Discover Tucson’s gem showcase with global treasures starting today | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Tucson’s Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase kicks off today, drawing enthusiasts, collectors and sellers from around the world. The event features 56 shows, which extend into February, with the final show being the renowned Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

The Jewelry Organic Gem Show (JOGS) opened Wednesday and has been going for more than two decades. This year’s show includes what News 4 Tucson is told is a massive jade boulder from Guatemala. The boulder, which is approximately 440 pounds, is at the Zaza Gems booth, where some hope it ends up in a museum one day.

The jade boulder is just one of many attractions. International vendors are showcasing treasures like Tibetan crystals and Egyptian turquoise at the show.

U.S. businesses are also present, including Spencer Opal Mines from Idaho. This family-run business, which began in the 1950s, specializes in opal, transforming it from the mine into jewelry.

Ty Parton, who designs the company’s jewelry, of Spencer told News 4 Tucson the JOGS Show is the place to grow a customer base, including with other businesses. He credits the show for helping the mine’s growth.

“It’s just like fashion trends, it’s the same with rocks. They’re constantly changing, you know one year it’s diamonds, one year it’s opal. There’s all of that here,” Parton said. “So you can definitely see what’s popular that year just based on walking around in here because you basically have every rock you could imagine under one roof.” 

Visit Tucson’s economic impact study found more than 113,000 people attended the various shows last year. Vitaliy Mayzenberg, who owns the JOGS Show, reports that 32,000 people have pre-registered for this year’s event. The show will conclude on Feb. 8.