Irina Ferry, Co-Owner and designer at Soho Gem Fine Jewelry Boutique, recently participated in the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, and here is her report from this brilliant event!

"This was only my second time visiting Tucson at the AGTA and GJX Gem Shows, and two years have passed since I was last there. The consensus from the suppliers and dealers was that this show was the best one in many. The pavilions were buzzing with people and there were transactions happening everywhere. You could feel the energy and it was rocking!

(Above: Rare Source at the Tucson Gemstone and Mineral Show, 2015)

I was in search of natural unheated gemstones (my specialty) and particularly sapphires of unusual color. To my surprise there wasn't much to choose from. Many dealers had boxes labeled "unheated or natural sapphires" but the sizes were small and/or the clarity was not up to my standards. I didn't give up hope and combed through each and every booth. My passion and persistence were rewarded - I found the perfect sapphire stones!

Here are the gems that made it to NYC:

4.32 ct pear shape blue sapphire. This amazing steel blue stone looks like a blue diamond. Its going to make a gorgeous engagement ring. 

7.20 ct bluish green cushion cut sapphire. This will make a stunning cocktail ring with pave diamonds and black rhodium. 

4.86 ct steal blue emerald cut sapphire. Natural and unheated I was lucky enough to buy two. 

2.20 ct very light peach radiant cut sapphire. Soft and feminine this sapphire will be beautiful paired with rose gold. 

But that wasn't all...

The gemstones that intrigued me and left me mesmerized were the natural tanzanite, spinel, malai garnet and Afghani tourmaline. The most amazing colors and all un-heated! You can imagine my excitement given that over 95% of the worlds gems are heated.

4.88ct Malaia Garnet.  Unusual orange, yellow with a hint of red - a rare stone. I only saw two that I liked show and I bought one of them.

2.40 ct oval greenish blue sapphire. Ranges in color saturation from light blue to sea-foam green.

3.79 ct cushion Spinel. One of my favorite stones. Spinel has so much life and comes in all different colors. This one is a baby pink with a hint of violet.

I also spent one full day getting educated by industry professionals in the AGTA seminar. I learned about emerald treatments, opals, how to take a better pic with an iPhone and what makes an exceptional cut.

As if this wasn't enough fun, I have a few recommendations to make your next trip to Tuscon luxurious.

I stayed at the Ritz Carlton Spa Resort. Although 40 minutes from town it's well worth it because the service was incredible and the location gorgeous. Set in the desert overlooking mountains and cacti, it's one of the top spa resorts in the country. Our friends at Rare Source recommend Hacienda Del Sol for dinner. Not only was the food amazing, but a guitarist came to the table and played us a Spanish love song. Can't wait to go back next year!