#EZGuide - Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase

Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase /
Denver, Colorado, USA

Venues: 10 gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show locations

Show Dates: September 6 - 15, 2013
Hours and admission requirements vary for each show

Contact: Xpo Press, Inc.
Email: support@xpopress.com

What you will find at the show: Anchored by the Denver Gem & Mineral Society's annual "main show" at the Denver Mart, ten separate gem, mineral, fossil, bead and jewelry shows feature nearly 800 vendors and exhibitors, each displaying and selling their gem and mineral treasures, precious gems and stones, and lapidary products and services. Mineral shows not to be missed are the Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show; Denver Coliseum Mineral, Fossil & Gem Show; Denver Expo Gem Show; JG&M Expo Denver; and one of the finest dinosaur and fossil shows anywhere, the Colorado Fossil Expo. This citywide showcase is bested in vendor numbers in the U.S. only by Tucson's 4,000+ vendors in February.

Map of Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase

View Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase in a larger map

GIA Announces Seminars at Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

GIA Announces Seminars at Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

Two GemFests and lab take-in, September 11-17

Two of GIA’s recognized gem experts will offer their expertise during the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, Sept. 11-17. The two GIA GemFests, which are free and open to the public, supplement GIA’s lab take-in services and other offerings during the show.

Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA’s director of Research and Development, will discuss the identification of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) gem quality diamonds on Sept. 11. Robert Weldon, GIA’s manager of Photography and Visual Communications, will discuss his renowned methods of photographing gems and jewelry on Sept. 14.

Identification of CVD Synthetic Gem Diamonds with Dr. Wuyi Wang

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2-3:30 p.m. at the AsiaWorld Expo, Rm 201A 

Separating CVD-produced gem quality diamonds from natural diamonds remains an important issue. Wang will review the recent developments seen by the GIA laboratories in CVD diamonds produced for the jewelry market and the technologies and techniques GIA uses to identify this gem material.

With more than 20 years of expertise in diamond geochemistry and the treatments of diamond and other gem material, Wang holds a doctorate in geology from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and a bachelor’s degree in geology from Beijing University in China. He is widely published in gemological and geological publications, and has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Richard T. Liddicoat and American Gem Society awards, as well as the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award from G&G.

Photography & Photoshop™ of Gems and Jewelry with Robert Weldon

Saturday, Sept. 14, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Rm S421

Weldon will review critical techniques and tips for effective gemological photography. He will discuss proper lighting for gemstones and jewelry, and how to use depth of field and select the right backgrounds. He will also reveal three tips for post-photographic workflow in Adobe Photoshop™ for accurate, stunning portrayals of minerals, gemstones and jewelry.

Weldon is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, journalist and photographer. His passion and talent have led him on gem research excursions and speaking engagements across the globe including Brazil, Columbia, China, Kenya and Tanzania. Weldon’s works have been chronicled in GIA’s scientific quarterly journal, Gems & Gemology, and various other gem and jewelry trade publications.

GIA at the AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong

Wednesday – Sunday, Sept. 11-15 at Booth 3J00

Institute representatives will be at Booth 3J00 from Sept. 11-15 to answer questions about GIA education, instruments, laboratory services and the GIA Retailer Program. The laboratory will take-in diamonds up to 9.99 carats and colored stones Sept. 11-14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30-4:30 p.m. On Sept. 15, the lab will take-in colored stones only from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

GIA at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center

Friday – Tuesday, Sept. 13-17 at Booth 3M059, 3M061

Institute representatives will be at Booth 3M059, 3M061 from Sept. 13-17 to answer questions about GIA education, instruments, laboratory services and the GIA Retailer Program. The laboratory will take-in colored stonesSept. 13-17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Redeem GIA GemPasses or purchase a GIA GemPassbook™ for special rates on GIA colored stone services at the show. For more details, call GIA’s Hong Kong laboratory at +852-3166-7000 or visit www.giathai.net.  

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

2nd Edition of International EZ-Guide is Multi-Lingual

The World's Top Gem Shows /Asia, Europe, USA

Venues: 26 gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show locations

Show Dates: June 2013 - June, 2014
Hours and admission requirements vary for each show

Contact: Xpo Press, Inc.
Email: support@xpopress.com

What you will find at (and about) these shows: Xpo Press has researched all of the top mineral-centric shows on each continent to determine the shows and showcases that meet our criteria for inclusion on our list of The World's Top Gem Shows. 

