Tucson Gem Show Recap: My Treasure-Hunting Adventure & New Designs in the Works

Every year, jewelry designers, gem enthusiasts, and treasure hunters from around the world flock to the Tucson Gem Show—the largest gem, mineral, and fossil show on the planet. It’s a sprawling, sun-drenched, treasure-filled event where rare stones, artisan-crafted beads, and unique charms are waiting to be discovered. This year, I embarked on my own Tucson adventure, searching for the perfect materials to bring fresh, new designs to life. From delicate pearl charms to rare gemstone charms and even playful fish charms, I found so many incredible pieces that I can’t wait to share with you!

Beyond the Beads: Memorable Tucson Moments

Of course, my trip wasn’t just about shopping for jewelry supplies. One of the best parts of the Tucson Gem Show is connecting with fellow designers, learning about new trends, and soaking up the vibrant energy of the event. Here are a few highlights from my time in the desert:

• Catching Up with Fellow Designers – I reconnected with some of my favorite jewelry-maker friends, swapping stories, sharing design ideas, and getting inspired by each other’s latest work.
• A Visit to the African Art Village – This was an unexpected gem within the show! I accompanied a friend on a search for a rare yellow trade bead, and along the way, I discovered stunning hand-carved beads and large recycled glass pieces that reminded me of sea glass.
• Foodie Adventures – Tucson is known for its incredible food, and I made sure to indulge. From chicken mole tacos to a six-flavor salsa tasting (yes, six!), every meal was a delight. And of course, no trip would be complete without a spicy serrano margarita to toast to a successful gem hunt!
• Desert Relaxation – After days of walking miles through gem show exhibits, I treated myself to a traditional Thai massage. Let’s just say, after being stretched, massaged, and completely relaxed, I felt ready to take on another round of treasure hunting!

The Magic of the Tucson Gem Show

Picture this: rows upon rows of vendors, each with tables glistening with gemstones, shimmering beads, and intricate metalwork. It’s a dream come true for any jewelry designer. But with so many options, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle. Before arriving, I had a plan: find unique materials that would inspire my next collection, explore new trends in jewelry design, and stock up on stunning charms for our charm bar collection.

And let me tell you—I found some absolute gems (pun intended)!

Tiny Beads, Big Inspiration

One of my biggest takeaways from this year’s show was a newfound appreciation for the tiniest of beads. I discovered an array of micro-faceted gemstones, petite pearls, and delicate glass beads that will bring a fresh, intricate feel to upcoming designs. These tiny treasures will be perfect for layering, adding texture, and creating jewelry that feels both lightweight and luxurious.

A Charm Lover’s Dream: Fish Charms, Pearl Charms & Gemstone Charms

Charms have always held a special place in my designs, and this year, I went all in on sourcing unique new pieces for our charm collection. Here are some of the standouts:

• Fish Charms – Inspired by the ocean and coastal life, I found beautifully detailed fish-shaped charms in silver and gold, along with hand-carved gemstone fish charms. These will be a stunning addition to our charm bar, perfect for anyone who loves the sea.
• Pearl Charms – Pearls are timeless, and I couldn’t resist sourcing some breathtaking pearl charms for upcoming pieces. From baroque pearls with a natural, organic shape to smooth, classic pearl drops, these will bring an elegant, luminous touch to charm bracelets and necklaces.
• Gemstone Charms – Tucson is THE place to find extraordinary gemstone charms, and this year was no exception. I handpicked charms in a variety of stones, including vibrant turquoise, deep lapis, ethereal moonstone, and rich garnet. Whether you love bold statement pieces or delicate accents, these charms will add personality and meaning to any piece of jewelry.

Permanent Jewelry: Elevating the Experience

Another exciting focus of my trip was sourcing high-quality connectors and unique additions for our permanent jewelry offerings. I explored new options for elegant clasps, delicate chains, and gemstone accents to create long-lasting, custom-fit bracelets and necklaces that our customers will cherish. Stay tuned—we’ll be introducing some beautiful new permanent jewelry options soon!

What’s Next? Bringing Tucson’s Magic to You

Now that I’m back, I’m sorting through my Tucson finds, designing new pieces, and preparing to introduce these fresh materials into our collections. Over the next few weeks, you’ll start to see:

 New Charm Bar Additions – Our expanded charm selection, including fish charms, pearl charms, and gemstone charms, will be hitting the store soon.

 Layered & Delicate Designs – Inspired by the tiny, intricate beads I found, I’ll be creating lightweight, stackable designs perfect for everyday wear.

 Permanent Jewelry Upgrades – Stay tuned for new options in our permanent jewelry collection, featuring beautiful gemstone and pearl accents.

If you love meaningful jewelry with a story behind it, you’re going to love what’s coming next! Be sure to follow along on Instagram for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes photos, and first dibs on new arrivals.

Tucson never fails to inspire, and I’m so excited to bring a little bit of that desert magic back to you. What are you most excited to see from my Tucson haul? Let me know in the comments!