The Tucson Gem Show was fun, energetic and of course a lot of work! It is posted as the world's Largest Gem Show and it is if you consider all of the various shows going on at the same time it is and I believe it would take an entire month to see it all. I worked at the GJX (Gem and Jewelry Exchange) show. Our booth is always quite busy, and this year was no exception. Exhibitors and buyers are there from around the world. In the evenings I would have dinner with various clients or colleagues, always an international evening this year included friends from Switzerland, Israel, Hawaii, Philippines, Atlanta, Brazil, Germany and Austria. Jewelry Shows always makes this Midwest girl feel quite Continental!
This year trends seem to be mixed pearl (Tahitian and South Sea) long necklaces, Canary Lava Rock, blue aquamarine, Philippine shells, green beryl, and Peacock Tahitian Pearl in baroque and rounds. The designers are doing quite a bit of mixing of texture and color in the pieces, which adds depth and interest. Watch the magazines, what is bought now will be shown this fall or Spring of 2012.
The next big Show is in Hong Kong in March. My business partners are going, but I am staying home and need to desperately get busy designing jewelry out of my fabulous Tucson finds. But, I can't whine too much as I did get to go to Hong Kong in June. It is a great show with a strong focus on pearls.
Will plan to post some of my designs when completed. Wow - do I adore jewelry!
