Introduction

While gem shows are an enticing prospect for crystal enthusiasts and gem collectors, there are several reasons why we, at Beyond Bohemian, choose not to attend them. Despite the allure of experiencing a vast collection of beautiful crystals and rare specimens, we believe that there are far better alternatives to explore. In this journal entry, we will discuss the reasons why we abstain from attending gem shows and offer alternative ways to source crystals ethically.

1.    Lack of Authenticity and Transparency

One of the foremost reasons why we avoid gem shows is the apparent lack of authenticity and transparency in the marketplace. In many instances, it is challenging to ascertain the genuineness and origin of the crystals on display as most sellers are not directly connected to the source of the material. Without proper certifications and reliable sources, the risk of purchasing artificially enhanced stones, misidentified mineral specimens, and unethical crystals becomes significantly higher. Desperate vendors will tell you anything to appeal to your emotions to make a sale.

As a responsible and trusted entity in the industry, we prioritize transparency and ethical practices. Over the past decade gem shows have become a haven for scams, con-artists, and criminal activity. Most of the vendors you will find there now are either resellers, fine mineral collectors, or shadow businesses that operate almost exclusively in cash. For Beyond Bohemian and other ethically sourced crystal stores, attending is certainly not worth the expense, travel, and time.

2. Limited Opportunity for Meaningful Connections

For crystal enthusiasts seeking expert advice and guidance, gem shows often fall short. The bustling nature of these events combined with the vast variety of gems on display can make it difficult to find knowledgeable professionals who are readily available to answer questions or provide in-depth information. Our commitment to delivering a satisfactory experience to our supporters, which includes personalized recommendations and expertise, keeps us away from the fast-paced atmosphere of gem shows.

Another disadvantage of gem shows is the lack of the ability to establish meaningful connections in the business. It was not always this way, and decades ago gem shows were mandatory if you wanted to build up your list of suppliers. However now with improved global internet access and transportation logistics it has made it much easier for international commerce to take place, especially with smaller companies and individuals. Covid-19 accelerated this switch to remote working with other businesses through apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Skype. Now you do not even have to leave your home or business to tour a mine or visit a lapidary. Ten years ago, these same people had to travel to gem shows out of necessity as it was not possible to conduct business from their region to market to a wider audience. Today the vast majority of those people do not go to gem shows anymore further reducing the quality of vendors. With their loss of attendance comes lots of poor-quality mass-produced goods. The largest gem shows have now become a magnet for illegal activity like drugs, prostitution, trafficking, money laundering, etc. That is not to say you still cannot find a lot of beautiful pieces at gem shows, however virtually all of our supporters agree with us in that they have been getting progressively worse over the years.

3. Potential for Inflated Prices

Gem shows now have become known for inflated prices, when the opposite used to be true a short time ago. The competitive nature of these events, coupled with the high overhead costs for vendors, can result in higher price tags for gemstones. For some of the most well-attended shows such as Tucson, Denver, and Hong Kong the vendor fees can easily exceed over $1,000 USD per day. Many hotels and airline tickets sell out months in advance and charge rates that most would consider price gouging. When you factor in the freight from taking material from another country into the United States and the labor of setting up and tearing down a booth, it will certainly add more to the final price of an item. Additionally, businesses have to pay for their employees travel expenses, lodging, and meals which further brings up the cost of their products.

Occasionally you may find a vendor at a gem show selling their items for a significantly lower price than others or trying to talk you into a really good deal. If someone is urging you to pay only in cash, definitely beware. Gem shows are the ideal environment for shadow businesses as they can operate exclusively in cash to avoid paper trails and evade taxes. There are many instances of businesses not paying their employees in the national currency where the gem show is located and adhering to local labor and tax laws. We have heard many stories from customers that have been scammed from buying thousands of dollars worth of crystals at a gem show and arranging for shipping back to their home or business only to receive something that they definitely did not order of lower quality, or worse not receiving their goods at all. Usually when a deal appears too good to be true, it is.

Conclusion

While gem shows may enthrall many crystal enthusiasts, we, at Beyond Bohemian, do not attend them due to the lack of authenticity, limited opportunities for meaningful connections, and the high potential for inflated prices. We believe in providing fair and competitive pricing to our supporters, always striving to maintain the right balance between quality, value, and affordability while maintaining our ethical principles. Instead of spending countless hours navigating a crowded gem show being given sales pitches from desperate sellers in an atmosphere similar to a carnival, there are now much better and safer options out there that do not even require you to leave your home or business. Nowadays you will almost always be better off purchasing crystals either online, locally, or even better collecting them yourself.

While you won’t find us at any gem shows, we often make community appearances that are much more aligned with our vision of ethical sourcing and sustainability. We participate locally in wellness festivals, are hosted by nature preserves and centers in South Florida, and frequently attend as a vendor at our favorite kava lounges for special events. We find that this strategy helps our business create and maintain strong relationships and provides opportunities to educate others in-person without the fast-paced atmosphere of a gem show.