KINGMAN — The nation’s $13.8 billion domestic gemstone industry — and that figure doesn’t even include diamonds — made its annual stop in Kingman this weekend, filling the Mohave County Fairgrounds exhibit halls with visitors eager to explore the creations of nearly 50 vendors.
Organizers say the booming “rock and mineral hobbyist” sector continues to grow, and longtime show coordinator Daina Sandhop believes she knows one reason why.
“Everything that a girl likes sparkles, and so anything that sparkles draws women in,” Sandhop said with a laugh. “Anything that sparkles.”
That appeal brings in collectors, hobbyists, and plenty of shoppers looking for Mother’s Day gifts — a timely reminder, as the holiday arrives every May, just like the Rock and Gem Show itself, which returns the first weekend of May each year.
Sandhop said this year’s turnout exceeded expectations.
“This is probably our best year,” she said. “We’ve opened up the third room. We’ve brought in the senior center to run our kitchen — all proceeds they make go directly to them. We also brought in the Gold Panning Association. They teach you how to pan the gold.”
Mohave College also joined the event, showcasing its non‑credit creative programs, including silversmithing and other hands‑on arts that pair naturally with the world of gemstones. Much of the fascination comes from the transformation process itself — nearly everything on display begins as a raw stone pulled from the earth.
Rock hound Steve Habovstak said the thrill is in discovering something no one has worked with before.
“I found some brand new material — it’s never been seen before,” he said. “I brought it back, went to my workshop, made one cut, then went right to my machines and created a cabochon.”
A cabochon is a gemstone shaped and polished into a smooth, domed form, turning rough material into a finished piece ready for jewelry or display. It’s just one of countless ways stones can be fashioned, cut, carved, or set.
The Rock & Gem Show remains one of the most consistently well‑attended events at the fairgrounds each year. If you missed this weekend’s showcase, organizers encourage residents to mark their calendars now — the show returns the first weekend of May next year, once again shining a spotlight on a domestic industry worth $13.8 billion.
