Hello,

I'm new here and have been trying to use the search option to find more about this topic, but I haven't been successful.

 I'm trying to decide whether or not to stay an extra day at Tucson to attend the AGTA show.  I've been to GL&W.  My question is, what does AGTA offer?  Is it worth it to stay an extra day?

 
My first impression of AGTA is that it exhibits higher-end gemstones.  Am I right in thinking this?  And are there other reasons to visit AGTA?

 
Thanks!!

 

 AGTA is all very (very, very) high end stones, pearls and finished jewelry.  I really loved walking through and looking at the booths - saw opera length diamond necklaces in one booth after another.  One booth had a pile - more like a mound of south sea pearls heaped in the center of a what looked like an dirty old card table with a cardboard sign (cardboard looked like the bottom of a coke case) hand lettered - really scrawled - $5000 and up.  If they had allowed pictures, that is the picture I would have taken.

 If you are familiar with the Holidome, the AGTA was the complete opposite.  Quiet, dignified, people dressed for business, no roll'ey backpacks.  I think they had complimentary coffee and scones, places to sit and talk business...

 
There were some lectures as I recall,  upstairs  SNAG had a booth as well as some other organizations and publishers. 

Thanks for replying!  I didn't realize it was so different.  Do they sell loose stones?

 Yes, there were stones and beads, diamond beads!!

 There is no doubt that AGTA is the high end, fine jewelry side of Tucson. But there is a lot more than just NYC diamond dealers and finished gold jewelry. AGTA also has the design and tool section in the lower level. Usually this is where prize wining designs from a recent competition are shown. Well worth a trip for jewelers and designers. Look for banners to your left after you enter the main exhibit hall from the escalators.

The AGTA badge will get you into other shows because AGTA has the most restrictive entry requirements.  GJX across the street is more useful to beaders for product but is similar to Holidome and Gem Mall. (many vendors show at both.)

Thank you!  It seems like AGTA is definitely worth staying for.  Can't wait to see how crazy Tucson is this year!