Once again this year, from late January to early February, I traveled to Tucson, Arizona to source gemstones.
Tucson is home to one of the largest gem shows in the world. During the event, the entire city—from downtown to the outskirts—transforms into a vast venue filled with gem dealers, mineral and fossil vendors, and buyers from all over the world. If it’s a mineral, chances are, it’s here.
With a blazing red sun, turquoise-blue skies, and towering cacti rising from dry desert soil, the landscape is lined with endless rows of massive white tents. Throughout the month-long gem show, the city comes alive with people, street food vendors, and a buzzing energy you can feel everywhere.
Cacti everywhere—even used as bird nests
This time, I couldn't find a flight from Los Angeles to Tucson at my preferred time, so I flew into Phoenix instead and rented a car. The drive takes about two to three hours. Since getting around Tucson requires a car, renting one is essential.
Driving in the U.S. usually means highways—people routinely go 120 km/h or faster, and it’s not uncommon to see accidents or breakdowns. After a week-long stay, you’re almost guaranteed at least one close call.
Luckily, I avoided any accidents. But just as I arrived in Tucson and tried to park, I discovered the car key battery had died—the doors wouldn’t lock! After a 16-hour journey from Tokyo, utterly exhausted, I had to drive all the way to the Tucson airport to exchange the car. (Tears...)
Freight trains rolling alongside the highway
When a sourcing trip lasts more than four days, I prefer renting a house with a kitchen through Airbnb instead of staying in a hotel. I bring brown rice and cook for myself.
Back when I was frequently traveling between Japan and Singapore for work, I experienced serious health issues. That experience shaped my current routine.
Also, most exhibitions run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so there’s no time to go out for lunch. A packed lunch is ideal.
During gem show season, accommodations book up quickly, so it’s best to plan early. Many rental homes come with pools or hot tubs—though I'm usually too tired at night to enjoy them!
Some Airbnb hosts even share tips on the best local Mexican food, which makes the stay more enjoyable.
Hints of Mexico all around the town
On the first day, I head to a nearby organic grocery store to stock up for the week. Tucson has plenty of Whole Foods Markets and Sprouts Farmers Markets, so I enjoy browsing not just ingredients but also tea and snacks.
Out for groceries by car
Fueling up properly for the physically demanding days
Although it was a short stay—just about a week—it felt deeply meaningful. For the first time since the pandemic, the Tucson gem show had regained its vibrant energy.
On the hunt for mineral specimens—raw stones are everywhere
Last year, I barely saw any Asian buyers. Some of the dealers I usually work with weren’t even able to exhibit.
It wasn’t that something had changed, but there was a palpable tension—everyone seemed to be navigating the new reality as best they could. I was also overly cautious with safety measures, leaving little room to actually enjoy the show.
This year was different. For one, I was reunited—after four years—with a beloved opal dealer.
We chatted endlessly, and as always, she sent me off with charming Australian souvenirs. We’d stayed in touch by email, but nothing beats reconnecting in person.
I also reunited with a sapphire dealer I had been working with remotely during the pandemic. I was able to carefully select some high-quality stones. Their help during the past few years was invaluable. Remote sourcing carries many risks and requires exceptional care and trust.
Once, they included a small gift—a bicolor sapphire in orange and purple—with a shipment. I brought a ring I had made for myself using that stone, and when I showed them, they were overjoyed.
Jewelry I wore during the trip. The center ring was made with their sapphires; the earrings in the back feature opals from another favorite dealer
As a maker, I usually see jewelry more as something to create rather than wear. So I rarely make pieces for myself.
But once in a while, I come across a gem I can’t let go of, or a dealer gifts me something special. Those stones become deeply personal pieces—souvenirs of the sourcing journey—and I wear them often.
When I started muska ten years ago, I never imagined that sourcing would become something I’d genuinely enjoy.
This year, the energy of the venue and the joy of reconnecting made the experience especially uplifting. I think the gems I brought home reflect that feeling—and I look forward to revealing them in future pieces.
