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Where: 3750 E. Irvington (1-10 & Irvington); if you head south on Palo Verde past the Holidome, turn left on Irvington and then right into the J.O.G.S. parking area.
2011 update: ABD is liking this show as it matures. Found these wonderful giftables at Art's King, for example (to see more of their inventory, visit www.artsking.com.cn):
While the 2011 show seemed less crowded in terms of buyers, the buyers who were there seemed enthusiastic, and I heard one talking about spending "at least half a day" with one vendor there. It's definitely a show that's coming into its own, and it already has fans. One thing about it, too, is that the organizers seem "scrappy," in that ABD saw trucks driving on the highway and around town advertising the show. ABD saw a man standing on Palo Verde advertising the show. While this may not be the way to get new wholesale-tax-licensed buyers, it certainly reminds the buyers in town already that J.O.G.S. is here.
2010 update: On the day Arizona Bead Dog stopped by, activity was slow--but this was in line with the rest of the gem show venues in 2010. ABD saw some amethyst cathedrals that seemed well-priced.
What: A large show with many buying opportunities, although slightly less for beads than other venues. It's not that there aren't beads; Arizona Bead Dog saw amber (a large amber contingent or "pavilion" is located to the left after you enter the show), turquoise, coral, shell pearl, pearls, agates, and others, but there was less variety than compared to Holidome or Gem Mall, particularly in terms of precious and semi-precious stones. On the other hand, J.O.G.S. sports a variety of large mineral designer pieces (in J.O.G.S.'s Mineral Pavilion), including seven-color jade vases, large interior lights made from onyx squares fashioned into hollow pillars to let the light shine through, Moroccan fossil table tops; there's also half silver half aluminum beads and findings by the kilo, dichroic glass, maritime artifacts, fine finished jewelry, inexpensive finished jewelry, unique designer jewelry (all finished jewelry located in specific pavilions, such as the Nepal Jewelry Pavilion, Mexican Jewelry Pavilion, International Gem Pavilion), and other items. One exhibitor offered Ice Age animal exibits, including a 5-foot baby wooly mammoth and also a "wooly" rhino, among others. (2011 update: apparently, that was for its first year, and ABD didn't see the mammoth in 2009, 2010 or 2011; ABD did see a lot of finished sterling silver jewelry--all beautiful!) If you're a buyer and have never been to this show, it's worth visiting. Plan to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours here.
Tips: More seating available here than at some other shows. Also, the building's interior seemed especially hot, so definitely wear short sleeves (but bring a scarf or light sweater in case the air conditioning starts working or for outside). 2011 update: Not so hot; comfortable.
The Feng Shui garden area is relatively small, but encircled with beautiful bronze statuary, sculptures, and amethyst cathedrals; a water feature provides a peaceful moment from the hectic atmosphere of the show, and seating is available to rest when no class is scheduled.
Be prepared to wait for your badges even if you pre-registered; the line was a bit slow. But, the show also gives free yellow J.O.G.S. tote bags for purchases.
This show has an ATM machine.
Inside or Out: Inside a very large building; vendors set out in a symmetrical "cross" pattern.
Parking: Ample and paved. When you pull in from Irvington, bear right towards the arrows pointing to the entrance and go south--there's plenty of parking on the building's south side but it's not visible from Irvington, so keep driving if the front lot is full.
Food:There's an Afghan food vendor and Wild West Kettle Korn outside, and there's a food concession inside. The champagne brunch the show provides for free (with special coupons) feeds you, but it's basic: lettuce and veggies with dressing, nachos with cheese and beans, canned corn and green beans, tuna, potato salad, wieners, rolls, canned pineapple, cold cuts, pizza, and sushi. And, of course, there's champagne. A nice idea and buyers seemed happy, despite line control issues. (Did not visit the buffet in 2010 or 2011.)
Rest rooms: Inside the building at several places; the women's room was crowded, with only a couple of stalls.
2011 dates: Starts on Friday, January 28th and runs through Tuesday, February 8th.
Show hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shuttle routes: Ruby/Emerald/Copper/Amber.
September 2010 J.O.G.S. -- OPEN to the PUBLIC!! Arizona Bead Dog learned about this September show from a friend, and this is its first year in September. Arizona Bead Dog went on the show's opening day, and it was very quiet. Only spent about 20 minutes. No line at about 1:30 p.m. to obtain passes; same on 9/10. Vendors were all friendly. About 3 or 4 large bead tables--nice variety although somewhat limited, one vendor had bags of seed beads; finished fine (emeralds, diamonds, rubies) and sterling jewelry, amber jewelry, beaded jewelery; minerals--large amethyst cathedrals with what seemed like fair pricing; Tibetan thangkas. ABD didn't see any findings, but that doesn't mean they weren't there. As with the other September shows, this one is a smaller version.
For additional information: www.jogsshow.com.
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