I have another question for this crowd. I live in Tucson, home of the largest gem show in the world...our whole city is taken over for two weeks every winter. I know the gem show like the back of my hand when it comes to where to find crystals, but because I have just started to learn about old beads I am not sure where to go at the show to get them.

The large bead vendors out at the Holidome complex sell new beads/materials.

There are a few specialty shows like the Windmill Inn and To Bead True Blue that probably host a few small antique bead vendors.

There are vendors always selling the 2000 year old ancient iridescent glass from the Bactrain Kingdom.

At the larger locations there are tents with African vendors but I think they are selling NEW millifiore beads- tables and tables stacked high with them. As far as I know none are antique (but I will find out for sure this year- easier said than done as some vendors will tell you anything to sell). Do any of you shop at this show? It features a stunning amount of beads along with the crystals and gems. I am just not sure how much of it will be antique.