The end of November marks a fabulous time of year in San Francisco (namely San Mateo). This past Thanksgiving weekend was the annual Gem Show—an event my sisters, mother and I enjoy attending.

Though we used to attend simply to gawk and grab a few new pieces of jewelry, the event is now one of the utmost importance for my jeweler sister. The Gem Show allows her the opportunity to hunt out the newest colors and funkiest chains and boost her creativity, helping her to jump back into design mode.

For those with a retail license, the Gem Show provides a “back room” full of wholesale gems, chains, Swarovski crystals and fabulous metals. And having relation to someone with a retail license apparently awards one a back stage pass!

If you happen to be an independent jeweler, check out the local venues in your area and find out if you might have such a great opportunity in your neck of the woods.