sustainable and beautifully cut stones I’ve seen, and I love sourcing from them whenever I can.
Day 3: The Final Finds & Unexpected Moments
By the third day, my eyes were tired, my feet were aching, and the bright lights had left me with a lingering headache—but the hunt continued. Some of my favorite finds from the show included stunning baguette-cut sapphires from Australia, a perfect peach sapphire that one of my clients had been dreaming about, and a mix of uniquely colored sapphires that I can’t wait to incorporate into future designs. Some will make their way into our one-of-a-kind engagement rings, while others will be on display in our store, waiting to inspire a future custom project.
One of the best parts of the Tucson show isn’t just the gemstones—it’s the people. I ran into old industry friends, made new connections, and even met someone on the plane ride over who might turn into a new friend. The dinners, breakfasts, and spontaneous lunch meetups weren’t just about catching up—they were like therapy sessions for business owners. We shared our wins, our struggles, and ways we could support each other in this ever-changing industry. Owning and running a jewelry business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be tough and unique in ways that only fellow jewelers truly understand. Tucson is a reminder that we’re all in it together.
What’s Next?
I left Tucson feeling inspired, reenergized, and excited to bring these sapphires to life. Over the next few months, I’ll be working these new finds into fresh designs and showcasing some of them in our store for those looking to create something one-of-a-kind. If you’ve been thinking about a custom sapphire engagement ring or want to see some of these incredible gems in person, stop by the store or reach out—I’d love to help bring your vision to life.