Video Footage of the Mines

Part II

Denver 2009 and Exposol Report

It's been a long time since my last post. I will make up for it by posting twice today. I was going to post a report about Exposol, but none of my photos of the specimens did them justice, so I lost a little motivation. The show had several unique specimens and the local dealers were pleased because an eccentric Italian collector came to the show and paid close to top dollar for several of the best specimens.

Denver Gem and Mineral show is coming up next week- September 16th - 20th. I won't be there this year. I am disappointed because it is such a great show and so much fun. My client Rockology will be there again this year but in a new, better, and bigger venue. Last year I helped out Rockology over at the Merchandise Mart. This year they will be at the Denver Coliseum Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry show. It's a new venue with lots of great vendors. For a list of dealers, including Rockology see here. Some of them are new, and others are migrating from other locations. Rockology will have a great selection of South American gems and minerals. They are looking forward to your visit. I just wish I was there to greet you as well. Please check the links for directions, maps, and other general info. Please leave your comments regarding any impressions about the Denver show.

Exposol 2009

Exposol 2009, the gem and mineral show in southern Brazil, is coming up next month. May 7-10. I will be there and will be reporting back on this blog when it's over. Let me know if you plan to make it or if there is any special material I can be on the lookout for you. If you want to know more about Exposol you can check out some of my earlier posts here, here, here, and here.

Tucson 2009

You gotta love the Tucson Show. The weather is great (most of the time), 4th avenue is a blast, mountain views everywhere, lots of familiar friendly faces, and you always see amazing minerals you have never seen before. What more could you want? Despite that this was a "recession" year, there was an upside to be found. Hotels were actually available and not at the price of your firstborn child, restaurants had no waits, and for shoppers there was less competition over the good material. On the last weekend there was still quality available at discount prices. For most dealers, Tucson was a little disappointing. I spoke with the representative of a major freight and logistics company and he said business was down 50%. Since he serves all different categories of mineral dealers, that would suggest business was down across the board. While economic downtimes are always a challenge, it's a great opportunity for dealers to reevaluate business models and to make sure to do everything possible to maintain or increase quality while seeking ways to lower costs and streamline sources. I am back in Brazil and close to the action at the mines, so feel free to drop me a line if I can help you. Also, if you were in Tucson I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions so feel free to leave your comments on the blog.

Get Ready for Tucson 2009

Next week I will go to the USA for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. I will be helping one of my clients (Rockology) in their booth. Rockology will be in the same location as last year, at the Mineral and Fossil Marketplace on Oracle and Drachman. A map and the address of the show is available here. A floor plan of the show to help you find us is here. The show officially opens on January 31st, but we should be there by the 28th and all set up and ready to go on the 29th. Some of the best material goes fast, so come by early if you want the extra hard to find specimens. If you would like just to visit, closing time around dark we always open a bottle of wine and would be glad to share. The show closes on February 15th. If you have any trouble finding us give me a call at 214-457-5916. I hope to see you there. Some of you will be "stuck" in your own locations in Tucson. I will do my best to get away and come by to say hi.