Nope. I just tried to register, and I was required to submit my business credentials showing I am in the trade.
I have an idea though as I am a member of GIA and also AGTA, so maybe I can get in that way.
What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?
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I have an idea though as I am a member of GIA and also AGTA, so maybe I can get in that way.
Yes, you need to be careful at "open to the public" gem shows if you buy loose stones.
There is a lot of junk at these shows. If you are looking for fine gemstones, you definitely need to know the difference between an emerald that is $2,000 per carat stone vs. an emerald that is a $20,000 per carat stone before you buy. At these shows, if it's too good to be true, it is not true! No dealer will ever sell a fine stone for cheap.
As FYI, loose stones are priced per carat, so the price you see is typically the price per carat, not total price.
That said, if you are interested in colored gemstones, I highly recommend going to gem shows.
I love love love colored gemstones, far more than boring diamonds
. I am sure you know, some fine gemstones such as rubies and emeralds cost more than diamonds (per carat). I think you will really enjoy the show. The only way to learn is to see the stones in real life. I went to my first show years ago, and that's when I fell in love with colored gemstones. I had no idea what I was doing, I was so young. I just walked around and asked to see stones. I still remember, I purchased my first stone at this show. I wanted to buy something, but I didn't want to get scammed. I purchased a big blue topaz for $50!
I gave the blue topaz away, but in hindsight, I should have kept it for the memories. Or maybe not...it may have been fake colored glass. I don't want to know!
I hope you decide to go to a gemstone show for fun. It is a priceless education to train your eye to know what's junk and what's not. This will help you when you purchase finished pieces too. Every gemstone is unique; no two have the exact same hue or inclusions. The more you see, the more your brain remembers and knows what to look for.
Yes, you need to be careful at "open to the public" gem shows if you buy loose stones.
There is a lot of junk at these shows. If you are looking for fine gemstones, you definitely need to know the difference between an emerald that is $2,000 per carat stone vs. an emerald that is a $20,000 per carat stone before you buy. At these shows, if it's too good to be true, it is not true! No dealer will ever sell a fine stone for cheap.
As FYI, loose stones are priced per carat, so the price you see is typically the price per carat, not total price.
That said, if you are interested in colored gemstones, I highly recommend going to gem shows.
I love love love colored gemstones, far more than boring diamonds
I think you will really enjoy the show. The only way to learn is to see the stones in real life. I went to my first show years ago, and that's when I fell in love with colored gemstones. I had no idea what I was doing, I was so young. I just walked around and asked to see stones. I still remember, I purchased my first stone at this show. I wanted to buy something, but I didn't want to get scammed. I purchased a big blue topaz for $50!
I gave the blue topaz away, but in hindsight, I should have kept it for the memories. Or maybe not...it may have been fake colored glass. I don't want to know!
I hope you decide to go to a gemstone show for fun. It is a priceless education to train your eye to know what's junk and what's not. This will help you when you purchase finished pieces too. Every gemstone is unique; no two have the exact same hue or inclusions. The more you see, the more your brain remembers and knows what to look for.
I am a complete newb with colored gemstones but I love ogling at them! I have no idea what to look for but I love seeing the color, sparkle, and shine at past jewelry exhibitions. Do you have recommendations on which gemstone shows in the US that are your favorites to go to?
We need to go sometime! It would be so much fun! That would be an amazing tPF meetup. I wouldn’t think the admission for trade only would be a huge barrier, because I feel like at least one of the jewelers we have worked with would extend an invite under their name if that’s all it takes since they are all there now for the most part!
The big one in the US that is the reference is Tucson. The Tucson gem show is actually a show of shows (over 20 shows I think).
A great show among the Tucson gem shows to learn about gemstones is the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS). It is the original show that started the big "Tucson gem show" event.
As you know, with colored gemstones, it is all about the color. Sparkle is for diamonds, and color is for gemstones. When you look at colored gemstones, don't just do a quick glance and walk away. Stare at the stone; see the difference in the hue for each color. No two stones are ever the same. They may all look like red rubies, but nope... each is unique.
Split hairs when evaluating. Detail is important. You'll then learn to know exactly what you like when choosing a colored gemstone.As FYI, the high end show in Tucson is AGTA. It is for the trade only. I have only been to AGTA once. Wow... the loose stones are gorgeous, and the finished pieces are beyond magnificent. Many of the major brands that focus on colored gemstones are part of AGTA... Bayco, Picchiotti, JB Star, Robert Procop, Omi Prive. You can't get into AGTA's gem show, but you can see these brands in jewelry stores, and the store will usually carry a few pieces. Check them out too to look at the beautiful color. If you like any of these brands (or similar brands), you can ask your jeweler when they go to Tucson to go to their booth and check out what's there. She can take photos and text you; she may also invite you as a guest. Most independent jewelry stores go to Tucson to buy, and actually, that's how I found about Tucson. My jeweler told me that's where they go to see new jewelry trends and buy pieces. She also said she can text me photos of pieces from the brands I listed earlier.
There are many companies that sell colored gemstone pieces at all price points, so you can also start learning about stones by browsing your local stores. Also, go to these websites of the companies above. Even on the website, each stone in every piece is different.
