Our First Time as a Vendor at the Tucson Gem Show: Reflections from Oak and Stone
- Michael Holmes
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
Michael Holmes, February 2026
After five years of attending the Tucson Gem Show as a visitor, this year marked a significant milestone: I finally stepped behind the booth as a vendor. Representing Oak & Stone School of American Gemcutting at the 22nd Street Show, Kim and I discovered that the view from the other side is entirely different—challenging, rewarding, and filled with connections I never expected.
From Tourist to Vendor
The Tucson Gem Show had always been my annual pilgrimage, a chance to wander through endless tents, discover new stones, and immerse myself in the lapidary community. But this year, instead of being the one browsing, I was showcasing our faceting lessons and inviting people into the world of gemcutting. The shift from attendee to exhibitor was both exciting and humbling.
The Reality of Getting There
Let me start with the unglamorous truth: traveling as a vendor is no joke. Carrying my faceting machine and all its accessories on the plane was easily one of the most cumbersome challenges I've ever tackled. Between the weight, the bulk, and the constant worry about damage, I quickly learned an important lesson for next year—I'll be mailing the machine ahead of time. Some lessons you only learn by doing.
The physical demands didn't stop there. By the end of each day, I was exhausted. Unlike my previous visits where I could wander freely, explore different venues, and play tourist in Tucson's beautiful desert landscape, this year I was anchored to our booth. It was a different kind of tired—the good kind that comes from meaningful work, but tired nonetheless.
The Magic of Hands-On Connection
What made every aching muscle worth it was watching people's faces light up when Kim or I invited them behind the booth to try the Facetron machine for themselves. There's something transformative about that moment when someone who's only ever seen finished gemstones realizes they can actually create one. The curiosity in their eyes, the careful concentration as they made their first cuts, the excitement when they saw the facet appear—these moments reminded me why I love teaching gemcutting.
Kim and I had the privilege of sharing booth space with two incredible individuals. Roger Dery, a master faceter, generously shared countless tips and techniques with me throughout the show. Having that kind of mentorship in real-time, right there at the booth, was invaluable. And Wyatt Yeager, who owns Facetron company, offered fascinating insights into the manufacturing side of the equipment we use every day. It's one thing to use a tool; it's another to understand its creation from the person who makes it possible.
Unexpected Community
One of the most pleasant surprises was discovering just how many Facetron users were out there, scattered across the country. Meeting fellow enthusiasts who share the same passion for these machines created an instant bond. We swapped stories, techniques, and that knowing look that says, "You get it." The gemcutting community is smaller than you might think, and finding your people in a sea of thousands of attendees felt like discovering gems of a different kind.
Even more heartwarming was the steady stream of friends and familiar faces who came out to support us. I'd asked people to visit the booth so I could still socialize despite being stationary, and they showed up. That support meant everything, transforming what could have been an isolating experience into something communal and joyful.
Why the 22nd Street Show is Perfect
For anyone considering vending at the Tucson Gem Show, I can't recommend the 22nd Street Show highly enough. The venue attracts an incredible mix of people—from rock-curious tourists taking their first steps into the world of minerals, to professional lapidaries and gem dealers who know their stuff inside and out. This diversity creates the perfect environment for education and connection. You never know if the person approaching your booth is a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, and that variety keeps every conversation fresh and engaging.
A Message to Future Attendees
If there's one thing I want visitors to a gem show to know, it's this: come talk to us! Seriously. We're not there with rigid expectations about closing sales or hitting quotas. We're there because we love what we do, and we love sharing it with others. Every vendor has a story, a passion, a unique perspective on their craft. Don't be shy about asking questions, expressing curiosity, or even admitting you know nothing about gemstones. Those are often the best conversations.
Looking Forward
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Despite the exhaustion, the logistical headaches, and the sacrifice of my usual tourist adventures, being a vendor at the Tucson Gem Show was profoundly rewarding. The connections I made—both with curious customers and fellow professionals—reminded me why Oak & Stone School exists in the first place: to share the art and science of gemcutting with anyone willing to learn.
Next year, I'll mail the machine. I'll pace myself better. And I'll be back behind that booth, ready to invite more people to experience the magic of cutting their first facet.
If you visited our booth this year, thank you. If you're thinking about trying faceting, reach out. And if you're considering becoming a vendor yourself, take the leap—just remember to ship your equipment ahead of time.
See you in Tucson next year.
Oak & Stone School of American Gemcutting offers faceting lessons for beginners through advanced students. Learn more about our classes and upcoming workshops at https://www.oakandstoneschool.com/classes-events. As always, you can contact us at oakandstoneschool@gmail.com to schedule a time and program that works for you!
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