Tucson Gem Show 2009

[Caitlin]

Notice that Elisabeth Strack is making her annual appearance at the AGTA Gem show on Sunday February 8, instead of Saturday, her usual day:

Sunday, February 8

Varieties of Natural Pearls
Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut Hamburg
(Gila room, 1:00 ? 2:00 p.m.)
Intermediate ? Advanced. In Tucson, researcher Elisabeth Strack has found that a number of dealers offer pearls of rarer mollusk species which can achieve quite high prices. In this session, learn what you need to discern how to consider these varieties, including features to look for, cautions, and what you might expect from each variety regarding availability, affordability, and acceptance from clients.

 

[waimeamomi]

Wow, I'm really thinking about going. Is it too late as far as a place to stay etc? I would only be able to go for a long weekend, sadly. Is it worth it? Anyone want to share a room?

 

[Caitlin]

There are a lot of hotels with unbooked rooms, esp near the airport.

 

[Miriam Reed]

Notice that Elisabeth Strack is making her annual appearance at the AGTA Gem show on Sunday February 8, instead of Saturday, her usual day:

Sunday, February 8

Varieties of Natural Pearls
Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut Hamburg
(Gila room, 1:00 ? 2:00 p.m.)
Intermediate ? Advanced. In Tucson, researcher Elisabeth Strack has found that a number of dealers offer pearls of rarer mollusk species which can achieve quite high prices. In this session, learn what you need to discern how to consider these varieties, including features to look for, cautions, and what you might expect from each variety regarding availability, affordability, and acceptance from clients.

That would be a very interesting session. Hmm. Have some family affairs to take care of about that time, but I'd sure like to be there.

 

[judimcc6]

I was really unhappy that AGTA didn't publish their seminar schedule sooner. I made reservations months ago, trying to accommodate the usual Saturday seminar with Straack. I am so unhappy to miss it. BUT there is so much to see and do anyway.

 

[Caitlin]

I just wanted to point out that the Dubai Pearl Forum is on Feb 17th & 18th, so there is no conflict.

 

[GemGeek]

Drat. I always drive home on Sunday, so I don't have a room for Sunday night. As it is, I'm already going to be there for eight days. How could they put Strack on Sunday afternoon? *&%*@#!!!

 

[Caitlin]

Someone like Betty Sue probably negotiated for the Sat slot or it is a rule to have to change days periodically- or something. She used to be on Sundays. A lot of people did not go to her Sunday lecture-because it was a travel day for those who had to get back to work on Monday.

 

[waimeamomi]

So is it worth it to go for Fri., Sat., Sun?
If so is there a better weekend?
And who will join me for a drink (the "a" is relative) if I come?

 

[GemGeek]

Someone like Betty Sue probably negotiated for the Sat slot or it is a rule to have to change days periodically- or something. She used to be on Sundays. A lot of people did not go to her Sunday lecture-because it was a travel day for those who had to get back to work on Monday.

I'm sure you're right. I missed Betty Sue and Robert Weldon because I was leaving town when their lectures took place. It wouldn't be fair to always be lecturing on the last day. I'll have to wait and see if I can work out staying longer. I'd hate to miss seeing my buds and Octavia would not be pleased!

 

[danachit]

Are yall going to plan a pearl walk?

Is Jeremy coming?

Who all is planning to go?

Last year, there was an avalanche of plans that weekend and I had to miss it, but this year, I think I'd like to go.....AS LONG AS....there would be some of you to help with the maze of confusion!

Dana

 

[Caitlin]

Here is a tentative plan for Sunday:

There are several routes for free shuttles going around to all the gem shows all over town and to and from several major hotels. They can be slow, except to and from hotels.

$4 parking at the Convention center lot- maybe $5 this year!

Meet in the convention center lobby with your Agta passes at 10am. (I think they open for giving out passes around 9AM, but there should not be a line Sunday AM for getting a pass.)

10am until lecture at 1pm, tour the convention center- Galatea is off the lobby and the pearl booths are downstairs. Seahunt, American Pearl Company, Imperial Deltah, Betty Sue King's booth.

