Marin County's calendar of gem and jewelry shows gets a familiar visitor this month. Gem Faire, a traveling show that has run for nearly 40 years, returns to the Marin Center Exhibit Hall for a three day event bringing gem dealers, wholesalers, and independent jewelry makers from around the world under one roof.
According to Gemfaire.com, the show connects shoppers directly with importers, wholesalers, and artisans rather than retail middlemen, which is part of why the event has built a loyal following among collectors and makers alike. The Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau lists it among the county's recurring draws at the Marin Center, alongside the venue's other trade and consumer shows throughout the year.
What to Expect on the Floor
Expect aisles of loose gemstones, fine and fashion jewelry, gold and silver pieces, fossils, and a genuinely large selection of beads for makers working on their own designs. There is also a dedicated wholesale preview hour on Friday morning for buyers in the trade, ahead of the show opening to the general public.
A practical note for anyone planning a visit: the wholesale preview and the general public hours are separate windows, so it is worth checking which one applies before heading over, especially on the first day.
For buyers considering Central Marin, events like this are a small but real part of what makes San Rafael feel lived in. The Marin Center hosts programming like this throughout the year, and it is one more reason downtown San Rafael continues to draw people in for an easy weekend outing.
Location:
Marin Center, Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903
Hours:
Friday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Wholesale Preview 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn More: Gem Faire Website
Sources: gemfaire.com, Visit Marin (Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau)
