Tucson News NowGem, mineral, and fossil show wraps up in Tucson

Vendors are packing up and clearing out as the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil show wraps up for the year.

In the final minutes of the show, dealers put up signs advertising deep discounts, more than willing to bargain and part with their prize items.

Some of the stalls advertised a 60% discount in prices.

Most gem and mineral dealers we spoke to said sales had been "fair" this year.

"The traffic we thought was down a little bit, but the tickets were a little higher," said Charles Riedel, a precious colored stones dealer from Chang-Mai, Thailand.

Mel King, owner of Big Blue Wreck Salvage, a company that specialized in rare coin jewelery, and items salvaged from shipwrecks, agreed.

"Buyers were buying inventory for stores which means they're feeling good. They're selling things, that shows confidence," said King.

King said he had sold high ticket items as well, including a brick of silver for tens of thousands of dollars to a collector.

The report of the theft of close to $1 Million in precious Sun Stones from a Washington vendor during the last week of the show did put a damper on things, making some precious stone dealers very nervous.

"Unfortunately in this day and time good things attract bad people, it's very concerning," said King.

Despite  the setback, the reputation of the Tucson show is why vendors say, they keep coming back every year.

"Tucson is gorgeous, wonderful, you cannot compete," said Toyo Fan, who traveled to gem shows all over the country with his precious stones.

Vendors said more than the dollar figure, the contacts they made at the Tucson show were priceless.  Everyone who is anyone in the gem, mineral, and fossil industry showed up in Tucson.  From buyers, to dealers, to collectors, it was the place to be.

For the public it was a rare chance to get a glimpse of treasures dug up from nature's personal treasure chest.  From towering crystals, to glittering geodes, it was a rare chance to get a glimpse of the insides of the rocks, and maybe even take a piece of it home.

Sue Jensen from Oro Valley said she showed up every year to pick up a few treasures from the gem, mineral, and fossil show.

"There is such a selection. If you can't find it here, it doesn't exist," said Jensen.

Tourism officials say the event attracts more than 55,000 people to Tucson every year.  Some studies show an economic impact of more than $100 Million for the region.

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