Gems set city aglitter

Treasures abound for rockhounds

Survival tips The annual Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase comes to Tucson during 16 days packed with 13 open-to-the-public shows, 33,000 people, and about a bazillion tents. Here are five quick tips to help you make the most of this year's showcase. One stop Park your car in one spot and ride the free shuttle to other locations. Dress code Wear comfy shoes and avoid carrying a purse or backpack. Haste makes waste Plan plenty of time to thoroughly explore the shows. Speak up Don't hesitate to ask questions of dealers and show promoters. Policies please Ask vendors for receipts and confirm return policies.

Tucson is getting ready to rock.

The annual Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase bombards the town during the next 16 days with 25 shows, many of which are open to the public. The other shows are for dealers only.

By the time the shows end on Feb. 11, more than 46,000 people are expected to have hit the streets in search of jewelry, decorations and fine gems.

Highlights

Today marks the official beginning of the showcase, as the Co-Op show opens its doors to wholesalers.

The first two retail shows, the Congress Street Expo at Tucson Electric Park and the Rapa River show, open Saturday.

Other retail shows also open Saturday around town, and almost all the shows will be open by Thursday. Most run through Feb. 11.

* The 47th Annual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, the cornerstone of the shows, begins Feb. 8. Excitement has been building for this one since July, when the show announced that the Forbes Collection of New York would send original Carl Fabergé artwork to be put on display at the show.

Original and authorized replica Fabergé pieces will be sold at the show, which takes place at the Tucson Convention Center and charges $5.50 daily admission. Tatiana Fabergé, the great-granddaughter of Carl Fabergé, plans to visit Tucson Feb. 5.

Among other highlights:

* The Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers Inc. show is open only to wholesalers from Saturday to Feb. 9. It opens to the public Feb. 10 with a 10 a.m. auction.

* The Congress Street Expo at Tucson Electric Park has a new location - the home of the Tucson Sidewinders at 2500 E. Ajo Way. The tent show features gem and mineral dealers and opens Saturday.

Shopping hints

It's easy to get lost amid the madness. Here's some advice from Tucson Gem & Mineral Show Chairman Bob Jones, who explains the finer points of shopping at Tucson's gem shows.

The most important thing to remember is to ask a lot of questions. Question the appraised worth, where it came from and ask about the return policy.

"Any good dealer will go to great lengths to explain his merchandise to customers," Jones said. "That's how they stay in business - by being honest with customers."

Dealers not affiliated with a show often set up street-side tables. As always, scam artists will also set up tables.

Jones said that you should be wary of such dealers. The best way to tell a reputable seller from a fraudulent one is to question the merchandise.

It's also a good idea to ask for the receipt.

Other advice

* Plan ahead. Unless you have two weeks of free time, the best way to make the most of your time is to make a list of what you and your family are interested in viewing or buying, check out the Star's list of events, and plan your schedule to meet your interests and needs. Give yourself plenty of time to explore.

* Know if you're getting a good deal by checking the general value of the items for which you are shopping on the Internet or retail stores before you head to the show.

* Avoid overspending. Give yourself a budget limit on how much you will spend per item.

* Shop around various shows and vendors to be sure you're getting the best deal.

* Confirm the return policy. You should be able to return a noncustom design with a sales receipt.

* Ask for an appraisal for more expensive items.

Beginning tomorrow: Look for daily coverage in the Star's A section and on the Web at www.azstarnet.com/gemshow01/ .

* Contact Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or prv@azstarnet.com.