Welcome to the Tucson Gem Show 101.
This web site introduces various information about the Tucson gem shows.
You can find all information about the Tucson gem show’s tips, registration, schedules(dates), map, app, tickets, reviews, and more.
- COVID-19
- Schedule 2021
- What is the Tucson Gem & Mineral, Fossil Show?
- Recommended Show Ranking
- Tips
- Is the 2021 Tucson gem show Cancelled?
- How can I get the Tucson Gem Show 2021 tickets?
- How can I register?
- Where should I go?
- What times are the shows open?
- Is the Tucson gem show free? How much are tickets to the Tucson gem show?
- Is the Tucson gem show open to the public?
- What is the best way to get around the show?
- Do I need to pay a parking fee at every show?
- How many vendors and shows are there at the Tucson gem show?
- What are the differences between the Gem show and the Mineral show?
- Where can I get lunch at the shows?
- Can I use a credit/debit card at the shows?
- What should I bring to the Tucson gem show?
- Is there a shipping company at the show?
COVID-19
Tucson Gem Show 2021 is not cancelled.Many shows are moving to April 2021due to COVID-19.
The City of Tucson and the Pima County Health Department are going to decide to approve or not.
Schedule of the Tucson Gem Show 2021
Cancelled shows in 2021
The following shows are cancelled due to COVID-19.
Last updated: January 2, 2021
| Show | Location | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (Main Show) | Tucson Convention Center | The Tucson Gem & Mineral Society |
| GJX Gem & Jewelry Show | Tucson Convention Center | GJX |
| AGTA GemFair Tucson | Tucson Convention Center | AGTA GemFair Tucson |
| Westward Look Mineral Show | Westward Look Resort, 245 E. Ina Rd. | Fine Mineral Show |
| Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show | El Conquistador, 10000 N Oracle Rd. | LLD Productions, Inc. |
| Colors of the Stone, To Bead True Blue Show, and Tucson Artisan Workshops | Casino Del Sol, 5655 West Valencia Rd. | Garan-Beadagio, LLC. |
Please see the new schedule in 2021. Tucson Gem Show Schedule April 2021
Resources
If you want to know Arizona’s current situation of COVID-19, please see the following links.
Cases
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Data Dashboard of Arizona’s COVID-19
- City of Tucson: Daily community status of COVID-19
- City of Tucson: Latest news about Tucson’s COVID-19
Travel guidance
- The Arizona Office of Tourism: COVID-19 info for visitors
- Tucson International Airport: Travel Information During COVID-19. They also have daily basis news, frequent questions, and information about quarantine.
Local news
- Arizona Daily Star: Tucson-area coronavirus developments
We will update the show schedule and any news related to COVID-19 frequently.
Schedule 2021
2021 Tucson Gem Show will start from April 5 to April 30, 2021. Most of the shows will open the second week of April.
Schedule of the Tucson Gem Show April 2021
Read more: International Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral Show Schedule 2021
What is the Tucson Gem & Mineral, Fossil Show?
The Tucson Gem & Mineral, Fossil Show is the biggest gem and fossil show in the world.
It takes place in Tucson, Arizona every winter and fall. The Winter show is the most famous, and it kicks off the final week of January and continues through the middle of February every year.
The Fall show is smaller than the winter show. It is held on the final week of August through the first week of September. Just remember there are two gem shows in Tucson every year.
Read more: Schedule of the Tucson Gem Show 2021
The Tucson Gem Show Winter consists of nearly 50 shows and these shows are held in different areas and dates. It is challenging to attend all the shows. Therefore, you should plan where you want to go before arriving in Tucson.
At the show, you can purchase gemstones, jewelry, minerals, rocks, and fossils below the retail price. Also, you can see rare stones, museum-class minerals, and, one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Read more: International Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral Show Schedule 2021
Recommended Show Ranking
This section introduces you to the recommended show ranking of the Tucson gem show. This ranking is based on customer reviews, popularity, history, the scale of the show, and other original research sources.
・Date: April 7, 2021 - April 18, 2021
・Vendors: 271
・Registration: Yes
・Merchandise: Jewelry, Gemstones, Minerals, Rough, Beads, Gem decor, Fossil
・Date: April 8, 2021 - April 25, 2021
・Vendors: 289
・Registration: No
・Merchandise: Fine minerals, Gemstones, Jewelry, Minerals, Rocks, Art, Singing bowl, tools
・Date: April 8, 2021 - April 25, 2021
・Vendors: 262
・Registration: No
・Merchandise: Fossils, Gemstones, Minerals, Jewelry, African art, Artifacts, beads, Asian art, Specimens, Supplies, Tools
・Date: April 10, 2021 - April 18, 2021
・Vendors: 425
・Registration: Yes
・Merchandise: Rocks, Minerals, Gemstone, Art, Beads, African beads, Carvings, tools
・Date: April 8, 2021 - April 26, 2021
・Vendors: 65
・Registration: No
・Merchandise: African Jewelry, African beads, African art, African Tribal Art, African beaded bags, African figurine
Read more: Recommended shows
Tucson Gem Show Schedule April 2021
Tips
This section shows you many tips based on frequently asked questions about the Tucson gem show.
You can find answers: tickets, registration, hours, parking lot, and shipping.
Is the 2021 Tucson gem show Cancelled?
