This week, we're taking a little detour from the vineyard.

Instead of rows of grapevines and a glass of wine, I'm surrounded by rows and rows of gemstones—and, believe me, choosing among them can be every bit as difficult as choosing from a wine list!

I'm at the annual wholesale Gem Show, stocking up on gemstones and supplies as I begin thinking about the upcoming fall season at Tangled Vine Jewelry.

Walking into a show like this is a bit overwhelming, even when you've done it before. Hundreds of exhibitors, thousands upon thousands of gemstones, strands of every imaginable color, unusual cuts, pearls, findings, metals—and treasures you didn't even know you were looking for until you spotted them.

Wholesale shows are a little different from the gem and mineral shows you may have visited. These are trade-only events where designers, jewelers and other qualified business buyers meet directly with gemstone dealers and suppliers.

For me, though, it's much more than a buying trip.

This is one of the places where a new Tangled Vine collection really begins.

I arrive with a list.

I arrive with a budget.

And then I see the gemstones.

Let's just say the list usually survives better than the budget.

Or perhaps this week… A Gemstone Moment

There is always that moment.

You pick up a strand you weren't looking for.

Turn it over in your hand.

Look at the color.

And suddenly you're no longer thinking:

"Do I need this?"

You're thinking:

"What could I make with this?"

That's when I know it's probably coming home with me.

This Week: Gem Show Notes

A wholesale Gem Show is part treasure hunt, part business trip and part reunion.

These trade-only events bring together independent designers, jewelry stores, online retailers, gemstone dealers and suppliers from all over. They're also an opportunity for me to reconnect with vendors I've purchased from before and discover new suppliers and materials.

And yes, there is some serious business involved.

Quality matters.

Price matters.

Availability matters.

I need to think about what my customers enjoy, what I already have in the studio and what I'll actually be able to turn into beautiful, wearable pieces at the right price.

That's why having trusted vendors becomes so important.

But there's also plenty of:

"Oh, look at THIS!"

And that's the fun part.

A First Look at Fall

This is where things really started coming together.

Looking over my purchases at the end of the day, I could already see hints of autumn emerging:

Tiger Eye — rich honey, caramel and earthy brown

Warm Amber & Rust — the colors of leaves just beginning to turn

Smoky Gray & Black — a deeper counterpoint to fall's warmer tones

Soft Sage & Green — that lingering bit of vineyard green before the season changes

Cream & Pearl — a little light among all those rich autumn colors

Touches of Metallic Gold — because fall deserves a little glow.

I hadn't deliberately set out to create an autumn palette.

But apparently, fall had other plans.