Gem Show Veterans: Experienced attendees should visit the Mineral Treasures of the Midwest display at the Tucson Convention Center to peruse 40 display cases packed with spectacular minerals.
Newbies: The Smithsonian Institution display at the TCC is a must-see.
Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Shoppers: Check out the anchor show at the Tucson Convention Center where jewelry can range from $25 to $450,000.
College students: Take the Gem Ride shuttle from Mercado San Agustin to the Interstate 10 frontage road. Then walk from the Globex Gem and Mineral Show all the way up to the African Art Village.
Everyone: Shop around! “Do a little shopping first," says gem and mineral buff Gloria Quigg. "Look around and then decide what you want. There is something there for everybody and when you find that one thing that is calling you, you won’t be able to put it back in the dealer’s hand, guaranteed. Sometimes if you buy the first thing that catches your eye, you’ll go three or four booths down and you’ll go ‘I wish I hadn't bought the first one.’”
