The first time I attended a major gem show, I was overwhelmed—in the best way, but still overwhelmed. After a couple of rounds at Tucson and now my first trip to the Denver Gem Show, I’ve come up with a method that works for me: plan thoroughly, pace wisely, and always leave room for discovery.
If you're planning to attend a large gem show (or just curious about how I do it), here’s how I prep, what I pack, and how I keep things sustainable and fun—even when my stamina is limited.
Map It Out (Before You Get There)
The biggest tip I can give you is: don’t treat these shows like a single event. They're actually many shows (sometimes dozens) spread across a city. Each show has its own vibe, vendors, and even website.
To make sense of it all, I use aggregator sites like XPOPress, TucsonGemShow101, and DenverGemShow101. These sites offer lists of all the individual shows, what kinds of vendors are at each, and (crucially) floorplans. Since Denver is a little more centralized, I also use the websites of the largest shows denvergem.show and colorado.show, which have interactive maps.
Once I know which shows I want to visit, I figure out what’s indoors vs. outdoors (especially helpful for tdodging bad weather), and where I can find food, bathrooms, and shipping areas. If I know there are vendors I don’t want to miss, I find out where they’re located ahead of time—some shows sprawl across multiple floors or buildings.
When possible, I also check out vendor websites or social media to see what they sell and whether their sourcing aligns with my values. This saves me from having to ask a dozen questions in a crowded booth where the seller may not speak my language or have time for a long conversation.
Shipping: Learn From My Mistakes
Shipping from a gem show can be surprisingly tricky. You might assume the on-site UPS station is the easiest option (I did)—but surprise: they charge a premium for oversized boxes. You can get hit with some painful extra fees.
If you’re buying large quantities, creating a pallet with a shipper at the show can make sense. Just make sure they have a secure space, and understand what you’re signing up for.
But if your haul is more modest or you're buying smaller items, I recommend bringing your purchases back to your hotel to inspect and organize them. Then go to a local UPS store where you can box things up yourself (or pay them to do it). It’s less risky, more flexible, and gives you time to repack fragile or high-value pieces properly.
Watch, Binge, Learn
I fully embrace my crystal nerd side before a show—I binge content from all angles.
I watch creators with very different vibes, from high-end mineral experts to casual sellers with a good eye for deals. VirgoGems gives sharp, early-access insights. ColdBrewBarbie has a fun, immersive approach that helps you get a feel for the vibe on the ground. LapidaryDave posts longer-form conversations with vendors and often explores lesser-known shows.
I also try to give back by making my own content at the shows—though it’s a challenge to balance filming with shopping when you’re solo!
What I Bring (Besides Clothes)
Outside of weather-appropriate clothes, there are a few things I always pack:
- A jeweler’s loupe for close inspections
- A flashlight with a UV mode for testing fluorescence
- A small scale, especially for buying small items sold by the gram
- A money belt for safe access to cash
- A backpack and/or rolling suitcase to haul purchases (though if you're hauling huge quantities, you may want a wagon instead)
- Your most comfortable shoes (your feet will thank you)
- For shop owners: Business cards and print copies of your reseller license
- Large and small plastic ziploc bags for small items and receipts
- Water, snacks, and electrolyte packets — I’m not above surviving on trail mix if it buys me another hour of treasure hunting
For transport, I use a carry-on suitcase that holds four flats of crystals and doubles as my luggage. Some sellers will hold your purchases until you loop back (highly recommend this if you're buying in bulk), but you’ll still want your own way to move things around.
Plan... but Leave Room for Magic
I always sketch out a game plan—what shows to hit on which days, and what kinds of materials I’m hoping to find—but I leave space for magic.
Some of my favorite finds come from taking a detour. This year in Denver, I switched gears mid-day and visited the HardRock Summit in the afternoon. It was calmer, full of museum-quality pieces, and gave me time to regroup (and yes, I still bought things).
Final Thoughts
Big gem shows can be exhilarating, exhausting, and unforgettable. For me, the best approach has been to prepare like I’m going into a labyrinth—know the map, bring the tools, stay hydrated, and be open to adventure.
If you're planning a trip to Tucson, Denver, or any major mineral event, I hope some of these tips help you feel more grounded going in.