The Caprock

Written by Helen I. Driggs, Managing Editor, Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist Magazine

"A certain athletic gear slogan comes to mind when I think of the Tucson Showplace-- just do it! Pardon the pun, but I think the Tucson Showplace is a gem of a show. This small venue is off the beaten path, but full of surprises for people like me-- metalsmith/lapidaries looking for nice material, nice people, and a calm place to hunt for it.

I picked up some fantastic jasper cabs from The Gem Shop, Inc. (space A-1), a gorgeous slice of twinned quartz from Gems Art Studio (space B-4), and a geode for me personal collection from The Burrow Collection (space A-5). If that wasn't fun enough, I hunted down some nice Ocean Jasper rough from Madagascar Minerals (space B-1); browsed in Rhodo Co. (spaces A-2&3); and caught up with Steve Schultz, the extremely nice owner/miner of Silver Streams Northwest (space B-6); and checked out the minerals from Pangaea Industries, the minerals from Piritas de Navajun, and the gorgeous copper specimens at Keweenaw Gem and Gift.

Like I said, great stuff, nice people, and a calm place -- the Tucson Showplace is well worth the trip down Farmington Road. Do yourself a favor and save a few hours for this show. You won't be disappointed."