Every year, from late January to mid-February, the world’s most respected researchers, gemologists, authors, artists and craftspeople, miners, and gem, jewelry, mineral and fossil trade companies converge in Tucson for the gem shows and annual conferences of the industry’s associations.
During the Winter Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Tucson enjoys its traditional desert winter weather— sunny, warm days and clear, crisp nights. However, over the years, we have experienced intense rain and wind storms or very cold nights. The desert was blessed this past year with a higher-than-average summer monsoon rainfall, and longtime locals say that’s a precursor to a cold winter; so, bring that extra layer and be prepared.
2025 G&LW Tucson Gem Show/Holidome © and Gem Mall Show
The Winter 2025 G&LW Tucson Gem Show/Holidome© and G&LW Tucson Gem Show/Gem Mall will be held from February 1-9, 2025, at the huge tents at 4475 South Country Club Road. These gigantic shows are sponsored by Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers, Inc. (G&LW), and are open daily 10am to 6pm.
Hundreds of vendors exhibit at the G&LW Tucson Gem Show/Holidome Show© in the Ballroom, La Plaza, Marketplace and Pavilion areas, showcasing diamonds, gemstones, jewelry craft findings and tools, chains, crystals, lapidary rough, home art décor, and of course, customers’ favorites ~ beads and pearls. We all like diving into those piles of beads and pearls to find our special treasures and bargains; that unique material that sparks our inspiration and creativity.
Hundreds more vendors will exhibit at the Gem Mall’s adjacent tents, the Fiesta and Cactus Pavilions. If you’re visiting specific dealers, it is best to plan ahead using the online search tool at www.xpopress.com from the comfort of your home to locate your favorite vendors’ booths and make a plan before exhaustion kicks in. Check the vendor map directory at the registration entrance and pick up a Tucson EZ-Guide, published by Xpo Press, both excellent tools for finding your favorite vendors or products.
Registration
All G&LW shows have free admission and are wholesale shows – open only to the trade buyers and not to the general public. A valid business license, tax certificate, or sales and use tax permit in a gem or jewelry-related business is required for admission. The show promoters recom
The promoters offer free parking at the G&LW shows. Another free, great service is the golf cart drivers who transport customers to and from their parked vehicles to the registration doors, in a flash (hold on tight, no kidding!!) No walking to and from your car; you only have to remember where you parked. (Tips for the golf cart drivers are kindly accepted.)
Tips for the Tucson Shows
• Should you park your car at a show and use the shuttle buses, try to leave the shows at least one hour before closing time, as the shuttle lines get really long, especially at the G&LW shows.
• Make a list of what you need to replace or replenish, but don’t stick to it. Be open to surprises. That is why you are attending the shows in person.
• Shop for the latest jewelry trends, cut gemstones, beads, and pearls at the 2025 Tucson G&LW Show, and then visit the attractions of scenic southern Arizona. Tour the copper and gold mines, museums, historic towns, celebrated national parks and rugged landscapes that made the West famous.
For information about the G&LW shows (venue addresses, contact info, dates, hours, admission, etc.), list of vendors, photos, and Google-map directions to each show, go to Xpo Press’ Gem Show Search page and type “G&LW” in the ‘Show Name Contains’ search box, then click Search and select the relevant show.
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All Photos ©Helen Serras-Herman