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Tucson Gem Show 2025: An Intense Sourcing Journey in the American Gem Market

  • Apr 19
  • 3 min read



For many years now, I have been traveling to the United States—more specifically to Tucson, Arizona—for what is considered the largest gathering of gemstone, mineral, and fossil dealers and collectors in the world: the Tucson Gem Show.


This year’s stay was relatively short, yet without a doubt one of the most intense and productive buying trips I have experienced, sourcing remarkable materials for lapidary artisans and jewelry designers.


A Strong Focus on American Gemstones

This year, I deliberately focused my research on American gemstones. Among the highlights were rare Navajo pyrope garnets from Ants Hill in Arizona, large quantities of Oregon Sunstones, covellite from Montana, gem silica, and dinosaur bone from Utah. I also sourced a range of distinctive materials such as Colorado rhodochrosite, red beryl, Californite, and benitoite from California—each selected with the intention of offering them at true market value.


This trip also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with key partners across the lapidary, watchmaking, and jewelry sectors.


It was, overall, a highly productive year—rich in discoveries and meaningful encounters.





A Long Journey to the Desert

The journey begins with a long flight from Frankfurt to Tucson via Dallas, a route frequently used by professionals from Idar-Oberstein. The weather forecast was promising—and it proved to be exactly so.


Southern Shows: A Dynamic Start

On the first day, I usually begin with the southern shows: the Holidome and the Kino. These venues offer a wide range of materials, from rough to cut stones, as well as sculptures, geodes, and a variety of mineral objects.

I particularly enjoy the Kino in the morning. Much of it is outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the sunlight before the desert heat intensifies.



AGTA: Where Business Gets Serious

The following day, the serious work begins with significant purchasing at the AGTA GemFair Tucson. I always appreciate reconnecting with long-standing partners and suppliers. The atmosphere is focused, refined, and highly professional.



Exploring Tucson on Foot

During my trips to Tucson, I walk extensively. In the past, I used to rent a car, but for several years now, I have relied on walking and Uber, occasionally using the showcase shuttle.

It is also an opportunity to discover the city itself, which is rich in street art and iconic American locations.




Exceptional Mineral Exhibitions

I had the chance to visit remarkable galleries showcasing extraordinary mineral specimens, including the The Arkenstone exhibition.




A stop at the Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery allowed me to discover exceptional hardstone marquetry work by Scarpelli Mosaici—a level of craftsmanship I found truly outstanding.




Just across the street, I also encountered a sales exhibition of spectacular Mexican agates—often beyond reach in terms of price, but visually remarkable.



The Tucson Experience Beyond Stones

Tucson is also about shared moments: dinners with friends, business meetings, and culinary breaks. Some of my go-to places this year included:




A Fast-Paced and Addictive Experience

Tucson 2025 flew by in what felt like an instant. The intensity, the discoveries, the encounters—everything contributes to making this event truly unique.

At this point, I can confidently say: I have become completely addicted to Tucson.


Tucson gem show 2025

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