The story of the Tucson 22nd Street Show began with an unexpected discovery: a dinosaur egg. In 2008, Russell Carhart, a credit risk analyst with no ties to the jewelry industry, learned that his brother had purchased a dinosaur egg while in Hong Kong and sold it for a massive profit on eBay. This sparked a passion for fossils and antiquities, and within a few years, Carhart transitioned into the import business, primarily dealing in fossils from around the world.
In 2011, Carhart and his wife Missy launched the Tucson 22nd Street Show, which has grown into a premier destination for jewelers, fossil enthusiasts, and mineral collectors. The show, which is just a short walk from the AGTA GemFair, has expanded greatly over the years, now occupying nearly 130,000 square feet of space. Carhart, who took full control of the venue by purchasing the land in 2014, has big plans for the future, including the construction of a convention center on the site.
When the show first opened, it was a humble event, held in a simple tent on gravel, with no heating to combat the record cold Tucson winter. Despite the challenges, the show quickly gained traction, and each year saw improvements in both size and infrastructure, with new hard walls, heating, and asphalt to replace the gravel.
While fossils were the original focus, the event has diversified to include minerals, gems, and fine jewelry, attracting a wide range of exhibitors and visitors. The show now offers a diverse "mall" experience, where attendees can find a mix of products, from jewelry to hand-made leather goods, often featuring gemstones.
The 22nd Street Show is now a hub for over 420 exhibitors, and the 2025 event promises to be bigger than ever, with all exhibition spaces sold out. Fine jewelers looking for a unique selection of gems and jewelry should consider attending the 22nd Street Show, as it offers an extensive range of products not typically found at other local shows. With options for both wholesale and retail, as well as supportive products for online sales, this show provides a one-stop shop for fine jewelers.