No. The 2021 Tucson Gem Show is not cancelled.Unfortunately, some of the shows cancelled such as GJX, AGTA, and the Main show due to COVID-19. However, many shows moved to the second week of April 2021. (announced December 17th, 2020) Please see the new schedule below.
Tucson Gem Show Schedule April 2021
How can I get the Tucson Gem Show 2021 tickets?
You can get tickets at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society. Tickets available starting Thursday, January 11, 2021.
Unfortunately, the main show is cancelled in 2021.
Read more: Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (Main Show)
How can I register?
You have two options. One is through the Internet, the other one is at the show’s reception.
Most of the shows will allow you to pre-register through the Internet. Pre-registration is not mandatory, but it will save you time (You can skip the long line).Also, you can register at the entrance of each show when you get there. You will receive a badge from the reception staff on the spot.
Please bring your business card, a valid Business License or Tax Certificate or Sales and Tax Permit for gem, minerals, jewelry related business.
Read more: Registration
Where should I go?
Please see Recommended shows.
The Tucson Gem Show consists of over 50 shows. It is pretty hard to choose your favorite one in these shows. If you have a specific target such as jewelry, fossil, mineral, rocks, or beads our recommended ranking will help you.
Read more: Tucson Gem Show Map
What times are the shows open?
Most of the shows open at 10 AM.
However, most of the shops welcome you before 10 AM except for Wholesale only shows and Businesses only shows. They close is at 6 PM.
If you need to know dates, hours, and location, should download Tucson Gem Show Apps.
Read more: Directions to Tucson
Is the Tucson gem show free? How much are tickets to the Tucson gem show?
Yes, most of the shows are free.
However, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show called “Main show” requires an admission fee of $13 per day for adults, and children 14 and under are free with paid adults.
Please keep in mind, this is the only show with an admission fee.Is the Tucson gem show open to the public?
Yes, most of the shows are open to the public.
- In 2020, 42 shows are open to the public. 10 shows are open to wholesale buyers only, and they require your registration.
What is the best way to get around the show?
Rental cars are the best way to get around the Tucson gem show.
As you know, the shows take place in different locations and they are scattered throughout Tucson.
Other options are Uber, Lyft, taxis, and GemRide Shuttle. These options are stressful sometimes because you cannot find and catch them and you may spend 15-30 minutes waiting for each ride.
If you do not want to drive, you can also consider a rental bicycle and E- Scooter.
Read more: Rent-A-Car
Do I need to pay a parking fee at every show?
No, but it depends on the show.
Unfortunately, some of the shows, especially, near the downtown area, Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (Main Show) and 22nd Street Show, charge a fee of $3-10. Parking fees are increasing every year.
You should have some cash on hand for this purpose because you cannot use a credit/debit card for parking fees.
Read more: Tucson Gem Show Shuttle and Parking Information
How many vendors and shows are there at the Tucson gem show?
Over 4,000 exhibitors and nearly 50 shows are at the winter Tucson gem show. In fact, nearly 60,000-70,000 people visited Tucson during the 2019 winter show.
Vendors and buyers came from all of the United States, Europe, Brazil, Japan, China, and Africa.
In contrast, the fall Tucson gem show is not as big. (Just 2 big shows and a few small shows.) 2019 show had under 1,000 exhibitors because most of the vendors and buyers often go to the Denver, Colorado show.
What are the differences between the Gem show and the Mineral show?
It is the same.
People do not tend to distinguish the name of the shows. Local people call this show “Gem show.” Generally, if you say gemstones, it refers to expensive stones. Minerals are associated with rough and heavy rocks, such as crystals, turquoise, and amethyst.
Where can I get lunch at the shows?
You can find something to eat for lunch at each property.
There are many food vendors, such as Mexican, Vegetarian, Chinese, Japanese, and Greek. (It depends on the show.)
Read more: Restaurants
Can I use a credit/debit card at the shows?
Yes, but it depends on the shops.
We recommend that you use cash because most of the vendors cannot process credit/debit card payments, and cash is one of the advantages of negotiations for discounts.
This is why the Tucson gem show is known as the most famous event of huge cash circulation. When you need more cash, you can find an ATM at each property. You can also use checks at the shows with proper ID such as Driver’s license.
Recently, many shops adopt the Square Card system for credit/debit card payments users. It is good for you, but you should be careful of identity theft.
What should I bring to the Tucson gem show?
You should bring the following 14 things.
- Facemasks
- Water
- Cash, checks, credit/debit cards
- ID (Drivers license, Passport, Travel ID, etc)
- Business cards, Business License, Tax Certificate
- Backpacks (We do not recommend Carry-On Bags)
- Comfortable shoes
- Jackets (easy to take and off)
- An extra battery or portable charger for your phone
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection cream, moisture cream, and lip cream
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Snacks and coffee
- Loupe, calipers, measuring tape, flashlight
Read more: The Weather during the Tucson Gem Show
Is there a shipping company at the show?
Yes. Generally, there is UPS or DHL on the property.
They help you with domestic and international shipping, and they have boxes, plastic tapes, and bubble wrap. If you purchase tons of minerals, you should ask vendors because vendors know what is the best way to ship.
We recommend that you should carry to your home your gemstones and minerals by yourself as much as you can because the shipping cost of UPS or DHL is very high especially international shipping.
You should prepare extra space for your suitcases or purchase an extra suitcase in Tucson. It is cheaper than using UPS or DHL.