For the last couple of years it has been a tradition that my daughter, granddaughter and I attend the Gem Show at the Orange County Fair Grounds in Southern California.  They had a show that last for three day and the bargains are close to wholesale pricing.  You can buy finished pieces or just individual jewelry parts.  My grand daughter has a hard time making it past the first few table.  They have bracelets for $1.50 to $2.00 just her budget for a 6 year old.  She is an old pro, we have been taking her to the shows from the time she was born.  Kelly and I only take a certain amount of money with us and when we are down to $5.00 we leave and drive through Del Taco on the way home.

I normally work in HR and we were trying to think of a team building exercise, I suggested we go to the gem show on an extended lunch hour.  To my surprise my boss said yes.  There were 7 of us that went and they couldn’t believe their eyes.  Over the years I’ve learned where different vendors are and tried to show them the ropes.  That only lasted for the first two rows and everyone scattered.  Over the next two hours it was more fun to watch them discover all the bargains.

If you live in the southern California area and don’t have plans, take you mom to the gem show.  This show is all over California.  You can type in the search engine gem show, Costa Mesa California to get the schedule for up coming shows.  You won’t be disappointed.