It’s a good thing I came home with so many amazing stones, because leaving that sunshine to come back to a cold NY winter was really hard. We stayed in the heart of the downtown and had access to wonderful restaurants and easy access to so many of the shows. We realized a little too late that we were arriving for the last five days of a 20 day show so next year, we’ll go much earlier.

On our first day, I met a wonderful family who cuts some gorgeous boulder opals. They also had this amazing batch of opalized tree roots that were so striking I bought a bunch of them. I may have to hold onto these for while because they deserve to be set in a really special way. I also snagged some doubles for earrings.

I think I was really drawn to blues and greens this trip. These peruvian opalized wood stones are so milky and creamy with dense stripes of earthy tones. I also scored some incredible labradorite and some watermelon tourmaline slices that will make incredible dangle earrings- maybe even in 18k gold?

If you’ve ever wanted to go, I highly recommend it. They have specimens that would blow your mind but be careful, my husband went in a little ambivalent, and left with several pieces for his new collection!