A short hop from Mueller, the Palmer Events Center will turn into a maze of diamonds, pearls, and precision tools next weekend as the International Gem & Jewelry Show sets up shop for three days. For neighborhood residents—many of whom prize design-forward retail and practical access to downtown—the show offers a rare mix: public access to a wholesale marketplace, plus a convenient venue that’s close enough for a quick browse or a full-day hunt.

What to know

According to the International Gem & Jewelry Show, the Austin stop runs January 9–11, 2026, at the Palmer Events Center (Exhibit Hall 2), 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704. The show is open to the public for three days only.

  • Show hours: Friday, January 9: 12pm–6pm; Saturday, January 10: 10am–6pm; Sunday, January 11: 11am–5pm. No admittance after 4pm Sunday.
  • Tickets (good for all three days): Discounted Tickets: $6.00 (must be purchased online; credit card only). Standard Tickets: $8.00 (can be purchased at the show; cash only).
  • Licensed Wholesale Buyers: FREE (business license required; pre-registration required before the deadline).
  • Schools: FREE (school e-mail address required; pre-registration required before the deadline).
  • Military receives free admission with current military identification (offer includes immediate family).
  • CHILDREN UNDER 9 NOT PERMITTED.
  • Parking: Park at the Palmer Parking Garage.

Organizers list a broad assortment on the floor—from diamonds, beads, pearls, and opals to semi- and precious gemstones, engagement rings, turquoise, fine jewelry, settings, men’s jewelry, watches, designer accessories, costume pieces, vintage and estate finds, custom work, findings, chains, jewelry supplies, fashion accessories, gifts, and cleaning and repair.

Why Mueller residents should care

Austin’s size and buying power suggest strong turnout for an accessible, downtown show. City population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show roughly 993,000 residents in 2024 and notably high educational attainment—58.2% of adults 25 and older hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A young median age of about 34.5 years and a median household income near $91,461, reported by Texas Demographics, point to a consumer base that’s both style-conscious and able to support discretionary purchases. Regional labor indicators from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas show Austin’s unemployment hovering around 3.4%–3.5% in mid-2025, below state and national levels—another tailwind for weekend events that rely on confident spending.

For Mueller’s independent designers, resellers, and hobbyists, the show’s open-to-the-public format paired with wholesale access rules can be a practical sourcing opportunity close to home. Licensed wholesale buyers who pre-register and present a business license receive free entry, and schools with pre-registration and a school e-mail address also receive free entry—terms that lower the barrier for small-scale makers and students testing the waters of a notoriously competitive industry.

The industry context

Even in a more cautious consumer environment, jewelry remains a big business. Market analysis from IndexBox values the U.S. jewelry market at about $98.7 billion in 2024, with modest growth projected through 2035. Imports by volume skew toward silver jewelry, while higher-value, non-silver precious metals dominate by value—patterns that shape what wholesalers bring to regional floors and what shoppers see in cases.

On the supply side, the U.S. Jewelry & Watch Wholesaling sector accounts for significant activity: around $59.0 billion in projected 2025 revenue and more than 31,700 businesses, according to IBISWorld. The firm notes that jewelry buying is discretionary and sensitive to broader economic conditions; when disposable incomes tighten, some consumers put off big-ticket purchases. That said, price movements in precious metals can buoy per-unit values even as volumes shift, creating a push-and-pull that plays out on show floors.

Compared with sprawling global flagships, the Austin event is a regional stop with a distinct advantage: public access. As a benchmark, JCK Las Vegas reported more than 17,300 attendees and 1,900-plus exhibitors from 130 countries at its 2024 edition—numbers that underscore how vast the jewelry trade can be. Regional shows like InterGem’s Austin weekend operate on a smaller canvas but often deliver immediacy: direct conversations with sellers, on-the-spot comparisons, and inventory that ranges from entry-level to heirloom-ready.

Getting there—and getting the most out of it

Palmer’s central location matters for Mueller residents balancing weekend routines with a browsing trip. It’s close enough to pair with lunch downtown or a pass through the hike-and-bike trails before or after a visit. For practicalities, remember the fine print attributed to the show: CHILDREN UNDER 9 NOT PERMITTED and no admittance after 4pm Sunday. If you’re budgeting, note that online discounted tickets are $6.00 by credit card, while at-the-door standard tickets are $8.00 cash only. Free admission policies apply for licensed wholesale buyers and schools with pre-registration, and for active-duty military and veterans (including immediate family) with current military ID. Parking is at the Palmer Parking Garage.

For a neighborhood that embraces both design and DIY, a three-day jewelry marketplace downtown is more than a shopping diversion; it’s a window into an industry that supplies local boutiques and side-hustle studios alike. Whether you’re hunting a repair, a strand of beads, or a once-in-a-decade ring, the timing and location give Mueller residents an easy way to explore—and perhaps to bring a little shine back up Airport Boulevard.

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