Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Tucson Gem Show (From a Silversmith Who Is Excited for Third Visit!)
Why the Tucson Gem Show Matters to Fire & Fringe Customers
Every January and February, the Tucson Gem Show transforms the entire city of Tucson Arizona into the world’s largest marketplace for gems, minerals, turquoise, opals, beads, and jewelry-making supplies.
For Fire & Fringe, this event is more than a shopping trip—it’s where I source many of the stones that eventually become your turquoise cuffs, necklaces, rings, and custom pieces.
Going to the Tucson Gem Show each year ensures that:
I hand-select every stone for color, quality, and cut
I maintain strong relationships with reputable miners and suppliers
Your jewelry is made with ethically sourced, high-quality materials
I stay inspired and ahead of trends for the upcoming year
If you’ve ever wondered where the stones in your Fire & Fringe jewelry come from… this is it!
Turquoise as far as the eye can see perfect for your next custom order.
My 2026 Tucson Gem Show Schedule
Here’s my personal itinerary—feel free to use it as a template for planning your own trip.
Day 1: Arrival + Downtown Exploration
I use this day to get settled, explore new or smaller shows, and walk through downtown Tucson. It’s the best way to ease into the chaos before the bigger shows start.
Day 2: JOGS Show
JOGS is one of my must-see shows every year. Many of my long-time suppliers exhibit here, and it’s a great place to find high-quality turquoise, gemstones, and other supplies.
My usual stops:
Dan the Cab Man
Sunwest
Spencer Opal
Red Mountain Turquoise
Turquoise Mountain
This show is massive, so I always plan 4–5 hours minimum. It is the only show I go to for the day so I can use the afternoon/evening to organize my purchases, and relax from the day.
Day 3: 22nd Street & Pueblo Shows
22nd Street Show
One of the most popular open-to-the-public shows. You can find everything from rough stones to high-end museum specimens.
My go-to vendors:
Village Silversmiths - I spend hours here, and that’s not an exaggeration
Rare Earth Mining Co.
David Otteso
Toltec Turquoise
Pueblo Show
Right next door! Great for unique gemstones and specialty pieces.
Vendor to see:
Sterling Opal
These two shows pair perfectly for a full day of treasure hunting. Bonus they are within walking distance so you only have to find parking once! I usually to to Pueblo first because it is closest to the parking although I am sure there is parking closer to 22nd Street Show too.
Day 4: Kino Show + Best Bead Show
Kino Gem & Mineral Show
Known for turquoise, rough materials, and more direct-from-the-source vendors. This show is massive but I usually only make a few stops, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this show fully.
My Kino stops:
Kenneth Otteso
Turquoise Mining Co.
Best Bead Show
Home of one of my favorites:
House of Stamps (my go-to for unique stamps and metalworking tools)
These two shows are right near each other and have parking on site which is so convenient. They are usually quick trips so we have the majority of the day to hang out. This year (2026) we will be driving down to Tombstone AZ.
Day 5: Hike + Antique/Thrift Day
I always take a rest day to avoid gem-show burnout. It’s so nice to have some time to enjoy the nice weather away from the Treasure Valley winter blues.
Day 6: Travel Day
Depending on checkout time and flight time we spend the day hanging out around town and relaxing before the travel chaos.
How to Prepare for the Tucson Gem Show
1. Budget, budget, budget
This is my biggest piece of advice. It is very easy to overspend in Tucson. The variety is overwhelming and everything is beautiful. I create my budget by reviewing my total stone purchases from the previous year. That gives me a realistic target. You can adjust based on:
What you plan to make in the upcoming year
How many stones you typically use
What materials you’re hoping to invest in
I also recommend bringing:
A separate envelope or wallet for cash
A digital note on your phone to track every purchase
A max budget per day or per show
2. Have a shopping plan
Know what you want before you go. I create a list of shapes, sizes, and types of stones I need for upcoming designs. This prevents:
Buying duplicates
Buying things you’ll never use just because its pretty
Being distracted by shiny things (and there are a lot)
Forgetting essentials
3. Check if your suppliers will be there
I feel like almost every large supplier attends Tucson at some point during show season. If you buy from someone regularly, search for their show location ahead of time.
You can see the full master list of shows here:
https://shows.tucsongemshows.net/
I feel like it is easier to go directly to your suppliers website/schedule because they usually include specific show information so you don’t have to search the master list.
4. Understand which shows require registration
Most shows are open to the public, but a few require a business EIN. You can review the list above for detailed information on which shows are wholesale only and which ones are open to the public as well as how and where to register if needed.
Entrance to JOGS
Why This Trip Matters for Fire & Fringe Customers
Attending the Tucson Gem Show means I can personally hand-select the stones that eventually become your jewelry. You’re getting:
Higher quality stones
Better pricing
Ethical sourcing from reputable vendors
Unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else
When you purchase from Fire & Fringe, you’re not just buying jewelry—you’re buying carefully sourced materials, intentional design, and hours of craftsmanship.
Want a Custom Stone Picked in Tucson?
If you have a project in mind for 2026, I’d love to hand-pick the perfect stone for you. Send me a message to start a custom order, let me know what you’re looking for and I can shop for you in Tucson.
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