Enthusiastic about this sophomore edition of the Int'l EZ Guide (INEZ), Brad Hicks, Xpo Press, stated, "This year INEZ begins/began its year-long distribution schedule at the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines Mineral & Gem Expo in France in June 2013, then makes/made it’s globetrotting appearance at every major gem and mineral show in the world through MineralienWelt -Idar-Oberstein in Germany in June 2014."

Want your show included in the next INEZ?  According to Mr. Hicks, this is how it's done!  Selection Criteria: 

1. The shows must have strong rock-mineral-fossil representation, not a jewelry or bead show 

2. They must have 100 vendors or more (slightly fewer will do if a show meets all other criteria, like the West Coast Show in Santa Ana, Calif., which has 80ish)

3. They must host an updated/accurate website

4. They must have a reliable contact person who is positive and eager to provide information to us about their show

5. They must welcome dealers/vendors from all continents to sell at their show (for example, the FIPP Brazil show, though certainly a major world gem show, is not included because non-South American dealers are restricted — and they don’t have a website that we can find)

6. They must agree to distribute INEZ at their show.

International EZ-Guide

Twenty-five-thousand International EZ-Guides are published and distributed at the largest gem and mineral shows in the world, that attract the world's best sellers and buyers of gemstones, minerals and fossils. Distribution of this Guide begins each June at the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines Mineral & Gem Show in France, and continues for the following 12 months at over 20 shows in Asia, Europe, and the U.S.A. Xpo Press has researched all of the top mineral-centric shows on each continent to determine the shows that meet our criteria for inclusion in the International EZ-Guide's list of the top gem and mineral shows in the world. The International EZ-Guide is published in 7 languages, all in one annual publication — English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish — so readers who pick up the Guide at any show throughout the world will be able to read it in their native language.

International EZ-Guide Mission Statement: The purpose of the International EZ-Guide is to promote the selling and buying of gemstone, mineral and fossil products and services through organized industry-related shows and expos throughout the world, and to encourage dealers and show promoters to advertise themselves internationally.

BREAKING NEWS - JCK Events Will Now Operate The Jewelry Show At Starr Pass Marriott

The International Gem & Jewelry Show, owner of the G.L.D.A. Tucson and Las Vegas wholesale gem & jewelry shows - announced that they will be working with the JCK Jewelry show for the annual Tucson Event.  JCK had a strong interest in adding its footprint in the Tucson market and International Gem & Jewelry Show has chosen to increase focus on its 90 other retail and wholesale gem, jewelry and bead shows across the country.

The JCK Tucson show will be held at the JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort, a 4-Diamond mountaintop retreat, and Tucson's best, during the Tucson Jewelry Weeks.  Covering finished fine jewelry, and featuring both luxury and design areas within the show, it is a fitting addition to JCK's portfolio and one which will augment its position as the leader in  Wholesale finished fine jewelry shows. The new JCK Tucson show will take place February 3-9, 2014.

The G.L.D.A. Show (The Gem & Lapidary Dealers Association) has been an established wholesale gem & jewelry show owned  by the International Gem & Jewelry Show held in both Tucson in February and Las Vegas in May.  The Las Vegas show dates are May 27-30, 2013.

JCK, G.L.D.A. Tucson Show and The International Gem & Jewelry Show are proud that this partnership will be a benefit to all involved.  The G.L.D.A. Tucson event will now be managed at the JCK office in Norwalk, CT.  and the G.L.D.A. Vegas event operations will remain fully owned and managed by Intergem/G.L.D.A. in Rockville, MD., where the International Gem & Jewelry Show is headquartered.

In a recent statement JCK's Yancy Weinrich said, “JCK Tucson will cover the finished fine jewelry segment and feature luxury and design exhibitors, which will provide a new opportunity for exhibitors within the built in audience, already visiting Tucson.  The JW Marriott Starr Pass provides an opulent setting and environment for both exhibiting and networking beyond the show floor – with the outdoor patios, mountainous backdrop, golf course and spa; it is the place to stay while in Tucson.”

If It's Franklin - It's Time For The Franklin Faceters Frolic!

