Tucson Arizona at the end of January, and beginning of February: Motel rooms become gem shops. Tents spring up all over town overflowing with rocks and minerals. Convention centers bring the world to town with cases and cases of gemstones, fossilized shark teeth and glittery druzy. I am in my element.

This is what I wake up to every morning:

TucsonSunrise 2016

Sunrise in Tucson AZ

Then I hit the ground running and start the quest. Here are some of the highlights I managed to snag:

Trapiche_Sapphire_2016

Trapiche Sapphires

Trapiche, taken from the Spanish word meaning “a spoked wheel” used to grind sugar cane. These sapphires resemble the pattern. Found in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Very rare, collectors’ items.

Raw_Orange_Kyanite_2016

Raw Orange Kyanite

Beautiful raw strand. For self esteem, creativity and positivity.

Aquamarine_Crystal_Slice_2016

RARE Aquamarine Crystal Slices

Rare, rare, rare AND HUGE aquamarine crystal slices (Gem dealers were stalking me for this find!)

 

Aquamarines_2016

More aquamarines!

Variscite_2016

Variscite

Sometimes confused with turquoise; variscite is greener. Brings peace and harmony.

Azurite_2016

Azurite: Relieves stress & worry.

Boulder_Opals_2016

Australian Boulder Opals

I can never have enough opals in my stash. These are so beautiful, they made me weep.

Blue_Tourmaline_Batch_2016

Indicolite (aka Blue Tourmaline) crystal slices.

Rare (there’s that word again!) blue tourmaline crystal slices. Sigh.

Some people have no sense of humor. I was so taken by some of the displays, I broke out into song; specifically the chorus of Itchycoo Park by the Small Faces (“it’s all too beautiful, it’s all too beautiful”), no one joined in. They actually moved away. At least I had fun.

Small Faces aren’t your generation? Have a listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14ViwvgtvbA

Look out for some new work coming soon, as soon as I stop the drooling and the singing.

For finished pieces to buy, go here: http://boutique.ledajewelco.com/