Tucson was a fast paced thrilling gem hunt.  I arrived in the desert having no expectations of what the week would bring.  Motels converted into gem shops, tent after tent of mineral, overwhelmed and exausted because treasure is hidden in every single one.  Coming this far, you leave no stone unturned. 

I was warned about dancing the Tucson Tango, it's easy to get thrown off beat.  In order to stay within the rhythm of my collection, I had to leave some things behind.  For me, this also includes with whom I spend my time, and do business with.  Good energy carries all the way through to the finished piece, and into the lives of my collectors.  I am careful in every selection I make. 

I left Tucson feeling whole and enriched.  Gemstones from around the world in their various forms are inspiring, but I found my true inspiration within the souls of the people I had the pleasure of spending time with.  This is why we do what we do : Jewelry remains the most powerful tool of expression and connection to our memories, milestones, loss and success.  I was honored to be privy to so many wonderful stories, and to share my own. 

It was a magical trip of bonding, education, friendship, laughter, and passion, so when the music stopped and I packed up my dancing shoes, well, the Tucson withdrawal was real.      

I bought some stones.  I shopped for my collectors.  I brought home specimens for my kids. 

Tucson, you were so good to me, and I'll see you next year.  This is part one. 

Enjoy these pictures from my trip, with different images and videos on Facebook and Instagram where I posted every day, sharing the story of my week long gem adventure, as it was happening!  I also sent out an email blast prior to hitting the desert, so go sign up for my newsletters - you don't want to miss a thing!

A star sapphire ruby, the ice breaker purchase, for my daughter.  I had one as a child, but blue.

Hundreds of quartz specimens in a motel room.

Fist full of "fools gold" otherwise knows as Pyrite

My sparkly sneakers, which got a lot of attention.  Who knew?!

More gems....

Hard to focus on what's in front of you ;)

Bought this little Old European Cut, faces up very white for a K.  Gorgeous.

Amazing specimen!!! Didn't buy, but probably should have.  Hope it went to a great home.

Couldn't resist dipping my hand into a pool of Apatite!

Sapphire reverse trapiche, rare!

Sharks teeth

In my hand, for scale

Became obsessed with this matched pair of Old European Cuts for my 40th birthday. 4cts of awesomeness, but who do I think I am???