Gem Show Tips

Since we've been talking about crystals, I wanted to share a few more tips to help you shop at crystal and gem shows in your area. Most of the information I shared on my Tucson Gem Show post is still applicable for most instances, so be sure to check out that post! 

Bring a List

It can be exhilarating and overwhelming to go to Gem & Crystal Shows, even as an experienced collector. It can be very easy to go overboard, so stick to your list as best you can! Knowing what you're looking for specifically can help avoid impulse buys because you want to walk away with something besides memories.

Impulse buying is one of the ways that we tend to kill a budget. It's like shopping for puppies, you want to walk away with all of them, but you can only afford and home so many crystals. 

Understand the Measurements

​Most raw or bulk goods are sold by weight, and crystals are no exception. The vast majority of crystals are weighed and labeled in the Metric System, so it helps to have a working understanding to avoid getting taken advantage of. Remember to pay attention to the labeling in Metric since we use it sparingly in the United States, so it's easy to get confused between grams and kilograms. 

1 kilogram ≈ 2.2 pounds
1 pound ≈ 453.5 grams 

Plan Ahead

The rule I abide by when shopping is considering where the item will land once it enters my home. This stops me from bringing too many things in and overruling the space. Crystals hold and emit significant energy, so it's also essential to consider your energy balance in the area. 

Do you need help unloading and moving your new items when you return home or office? If you can't get it into your car yourself, how will you get it back out of the car and safely to its new home? Make sure you're being realistic when considering your larger-sized purchases! 

Make Connections with Vendors

You end up making small talk with vendors while browsing and looking through options, and this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the products. It may be uncomfortable, but it's important to know where your crystals came from and if they are responsibly and ethically mined. I prefer to buy directly from the miners themselves. Some of the questions you may consider are:

• Where is this crystal from? (country, mine, etc.)
• What are the mining practices like? (labor conditions, wages, child labor, etc.)

Don't Force Anything

​If something about the situation feels wrong, know that you don't need to purchase. Don't feel bullied into buying every stand you visit or ask questions of. If you feel bad vibes around the location, vendor, or item,  walk away. If you think the thing is mislabeled, trust your gut reaction. 

There will always be another opportunity to acquire the correct piece you're meant to have. 

What are some of your favorite tips when it comes to gem and crystal shopping? I would love to hear them in the comments below! 

Love,
Arielle Sterling

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