Yikes, sorry for the long off-topic post!
I get easily excited and want to share. I will zip it and stay on topic.I hope you fall in love with colored gemstones.
VCA diamond bling is nice, but my heart goes to color gemstones.
I looked at the names, and I don't recognize any. I guess these are all used/antique dealers, which is the point of this event.
The only one I recognize is Lang Antiques, from the posts in this thread.
My guess is since you have purchased used/antique before, your vendor will easily invite you.
Yes, other than VCA items and a few other “brand names”, my jewelry collection is otherwise generally either true antiques or new designs using repurposed antique stones, and many of the jewelers I have purchased from seem to attend these shows as a way to secure new items. Europe of course has much greater depth of antique jewelry than the USA does, so it is a chance for relatively bigger name USA jewelers to buy from those with a lesser known business but access to some very special pieces, whether a domestic dealer who purchases from estates, or items originating from Europe decades or centuries before the USA was founded. Like you, but to a lesser extent I am sure, I have a reasonable knowledge and ability to evaluate diamonds, but I still prefer to pay a markup to purchase from a reputable jewelry business who will act as a middleman between me and the small dealers, to guarantee the specifications and to offer aftercare if the pieces have any issues in the future. I love VCA, but I only need so many Alhambra, Frivole etc, so this is a rewarding way for me to own one-of-a-kind pieces that have history and a story to tell. To me, there is a huge difference between a “used” but standard piece of jewelry from this century that may offer a discount but no interest value at all and buying a true antique piece that has a history and a life of its own. As I have said before, I feel like it gives me the ability to own pieces that I might see in a museum detailing the jewelry and costume of a long-ago era in history, and take that piece home with me to wear and admire.
You have me pumped up now with your post! Your description of used is how I have viewed used/antique... just a way to buy a piece on the cheap. Your separation of used vs. antique hit home for me! For me, no to "used", but yes to "antique!"
Wouldn't it be awesome to find an antique Cartier Art Deco emerald and onyx bracelet?! Better yet...a piece that I saw in one of my Cartier books!
Now I really want to go to this event! These seem like the authentic antique shows vs. the cheesy antique shop I went to in Newport.
I need to learn more about antique shopping! You have me excited now!
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You have seen inside my mind. In fact, the exact scenario I was thinking of when describing my feelings is how much more exciting and desirable it would be for me to purchase a historic Art Deco Cartier piece, a work of art and a piece of history, compared to driving over to a boutique or placing an phone order for yet another mass produced item that it beautiful and I may enjoy, but just have a different type of appreciation for.You have me pumped up now with your post! Your description of used is how I have viewed used/antique... just a way to buy a piece on the cheap. Your separation of used vs. antique hit home for me! For me, no to "used", but yes to "antique!"
Wouldn't it be awesome to find an antique Cartier Art Deco emerald and onyx bracelet?! Better yet...a piece that I saw in one of my Cartier books!
Now I really want to go to this event! These seem like the authentic antique shows vs. the cheesy antique shop I went to in Newport.
I need to learn more about antique shopping! You have me excited now!
The big one in the US that is the reference is Tucson. The Tucson gem show is actually a show of shows (over 20 shows I think).
A great show among the Tucson gem shows to learn about gemstones is the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS). It is the original show that started the big "Tucson gem show" event.
As you know, with colored gemstones, it is all about the color. Sparkle is for diamonds, and color is for gemstones. When you look at colored gemstones, don't just do a quick glance and walk away. Stare at the stone; see the difference in the hue for each color. No two stones are ever the same. They may all look like red rubies, but nope... each is unique.
As FYI, the high end show in Tucson is AGTA. It is for the trade only. I have only been to AGTA once. Wow... the loose stones are gorgeous, and the finished pieces are beyond magnificent. Many of the major brands that focus on colored gemstones are part of AGTA... Bayco, Picchiotti, JB Star, Robert Procop, Omi Prive. You can't get into AGTA's gem show, but you can see these brands in jewelry stores, and the store will usually carry a few pieces. Check them out too to look at the beautiful color. If you like any of these brands (or similar brands), you can ask your jeweler when they go to Tucson to go to their booth and check out what's there. She can take photos and text you; she may also invite you as a guest. Most independent jewelry stores go to Tucson to buy, and actually, that's how I found about Tucson. My jeweler told me that's where they go to see new jewelry trends and buy pieces. She also said she can text me photos of pieces from the brands I listed earlier.
There are many companies that sell colored gemstone pieces at all price points, so you can also start learning about stones by browsing your local stores. Also, go to these websites of the companies above. Even on the website, each stone in every piece is different.
Yikes, sorry for the long off-topic post!
I hope you fall in love with colored gemstones.
VCA diamond bling is nice, but my heart goes to color gemstones.
Please don’t apologize for all the great info and references you gave! I truly appreciate it, thank you for your time
I always loved colored gemstones to look at but never knew what’s considered high quality depending on the stone. I need to do more research and also spend more time at the local jewelry shops to train my eyes. I will tell DH it’s for research and training purposes 
Is it this show? FAQ | (lasvegasantiquejewelryandwatchshow.com)
It says it is trade only and not open to the public.
By the way, if you like colored gems, AGTA in Tucson is the bomb! It is trade only, not open to the public, but I was able to get in once. Wow... we are talking million dollar stones. Just the stone! It's breathtaking. They also have million dollar finished pieces too for sale.
Of course not everything is super expensive, and there are top quality stones that one can still purchase.
If you have a dealer that you are close with, you can probably get in.
Briony Raymond is at the show in Vegas now and she is posting amaaaazing photos of her favorite pieces on her IG stories.
I hope to go to that NY show in October and I hope that @880 and any of you NY-local TPFers come with me!
Thank you!
I love gemstones and have been making my own jewelry as a hobby since very young.
I buy the stones (not outrageous expensive) from reputable suppliers and work with silver sterling or gold plated findings. I don’t make very fancy things but I focus on the beauty of the stones in what I make.
I also took a few metal smiths classes but I still have a lot more to learn!
However my favorites will always be diamonds and colored diamonds, especially pink diamonds!!!
Sotheby’s in NYC often have auctions with exhibits called “Magnificent Jewels”. Anyone can go before the auction to admire (and try on) the jewelry and exceptional large diamonds they will sell. Some stones have an amazing story!
I love gemstones and have been making my own jewelry as a hobby since very young.
I buy the stones (not outrageous expensive) from reputable suppliers and work with silver sterling or gold plated findings. I don’t make very fancy things but I focus on the beauty of the stones in what I make.
I also took a few metal smiths classes but I still have a lot more to learn!
However my favorites will always be diamonds and colored diamonds, especially pink diamonds!!!
Sotheby’s in NYC often have auctions with exhibits called “Magnificent Jewels”. Anyone can go before the auction to admire (and try on) the jewelry and exceptional large diamonds they will sell. Some stones have an amazing story!
Yes, you need to be careful at "open to the public" gem shows if you buy loose stones.
There is a lot of junk at these shows. If you are looking for fine gemstones, you definitely need to know the difference between an emerald that is $2,000 per carat stone vs. an emerald that is a $20,000 per carat stone before you buy. At these shows, if it's too good to be true, it is not true! No dealer will ever sell a fine stone for cheap.
As FYI, loose stones are priced per carat, so the price you see is typically the price per carat, not total price.
That said, if you are interested in colored gemstones, I highly recommend going to gem shows.
I love love love colored gemstones, far more than boring diamonds
I think you will really enjoy the show. The only way to learn is to see the stones in real life. I went to my first show years ago, and that's when I fell in love with colored gemstones. I had no idea what I was doing, I was so young. I just walked around and asked to see stones. I still remember, I purchased my first stone at this show. I wanted to buy something, but I didn't want to get scammed. I purchased a big blue topaz for $50!
I gave the blue topaz away, but in hindsight, I should have kept it for the memories. Or maybe not...it may have been fake colored glass. I don't want to know!
I hope you decide to go to a gemstone show for fun. It is a priceless education to train your eye to know what's junk and what's not. This will help you when you purchase finished pieces too. Every gemstone is unique; no two have the exact same hue or inclusions. The more you see, the more your brain remembers and knows what to look for.
I totally trust Grace. She will be at the NYC show. She has a great eye.
www.jewelsbygrace.com
Jogani’s stuff is out of this world but $$$
Vintage Jewelry Boutique | Antique Engagement Rings | Jewels by Grace
Jewels by Grace is a Los Angeles-based vintage and antique jewelry boutique, specializing in one-of-a-kind jewels and bespoke engagement rings. Our vast collection includes signed pieces, and jewels covering the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras.
www.jewelsbygrace.com
Jogani’s stuff is out of this world but $$$
Thank you for this! This is a great idea and more my style! I am a very simple and focused shopper. I know the brands I like and stick with them. I'm not a person who likes to walk around and browse. Add to the fact I am a newbie antique shopper, Sotheby's is an excellent idea, as I can focus on only the brands I like.
On your jewelry hobby, wow... that's wonderful. I am sure you make beautiful pieces. I love how you take metalsmith classes. I have always admired creative artists! I am certain you know this, but in case not, there is a publication called Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist that would be right up your alley. It is all about lapidary, tools, metalsmithing with a lot of focus on silver. There are even step by step instructions each month on how to create a piece. Artists like yourself also submit photos/articles of their pieces. Here is a link to check it out in case you are not aware and might be interested: Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist Archives | Interweave
Knowing you are lover of gem stones and make jewelry, you would definitely love a gem show to make some of your pieces!
Thanks again for the Sotheby's idea!
You are right... I was approved! I submitted my application last night, and I received an approval email in my inbox today. It's good to know for next year in case I get into this world of antiques.
I'm thinking the Sotheby's idea is more me. Sounds better for newbies. You're a pro, so antique shopping comes easy to you. I've been to the Vegas Convention center, and I can almost visualize aisles and aisles of merchandise that I have no idea of what I'm looking at.
Thank you for this! This is such a fun thread! I love the diverse topics (it's not just talk about the same VCA pieces).
I especially love everyone sharing their perspective on their love of jewelry!