Roy Kersey and Will Smith started the idea for the Faceters’ Frolic in 2007 and the first Frolic was held during the Summer 2008 Gem Shows in Franklin, NC.

This year the 5th Annual Franklin Faceters Frolic will be a two-day event on Friday July 27th & Saturday 28th of 2012 at the Fun Factory.


Highlights include:
> two GemCad Classes offered by the creator of GemCad, Robert Strickland. Starting at 9AM, Robert will offer a Beginner Class, which will go until Noon. At 1 PM he will start another GemCad Class for Intermediate/Advanced level students. This will be your chance to learn from the Master.
> a fabulous line up of dealers is available on the FFF5 website, dealers will start offering items for sale at 1PM on Friday. Dealers will be available all day on Saturday. 
> and the great list of Demos from equipment manufacturers grows every year.


Program Features Include:
>  from the home of Topaz - "Selecting & Faceting Topaz" by Diane Eames GG, past president of Texas Faceters Guild
> "Faceting for Competition" by Dr. Howard Bromley, the new USFG Editor and the newest member of the USA Team competing in 2012 Australian International Faceting Challenge

Special Guest and Premiere Unveiling:


"NEW GemRay for Windows" by Robert Strickland the creater of GemCad and GemRay. Robert will show how it works and go over things you need to know. It is a powerful addition to GemCad.


Whether you are a beginning faceter or an advanced cutter this is your opportunity to talk to the man who wrote the book (or should that be program?)...and get up close and personal in two GemCad Classes!


So take a moment to check out the Franklin EZ-Guide and add the Frolic to your schedule!

Make it a Gemmy Summer in Franklin, NC…

Whether you are a rockhound, geologist or you just love the beauty Mother Nature provides…you must, just once in your lifetime hit the scene in Franklin.

Curious? take a minute to download the online edition of the Franklin EZ-Guide and see if there isn’t something that catches your attention.

With maps of the area, dining suggestions, show dates and hours, vendor lists and more Gem Show EZ-Guides are the choice of travelers and attendees across the country…why?   …because “we know the shows”.

The EZ-Guide describes it this way: “During the summer months rockhounds and tourists converge on the tiny town of Franklin, North Carolina to attend gem shows, do some fluming at the local gem mines, and simply spend their vacations in this stunningly beautiful area at the southern foothills of the great Smoky Mountains. There is plenty to do for everyone who comes to Franklin and Macon County, but rockhounds who come to this area know that it is one of the only places in the world where it is not rare on a casual hike in the hills—if you know what you’re looking for—to return home with a pocketful of precious stones, even rubies, sapphires and garnets! This is what makes Franklin, truly, the Gem Capital of the World.”

…and for those looking for something to do outside the show, the Chamber of Commerce offers these options: “Whether you’re looking for high adventure, fun places for the kids, beautiful scenery, a week on the greens, or the natural wonders of the Smoky mountains, Franklin provides a multitude of wonderful activities. For lovers of gems and minerals, you won’t want to miss the open-to-the-public gem mining in and near Franklin and the amazing collection at the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum.

The Chamber provides a monthly Calendar of Events for some ideas of ways to spend your time during your stay in Franklin, North Carolina – home of mountain treasures and simple pleasures.”

See you in Franklin?

Remembering Al Sargent - Denver Expo & Tucson Electric Park

If you picked up a Denver EZ-Guide at the Denver Gem & Mineral Shows or just flipped through it on the Xpo Press website...you may have seen the write up by Brad Hicks, CEO of Xpo Press, titled "Tucson's Electric Promoter: A Tribite To Al Sargent".

Featuring great personal memories of conversations with Al Sargent and memorializing the dynamic man who was the spark behind the Tucson Electric Park Shows the article brings thoughts of Al to life! ...and that was what Brad hoped for.

We would love to hear your memories for a piece in the 2011 Tucson EZ-Guide...help us flesh out a man that meant so much to the Denver and Tucson Gem Shows. We want visitors to this year's event in the desert to know Al Sargent and everything he meant to the largest show in the country!

We would love to get notes to pass on to Dianna & Josh and to print in the 2011 Tucson EZ-Guide... email your note to Brad at: bradhicks@xpopress.com

In case you missed it - this is from the 2010 Denver EZ-Guide: