We had a crazy time in Tucson looking at all the pretty rocks. Bryan and I attended all things from the prestigious AGTA and roadside booths with everything in between (and only scratched the surface). Once registered through the AGTA, this badge opened all doors.

Although many things look like a deal, it is definitely a buyer beware scenario. I made a point of going through an entire venue collecting cards, making notes and getting prices before going back to seek out my favorites. Some deals were great, some stones were great. Sometimes you actually got both.

My favorite thing was chatting with the dealers that were also cutters because they couldn’t stop talking about their pretty rocks... showing their passion for the things that they loved. I bought some very special pieces from a lady opal cutter from Australia, her husband chatting with us...clearly in support. As fellow artists we can truly respect each other’s work.

All those lovely stones began to speak about

what designs they would like to be...

pure heaven.