The gem and mineral show was in town for the last 3 weeks and we finally went. It has been 10 years since the last time I went, and this time around was so much more fun.
The gem show, one of the biggest (or THE biggest) in the world, can be so overwhelming. There are 45 venues all over town, some require a retail/business license and others are open to the public. Some tents sell beads, some have rough gem stones & crystals, some have fossils, others sell fine jewelry and some have a little of everything. Once you know what you are looking for, you can narrow it down and make it much more manageable.
I wanted some beads and some crystals & gem stones. I found my fair share of both. It really helped that my hubby got into navigating me to the right spots and helping me find what I was looking for. It was like a grand hunt. We went for two days, telling my boys about how much fun we had, they wanted to go too–so we went on the last day of the show for another gem show adventure. It was fun to see my guys get all into it and pick a few stones they liked. They even want to save up some money and go again next year.
I left with a hearty stash of beads and gem stones. I have some necklaces and bracelets I want to make for myself. And the gemstones are for my beloved collection. I love keeping them in my studio and all over the house.
Oh my goodness that sounds fantastic. I went out hunting for some gems this morning for my meditation room but came home empty handed. I shall have to look further afield and perhaps closer to the bigger towns (I live in a semi-rural area). I love the contrast of the orange beads against the blue in your image.