Inspired by Tucson: Gift Guide | Jewelry

Let’s be honest; we rockhounds, jewelry makers, and beaders are looking past the holidays to the end of January when we gather at the Tucson gem shows. Here are a few gem show-inspired gift ideas to help you—or the Tucson lover in your life—experience a little bit of the Sonoran Desert while we wait.

Send a Poster Postcard

Traveling artists Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs painted this iconic Greetings from Tucson Mural in the historic 4th Avenue neighborhood in 2017. Symbols of Tucson, such as cactuses, local landmarks, and food, fill each vibrant letter on the mural. The poster version is a fun way to bring Tucson to you, wherever you are.

Share a Token of Your Appreciation

Revered as a connection between earth and sky, turquoise is the perfect way to bring a little piece of in the Southwest to you. This simple, modern necklace is fabricated with care in Tucson from sterling and US-mined turquoise.

For the Person Who Has Everything

Moldavites are green glasses formed 14.5 million years ago by the impact of a giant meteorite in Germany. These are just a few of the many meteorite and related conversation-starters you will find at Aerolite.org. You can use moldavites to make unusual jewelry inspired by Tucson, the meteorite capital of the world.

Grow a Little Garden

Give a memento of the Southwest with this grow-your-own cactus garden. Cactuses are easy to care for once they arrive from a nursery in sunny Arizona. Be sure to allow a little extra time for these cactus gardens to reach their new homes.

Keep It Cozy

A southwestern couch, car, or yoga space is not complete without a Mexican falsa blanket. These handwoven blankets are colorful, warm, and comfortable. Weavers make these blankets using 60% post-consumer cotton and polyester fibers, creating blankets that feel good—and you can feel good about them, too.

Buckle Up

Vintage southwestern silver jewelry and accessories provide beautiful inspiration for fashion mavens and metalsmiths alike. You cannot go wrong with turquoise, and a belt buckle makes a statement. Shop one of Tucson’s favorite purveyors at Mac’s Indian Jewelry.

Are you shopping for gem show-inspired gifts this season? What’s on your list? Connect with us on Facebook @BeadingDailyonFB and @JewelryMakingDaily.

Tucson-Inspired Gifts to Make