About Todd

 
 

Welcome to a world where color takes precedence. If you are looking for diamonds, you have come to the wrong place.

Welcome to Tucson Todd’s Gems. We believe life should be celebrated with color. Color to express how you feel, to share your inner emotions, to express your creativity and bold self, to stand apart and be different, to be unique. Or maybe to simply mark an occasion, a delightful birthday, a monumental anniversary, or just to plain treat yourself to something different. At Tucson Todd’s Gems, our mission is to bring you ethically sourced, gracefully cut, magnificent gems. We also carry many one-of-a-kind, exceptional and out-of-this-world gems.

Take a look around our site and come visit us at an upcoming show. We are constantly adding to our vibrant inventory. Please contact us to discuss your gemstone desires. We look forward to working with you no matter your need, from in-stock, ready to go inventory, to custom faceting and design. Thanks for visiting!

Welcome to the end of the rainbow.

 

nuff said, time to fill my pot!
 
Capture.JPG

Todd Wacks, aka "Tucson Todd"

The Crystal Machinist

G.J.G., A.J.A., G.P., A.J.P. (GIA)

Unearthing Beauty: The Passionate World of Todd Wacks
Todd does not merely view his craft as a profession; he sees it as a way of life. His unwavering love for gems has led him on a remarkable journey, characterized by the relentless pursuit of exotic rough and the meticulous art of transforming them into resplendent, faceted gems.
Hailing from the bewitching deserts of Tucson, Arizona, Todd's connection to gemology runs deep, rooted in his upbringing amidst the luminous landscapes of the Southwest.

For Todd, the thrill of the hunt for exotic rough is akin to a treasure quest, where each discovery holds the promise of hidden beauty waiting to be unlocked. His relentless search takes him to the far reaches of the globe, where he unearths rough crystals that speak to him, sparking the creative process that will eventually reveal their inner brilliance.

But Todd's artistry doesn't end with the discovery of these raw, uncut gems. Delving deep into the intricate process of "machining," he meticulously refines these rough stones, carving and polishing them until they exude an unparalleled allure. His skillful hands and keen eye for detail breathe life into each gem, transforming them into exquisite, faceted masterpieces that mesmerize all who behold them. Todd is driven by an inexhaustible passion for unearthing, shaping, and sharing the captivating beauty of gems. His journey is a testament to the profound impact of heritage and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in a craft that is, to him, nothing short of life itself.

 
EMAIL
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
 
 

Press

Tucson Gem Showcase Coverage
Gems & Jewellery, Vol. 31, No. 1, Spring 2022

Cobalt Bearing Spinel from Tanzania
A leader in its field, The Journal of Gemmology publishes original research articles on all aspects of gemmology, including natural stones and their treatments, synthetics and simulated gemstones.
The Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 38, No. 5, 2023

Flashback to the Future- 2020 Pueblo Gem Show
Every February in Tucson, thousands of gem, jewelry, crystal and fossil fans transform the southwestern city into one of the largest conglomerate gem and mineral shows in the world known as Tucson Gem Show.
February 2021 

How Rare Gemstones Reflect our Unique Qualities
Behind the Scenes Look at How Gemstones are Selected and Faceted for Jewelry.
October 2020

Here’s to the Men in Our Lives - Jewelry to Celebrate Men and Dads
June 2020

Color Change Pyrope
Jewelry Navigator YouTube video showcasing the amazing and rare color change garnets found only once in time.
March 2020

Garnets from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
The Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 36, No. 5, 2019

Gemology Worldwide Podcast: TUCSON 2019: THE GEM EXTRAVAGANZA
February 2019

Jewelry Navigator Podcast: Treasures of the 2019 Tucson Gem Show
February 2019

Journal of Gemology, Gem-A
Article about our stunning 11.13ct yellow dravite tourmaline from Tanzania.

 Journal of Gemology, Gem-A, April 2017
Cutting featured in article about a new deposit of Congo tourmaline

 Journal of Gemology, Gem-A, mid 2016
Cutting featured in article about new deposit of garnet found in Mahenge, Tanzania.

 Vanadium and Chromium-Bearing “Color-Change” Pyrope Garnet (Gems & Gemology, Winter 2015, Vol. 51, No. 4)
Cutting featured in an article about a new variety of pyrope garnet. 

 Color- Change Garnet from Tanzania (Gems & Gemology, Spring 2015, Vol. 51, No. 1)
Cutting featured in an article about a new variety of pyrope garnet.

 The Interview
Interview with Todd Wacks about a new variety of pyrope garnet, color change.

take me shopping!
contact sales
Photo Dec 06, 1 51 20 PM.jpg