TUCSON, Ariz. - The Kino Gem & Mineral Show kicked-off on Thursday, Jan 31.
The beloved show is one of the largest gem and mineral showcases in Tucson. It has major dealers from all six countries with more than 230 vendors.
Among those vendors is Village Originals, which is the biggest of the bunch, Jay Gehring, with VIllage Originals, said every year they have to make sure they bring their best gems and mineral to the show to keep customers interested,
"We work very hard at it. It's not an easy job, because you have to have something that's better than everybody else," Gehring said.
Michal & Company, another vendor at the show, brought an eye-catching piece, a 16 foot amethyst from Uruguay.
Michal Mael with Michal & Company, said it took nine months for the piece to get from Uruguay to Tucson.
The piece is the largest Amethyst in the United States and is already sold. The gem retailed for more than $1 million.
