About us.

 
 

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.

Tucson Todd's Gems is a collaboration between two very passionate and creative people. They love to travel the globe in search of beautiful, ethically-sourced, extraordinary gems. When you know the owners, you know where your gems come from. They love to spread their passion of gems and jewels at the shows they do across the country.

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.

 

 
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.

 
 

Mary van der Aa

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

Resident fabricator, goldsmith, designer, sales connoisseur, aspiring crystal machinist, charming wit and all around pretty fun person.  

5X AGTA SPECTRUM AWARD WINNING DESIGNER 2022-23

Born with a burning desire to revolutionize the world of jewelry, Mary van der Aa is on a mission to save us from the ordinary. With an unwavering passion for jewelry as an art form, Mary envisions a world where pieces transcend traditional boundaries, embracing the abstract and the modern.

Mary has garnered significant attention for her exceptional talent and exquisite creations. With an impressive portfolio of work, Mary's designs have been featured in numerous print publications and she has been invited as a guest on several esteemed podcasts. But that's not all - Mary's exceptional skills and creativity have also led her to design the Miss Denmark Beauty Pageant Crown, a prestigious accomplishment that speaks to her remarkable flair.

As Mary continues to shape the landscape of the jewelry industry, her unmatched talent, ethical principles, and passion for design propel her forward. With each new creation, Mary showcases her ability to transcend boundaries, capturing the essence of beauty, sophistication, and contemporary style in her stunning pieces. Whether it is through the glossy pages of a magazine, the captivating words spoken during a podcast interview, or the enchanting Miss Denmark Beauty Pageant Crown that adorns heads, Mary's work leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter it. 

That’s what makes her and Todd such a great team. They both love to create beautiful things and be immersed in the world of nature’s art. More about Mary HERE.

ddd.JPG
 

Press

Mary van der Aa’s Spectrum-Winning Platinum & Garnet Necklace Is a 10-Year Labor of Love
While Mary van der Aa only recently nabbed the Best Use of Platinum and Color Award in the 2023 AGTA Spectrum Awards for the “Garanatas: From Rough to Cut” two-piece necklace set with more than 77 carats of Garnets, the project was 10 years in the making.
Jennifer Heebner, Editor in Chief, EPrism Magazine, December 2023

AGTA Announces the 2023 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Winners
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards™- and Mary van der Aa is proud to have received two of them!
AGTA EPrism Magazine, October 2023

Tucson Gem Showcase Coverage
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several of the 2021 Tucson gem shows were postponed from their usual February dates, while others were cancelled altogether. Along with many buyers and sellers, Jennifer-Lynn Archuleta and Olga González attended the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase in 2022 to find out how the exhibitors fared.
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

Jewelry Award Celebration With Mary van der Aa and Todd Wacks at the 2023 Tucson Gem Show
Podcast relaunch with a snapshot of the partnership and team of Tucson Todd's Gems, and Mary van der Aa Fine Jewels that resulted in THREE AGTA Spectrum Awards.
February 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. For 2021, the shows have been postponed until April, but here, on Beyond Gems, I have special flashback footage from the 2020 Tucson Gem Show, specifically, the Pueblo Gem Show with gemologists and jeweler business partners, Mary van der Aa and Todd Wacks, of Tucson Todd’s Gems.
February 2021 

How Rare Gemstones Reflect our Unique Qualities
Behind the Scenes Look at How Gemstones are Selected and Faceted for Jewelry: By working with jewelers and gemologists who have professional experience and credentials, you're sure to discover unusual and exciting gemstones and jewelry. Together, business partners, Mary van der Aa and Todd Wacks share the unusual and exciting gemstones they facet and set into jewelry. We go behind the scenes to show how crystals are transformed into faceted gems, and how Mary interprets their beauty in her jewelry. Mary and Todd specialize in rare and beautiful gemstones, so you're in for a real treat!
October 2020

Here’s to the Men in Our Lives - Jewelry to Celebrate Men and Dads
In this Jewelry Navigator Podcast episode the Jewelry Navigator highlights designers with jewelry designed to enhance and celebrate the men in our lives. Designers featured create everything from cufflinks, bracelets, necklaces and pendants and rings.
June 2020

Color Change Pyrope by Tucson Todd's Gems & Mary van der Aa
Jewelry Navigator YouTube video showcasing the amazing and rare color change garnets found only once in time. The unusual and colorful gems are centerpieced by jewelry by Mary van der Aa.
March 2020

My Jewelry Discoveries from the Tucson, New York and Baltimore Shows
In this podcast, the Jewelry Navigator shares stories of her travels to some very popular trade shows, including the biggest one in the world, the Tucson Gem Show.
March 2020

Mary van der Aa Creates Jewelry Treasures with Tucson Todd's Gems
It's been a year since the legendary Jewelry Navigator met jeweler, designer, and gemologist, Mary van der Aa, and Tucson Todd's Gems. This year, we met up with the gem experts at the Pueblo Show for an indepth tour of some of their special gemstones and jewelry. February 2020

Garnets from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Article about a new find of garnet featuring gemstones faceted by Mary van der Aa and Tucson Todd’s Gems. Written by Brendan M. Laurs.
The Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 36, No. 5, 2019

Gemology Worldwide Podcast: TUCSON 2019: THE GEM EXTRAVAGANZA
Mary van der Aa and Tucson Todd’s Gems chat with Lauryn Volovar and Josh Hyman in this exciting Tucson Gem Show 2019 recap!
February 2019

Jewelry Navigator Podcast: Treasures of the 2019 Tucson Gem Show
Mary van der Aa and Tucson Todd’s Gems are discussed in this new and upcoming podcast by the Jewelry Navigator, Brenna Pakes. A fantastic recap on the 2019 Tucson 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.

Photo Dec 06, 1 51 20 PM.jpg