Vendor Spotlight: Archy's Rock Shop

Archy of Archy's Rock Shop has to be one of the most personable guys you will ever want to meet - he is willing to answer source questions - cuts his own rocks and is a real delight to work with.

This was one of the days that I got to hang out with the lovely and talented Maureen Brusa Zapellini of CosmosMoon,which was a treat in itself (girl's only - we took Cosmo to a different show).

You could literally get lost in the number of gorgeous cabs in almost every variety you could be looking for...Maureen peruses the beauty.

Lets's get a little closer...this is a family operated business that Archy runs with his sons.

For those of you that are into re-purposing...Archy's has Fordite, Boatite, and Bowling Ball Cabs...

This is one of the reasons I really love the Tucson Gem Shows - you get to meet the person behind the website...so...check out Archy's Rock Shop next time you are looking for something different.

Hangin With A Special Friend...

I was doing my rounds hitting the shows and got a call from Szarka of Magpie Gemstones (http://magpiegemstones.com/) - she said her husband (Gibby) had just hit town...why don't I give him a call!

We met up at the Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers (G&LW) Show at the Grant Inn (formerly the Quality Inn/Rodeway Inn). This was good because I probably would never have made time for this show as it is not difficult to find G&LW shows (http://www.glwshows.com/) around the country....and there are at least 5 G&LW show locations at the Tucson Gem Show.

When pulling up to the parking area the outside vendors are mostly Southwest rugs, baskets and ceramics - but on the inside ring around the pool area there are some really impressive dealers.

I purchased some beautiful Dino Bone Beads while Gibby was wheeling and dealing on some really beautiful turquoise! Wait until you see what he bought for the shop!!! YUMMY stuff!!!!

He introduced me to a wonderful dealer - you should definately look him up if he is at the G&LW Show in your area. Stephen Mauldin Stone Co. (http://stephenmauldinstone.com/) carries some of the nicest beads I have seen so far...and he has Turquoise is several flavors (Nacozari, Castle Dome, Fox). The thing that sets this vendor apart is that with your purchase he signs a "Guarantee of Authenticity" so you can shop with confidence.

I got an iguana carving from him to give as a gift to Gem Carver Martha Borzoni (http://differentseasonsjewelry.com/) AKA Jessica Dow's mother.

One of Gibby's favorite dealers at this location is a jewelry designer named John Huntress...just across the lawn from Mauldin.

So you are all probably asking - where are the photos we want to see Gibby - well - he agreed to pose for a photo....