New from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

February seems to be flying by, with the first part of me enjoying the warm, sunny weather and buying for the year at the Tucson for the Gem and Mineral show, and not soon after, slipping on a icy sidewalk and spraining my wrist.  Its not until now that I am able to type without too much pain.  

Pink tourmaline

My third trip to Tucson for the Gem and Mineral Show, which by the way, is the largest trade-show in the world, with over 40 trade-shows going on throughout the city over a 2 1/2 week period.  Its impossible to visit all the shows, but I was lucky to spend extra time and visit a few shows for the first time! 

I was on the hunt for unique, high quality precious and semi-precious beads for both human and pet jewelry.  While citrine was harder to find compared to years past, I was happy to see many varieties of jasper, amethyst and aquamarine.  My special finds are as follows:

  

Emerald beads

1. Emeralds.  I always have loved emeralds, but to find ones that are not dyed is difficult.  I was lucky to find a faceted, non-dyed strand.  
2. Pink Tourmaline.  Ah, combined with the facets and color, this will make one special and unique necklace 
3. Atlantisite.  Yes, I splurged on a strand of atlantisite beads, straight from Australia. Not sure what to do with them yet, but when I do, it will be a power piece!
4. Opals.  I purchase these from Opex Opals, a mine owner in Brazil and Australia.  Opals can range from $20 to $30,000 for a 16-inch strand!  My favorite are the "mosaic" opal beads, which are slivers of Australian opal pressed into a 12 mm round bead. On the first day of the show, there were only 6 left so I got them all :)

Atlantisite

 As I create, I will list on my Anosia and The Healing Pet Etsy stores.
Here's to happy creating, I'm ready for Spring!
Best, Jen