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Rock, Gem 'n' Bead Show Kempton Park
I'm thinking of going to the Rock, Gem 'n' Bead Show for the first time in March
Until now I've only ever bought stones online. Would you recommend the show? Any tips for a first timer?
Any info much appreciated!
Tess
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First thing I would find out how many sellers and who - then you can check their websites.
If there's only one person selling what you are looking for you might be better going to them direct
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It's a long time since I have been to Kempton Park. It was one of the better shows, but even at the time, the number of gemstone sellers was reducing in favour of rocks, fossils, tumbled stones and made up imported jewellery.
So as Wendy has said, you must browse the exhibitor list and decide whether it is really worth the journey.
Added to that it is out in the sticks and best approached by car. Outside the racing season, there are no trains to the nearest station and you might be in for a wet and lonely walk. Dennis.
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Pearlescent and Dennis, thank you both for the advice. I will have a look at the exhibitors list and decide whether it's worth going.
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Of course, if you want to do some serious buying you need to go to one of the big shows, such as Tucson or Hong Kong.
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I have been having a look at Tucson on youtube in the last week looks like a very big concern one day maybe I will get there
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Inhorgenta in Munich is coming up now. There will be hundreds of gemstone sellers and tools as well. You need about three days to take it all in.
https://www.inhorgenta.com/visitors/...SAAEgJbf_D_BwE Dennis.
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I usually pop along to this show as it's the one closest to me. It's initially a bit overwhelming when you go in but it helps if you have an idea of what you're after. Then like any other expedition, check everything out and go back to the pieces you like that are at the price you're happy with. It's not so big that after a couple of circuits you'll not be able to remember where you want to go back to. Making a few notes for yourself doesn't hurt either.
I mostly buy cabochons and have a price point I won't go above, and the bonus is after a couple of visits you get to know what's a good price for a particular quality of stone (which in turn helps when buying online so long as you feel the photos accurately show the stone).
Have fun!
Last edited by misspond; 17-02-2019 at 08:43 PM.
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Tucson does look amazing and Hong Kong would be fun. May plan a trip one day when my making skills are better...
Inhorgenta is a lot closer to home, shame it's next week. There's always 2020
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You might be surprised at how cheap flights to HK are, and you can get very cheap accommodation also. If anyone ever does want a guide, do let me know. I spend all five days in just the pearl hall and there are 15 halls. It is that big
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