I expect to see this trend continue to grow when we attend the Las Vegas Jewelry and Gem shows in late May through early June.

When we began going to the Tucson Gem Shows back in the early 1980's, there were only a handful of show. Now there are more than 40 shows and thousands of exhibitors.

The number of shows and exhibitors has grown much faster than the number of buyers. There are shows at hotels, motels, conference and meeting halls, huge tents, and even vacant lots.

I look for a reduction in shows and exhibitors in the next few years. Booth cost, travel, lodging, and food add up to thousands for each exhibitor. Many tell me they realize only modest profits from their efforts.

Then they explain that the goal now is to identify new year-around customers and suppliers.

But even those exhibitors who threaten to not exhibit next year say they will attend to do business outside the shows.

The 2008 Tucson Gem Shows were about average this year. However, when the major and minor players of the gem and jewelry industry gather to sell, buy, trade and share information, average is very good.

Click on the box... and have Google start putting money in your bank account!

2008 tucson gem shows and paraiba tourmaline are keyword search phrases that return a number of internet listings and ads... but none that invite you to Make An Offer.

Gem Industry News...

Gold Could Hit $1000

Gold’s price could top $1,000 per ounce this year, according to many gold industry analysts. Meanwhile, as global demand set records in 2007, the precious metal's current high-price and volatility poses “challenges” to the jewelry industry generally, and U.S. jewelry retailers specifically, says a new World Gold Council report.

Some financial and gold industry analysts are suggesting that gold could top $1,000 within months. 

Merrill Lynch, one of the world’s leading financial managers and investment bankers has substantially increased its gold price forecast. This month, its analysts said they expect gold to average $925 per ounce this year and reach $1,000 in 2009 (up from former forecasts of $750 and $800, respectively). 

The Market Scan section of Forbes.com in late January suggested “an ounce could go as high as $1,250 this year,” while Ross Norman, director of London-based TheBullionDesk.com, said gold could pass the $1,000 mark by the end of this quarter.

Propelling gold’s rise ($940 in January) are several factors, say analysts, including record energy costs (especially oil), ongoing geopolitical tensions, the housing crunch, the weak U.S. dollar, and a possible recession in the United States, the world’s economic engine. 

These factors have pushed corporate and private investors into buying gold bullion, traditionally seen as “a safe store of wealth during times of economic turmoil,” says the WGC’s 2007 Gold Demand Trends report.

Jewelry Dealers

Now that the Tucson Gem Shows and Valentine's Day are history, we can all take a small breather, and then focus on building inventory.

I say a small breather because there are always customers looking for birthday and anniversary gifts.

We must also continue servicing our customers, recruiting new customers, and generally growing our respective businesses.

Keep the  Make An Offer program in mind. You can always pick up a few good deals there. 

Jewelry Dealers Program

Do you enjoy jewelry and gems?

Do you enjoy talking with friends and co-workers?

Could you use an extra income source?

Take a look at our great Jewelry Dealers Program.

Carolyn Doyle

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