Which California gem shows are best for beads?
Los Angeles Bead Bazaar in April and October, public and bead-heavy; Gem Faire Santa Barbara in December, public wholesale; Gem Faire Santa Rosa in November, public wholesale; and the Contra Costa Crystal Fair in Walnut Creek each summer, public, are reliable for beads. InterGem in Pasadena and San Mateo runs year-round as a public show circuit, and Costa Mesa is strong for beads.
We exhibit at InterGem when schedules align. Watch our current show calendar and message us if you are targeting a city. Between shows, our strands are available in the shop.
What is each show's bead focus and vibe?
Here is how these recurring California events tend to feel for bead buyers, based on our booth time and past reports.
- Los Angeles Bead Bazaar, typically April and October, is bead-centric with almost 100 vendors reported and strong strand hunting.
- Gem Faire Santa Barbara, often December: wholesale and retail, broad mix with many beads among jewelry and minerals.
- Gem Faire Santa Rosa, often November: wholesale and retail, similar broad mix with ample bead strands.
- Contra Costa Crystal Fair, Walnut Creek, summer: crystal-forward with beads present, a good add-on stop.
How many 6 mm beads do you need?
Use these quick counts when scanning strands. A 7.5 in bracelet with a clasp needs about 25 beads. A 7 in bracelet takes about 23. Expect about 61 for a 16 in choker. Plan around 70 for an 18 in necklace.
How many strands should you plan per project?
Standard Jaipur strands run 13 to 16 inches. A 15 to 16 inch strand of 6 mm rondelles has about 65 to 70 beads, 8 mm about 48 to 52, and 4 mm about 95 to 100. One strand usually covers a bracelet or choker, two strands make most 18 to 22 inch necklaces.
If you knot, add roughly 1 mm per knot to finished length. That small change can save you from buying an extra strand.
What should I bring and ask at a California show?
Bring a bead board, a small caliper, and short pieces of your usual wire or cord to test drill sizes. Keep your bead counts handy on a phone note. Ask strand length, size range on graduated strands, and return policy before you buy.
If you are matching a project, carry one sample component to check color and hole fit. When in doubt, photograph the strand and tag so you can re-order later through our shop or review specs in our stone guides.
Where can I find Tandon Gems at these shows?
We sell Jaipur-cut gemstone bead strands by the strand online and at InterGem. See upcoming dates on our show schedule. If you cannot make a show, order by WhatsApp +1 408-702-7405 or email tandongems@outlook.com.