USA gem road trip: Los Angeles, Quartzsite and Tucson 2022.
- Feb 9, 2022
- 2 min read
After more than two years without traveling, this buying trip to Tucson was a true liberation. Like many gem dealers, some of my stock had reached critical levels, particularly for high-grade materials, which absolutely require precise visual inspection. Once the few formalities required by CBP upon arrival were completed, traveling in the United States proved relatively straightforward, especially in Arizona where access to restaurants and bars is particularly easy. My journey unfolded in several stages: Los Angeles, Quartzsite, and finally Tucson.
Los Angeles, California: First stop on the USA Gem Road Trip: Los Angeles, Quartzite, and Tucson 2022.
First stop on the USA Gem Road Trip (Los Angeles, Quartzite, and Tucson 2022) : in the immense City of Angels: Los Angeles. A sprawling metropolis, saturated by phenomenal traffic and nightmarish gridlock, L.A. remains a fascinating city. This short visit allowed me to reconnect with a friend who is a gem cutter, rest a bit before the real adventure, and enjoy the sun on the Californian beaches.
Quartzsite, Arizona
Second stop: Quartzsite. For a lapidary like myself, it's an essential destination for meeting the miners and dealers of rough stones directly.
Quartzsite is raw America: dust, buggies, mobile homes, and a very "Old West" vibe. Despite the somewhat rustic atmosphere, the welcome is warm and the authenticity of the encounters is unparalleled.
Tucson, Arizona
Finally, the last and most anticipated stop: Tucson. This year, my arrival was earlier than usual due to Quartzsite's schedule. As a result, I witnessed a facet rarely seen by regular visitors to the Tucson Gem Show: the incredible logistical organization required for this global event!
The days in Tucson are always extremely busy, punctuated by gemological discoveries, negotiations, and warm reunions over good meals or friendly evenings.
To end this magnificent trip, I took some time for a refreshing walk in Saguaro National Park. Giant cacti, saguaro trees, agaves, and spectacular sunsets... A final pleasure before heading home.
After 10 intense days in the USA, it's time to rejoin my family and return to the workshop, my mind brimming with inspiration and my suitcases full of treasures! The harvest from this trip has been exceptional, and I can't wait to show you all these new rare and magnificent stones!
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