AGTA GemFair Tucson stands as the gold standard for wholesale colored gemstone buying during the annual Tucson gem show season. Held inside the Tucson Convention Center, this trade-only event draws approximately 300 vetted exhibitors specializing in natural colored gemstones, cultured pearls, and finished fine jewelry. For serious wholesale buyers looking to source sapphires, emeralds, rubies, tanzanite, tourmaline, spinel, and other colored stones at volume, AGTA GemFair is the single most productive stop during your Tucson trip.
Every exhibitor at the AGTA GemFair must adhere to the association’s strict ethical guidelines, which means full disclosure of treatments and enhancements on all gemstones offered. This level of transparency makes AGTA uniquely valuable for buyers who need to confidently represent their inventory downstream. You will find everything from calibrated melee parcels to museum-quality one-of-a-kind stones, along with designer jewelry, pearl strands, and bespoke settings from some of the most respected names in the colored stone trade.
Buyers planning to attend should pre-register online well in advance, as badge verification can take time on-site. Bring your resale certificate, business cards, and government-issued ID to expedite entry. The show floor is well-organized by category, and the AGTA concierge desk can help you locate specific stone types or exhibitors. With the GJX show running concurrently just steps away, wholesale buyers can efficiently cover both venues in the same trip, making the Church Avenue corridor the epicenter of professional gem buying in Tucson.
Plan to arrive early each morning for the best selection, particularly on opening day when dealers unveil fresh inventory. Many exhibitors offer show-special pricing and are prepared to negotiate on volume purchases. The AGTA GemFair typically wraps up before the larger public shows, so prioritize this venue in your first days at the Tucson gem show 2026.