Each February, Tucson draws an estimated 113,342 unique buyers and 52 simultaneous gem shows to a single city. That concentration of high-value portable assets creates a predictable window for collateral-based lending. We work with dealers, collectors, and Tucson residents throughout the year.
The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase has run since 1955 and is recognized as the largest event of its kind in the world. What most visitors experience as one show is actually 52 independently managed shows operating simultaneously across the city — named anchor venues include AGTA, GJX, JOGS, and Pueblo Gem & Mineral. An estimated 113,342 unique buyers collectively accounted for 422,948 show visits in 2025, with attendees traveling from more than 42 countries.
A study by the Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University measured $286 million in direct spending from the 2025 Showcase, held February 1–16, including $12.9 million in local tax revenue. Among surveyed buyers who made purchases, the average on-site spend was $3,643.68; the 2019 peak figure of $10,408.86 reflects that the high-value dealer segment routinely transacts well above the surveyed mean. The event does not clear after an opening weekend: out-of-town buyers stay an average of 5.5 days, exhibitors 19.2 days, and show owners 31.3 days — meaning wholesale gem and jewelry inventory circulates in Tucson throughout the full month of February.
Arizona's pawn statute governs licensed pawnbrokers directly. Under ARS § 44-1626, a pawnbroker may charge interest at a rate not exceeding 13% per month for the first two months and 11% per month thereafter. Under ARS § 44-1624, pawn loans carry a minimum term of 30 days followed by a 30-day grace period; if the pledgor does not pay or renew within that window, title to the pledged collateral passes to the pawnbroker.
Asset-backed private lending operates on a separate licensing track. The Arizona Consumer Lenders Act (ARS §§ 6-601 to 6-638) requires a Consumer Lender license for loans of $10,000 or less; loans above that threshold are not subject to the Act, with exemptions enumerated at ARS § 6-602. Wholesale-scale gem and jewelry transactions routinely exceed that figure, placing them in a different regulatory tier. The Arizona lending process page describes how our structure differs from pawnbroking in practice.
February concentrates demand, but Tucson's collateral profile extends beyond gem-show season. Raytheon Missiles & Defense — Tucson's largest single employer — anchors a defense and aerospace sector that supports a professional population with substantial personal assets. Government employment, including the University of Arizona within the state government count, represents 19.5% of Tucson MSA employment, approximately six percentage points above the state and national averages. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard add a further layer of stable institutional employment.
Closed luxury sales (properties at $1 million and above) rose 14% year-over-year, and new pended luxury sales rose 17.5% year-over-year, with a sale-to-original-list-price ratio of 95.3%. Cash buyers represent a significant portion of that segment — a signal that owners at this tier carry concentrated, illiquid wealth in real estate alongside portable assets such as jewelry and fine watches.
We evaluate jewelry, certified gemstones, fine watches, and comparable portable assets on documented value and asset quality. Credit history is not the basis for underwriting. The how it works page outlines the full sequence from first contact to funding, and the FAQ addresses common questions about collateral categories and loan structure.
Loans are originated by licensed lender partners. Loan-to-value ranges and any figures shown on this site are general guidance only, not loan commitments or offers to lend. Terms are confirmed at the time of a formal inquiry against the specific asset presented.
Clients in Tucson — whether local residents, gem-show exhibitors, or dealers in town for February — typically begin through our contact form. A brief description of the asset type, approximate weight, and any available certifications allows us to respond with a preliminary range before any in-person evaluation. There is no obligation at that stage.
Loans are originated by licensed lender partners. Loan offers, terms, rates and final decisions are made by the originating licensed lender at appraisal — figures shown here are general guidance, not loan offers.
Last reviewed August 27, 2026.
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