12:00 ish, Get lunch in one of the food booths outside the downstairs booths. They are OK. (Nothing else is convenient)

12;50 ish Go to meeting rooms on North side of the main hall for Strack Lecture.
Hangout a bit after lecture.

Then go across the Streeet to the GJX (Ithink) where our favorite pearlers are: Pacific Pearls (Kojima) Cortez Pearls, Trish and Wes Rankin's natural pearls, including abalone. Maybe see Jeremy Norris in the aisles....
There are some good commercial pearls in this tent too. I think it was at "Be My Pearl" that pattye and I got some great deals. Their coins were very smooth as I recall, but I mainly bought some purple/lavenders.

There is usually time after we're done with the GJX to go to the Pavilion though I don't think Drusy is doing a booth there this year. Pattye or someone, ask Care about this. Ask if she wants to meet with us, bring some stuff p-gers ordered or requested, esp if we bring cash. I'd suggest the meeting room after the lecture might be easiest place to do this.

There will be time to go to some bead shows or the G&LW shows where Majestic and other pearl sellers we like are. These will be commercial pearls, some great, some awful! We will need to car pool for this or split up and each go where they prefer. Some may wish to go to Dr. Tom's booth Titan Pearls, to see some naturals.It is way out of the way, but closer to G&LW.

I imagine Jeremy will be there with us all day and that we can plan to do dinner together.

My younger daughter Zoe, is making her professional choreography debut in San Francisco at the Brava Theater Weds, the 11th, so Reggie has to be up there Monday AM to design the lights, but I can't stand to miss this Pearl Day, so I am looking for cheapo tickets to fly out Monday AM.

 

[Nerida]

Sounds like a good plan, Caitlin - unfortunately I won't be there this year either...
And welcome back - haven't seen you since before Christmas - and Happy 2009!

 

[waimeamomi]

I can get a good fare, if I can get my DH approval - I could be in. Anyone want to share a room? I will also be looking for help in the maze. Is Josh going to be there?

 

[waimeamomi]

I'm still battling about this, but need to decide soon. Someone (LaurenB?) wrote me a PM about going, but I lost it when the system hiccuped. I am considering Friday a.m. through Mon. a.m. I see rooms still available, but I have returned to newbie status here. Anyone out there who wants to share a room during that time? What happens in Tucson stays in Tucson (except for the pearls etc.!) I would be on limited buying power, but would love to go just to meet some of you. Anyone???

 

[judimcc6]

I am going out to Tucson, but only Thursday to Sunday morning. I will be very sorry to miss Sunday festivities, but does anybody want to meet for a drink on Saturday night?

 

[jshepherd]

I am probably going to go, but after Dubai. But only if Caitlin is going to give us another pearl walk!

 

[Richard W. Wise]

Caitlin,

Thanks for the heads-up, see you at the seminar.

Best,

 

[Caitlin]

Hi All
AGTA will be there from Feb 2thru the 9th. Strack is on Sunday the 9th at 1pm.

Some shows are starting now, today, and some run until Feb. 15th. So Jeremy will not be with us. (sad face)

Actually, I have to leave on the 9th to go see my youngest kid's professional debut as a choreographer. Hubby is designing the lights (he has designed lights for dancers for 30 years) and has to be there by the AM of the 10th. I tried to find a plane ticket later on Sunday nite, Or one on Monday AM. Neither is possible. I would have to go Tuesday pm and thus miss the tech rehearsal day and the dress rehearsal day, so I reluctantly decided to leave with DH on Sunday AM.

I apologize for my lack of follow-through. I will be here through Sat. and I'm open to lunch plans any day, and/or a pearl walk through AGTA and the GJX-perhaps on Sat? If your schedule would work better on another day, let me know. I am willing to take someone -or several people through every day from the 2-through the 8th. I will have a car, so we can make a special agenda for you. Go to the Gem Mall, bead stores, walk down the frontage road where vendors of everything vaguely gem related from all over the world set up shop.

 

[Pearlgully]

Hi Caitlin,

I believe those dates you've posted are incorrect. My info says that the AGTA show is from February 4th to the 9th and that the E. Strack lecture is on Feb. 8th.


Gail