Well, this time of year is a good time for going to gem shows.

In March, there was Minerama in Glen Innes and the local show at the Grafton Showground. Over the Easter weekend, the National Gem Show was held in Rockhampton. The National show is held in a different state every year. Last year it was in Hahndorf SA, this year in Rockhampton QLD and next year it will be in Albury NSW. Some Club members have been to each of these.

However, the really big show is in Lismore on May 18 and 19. Many members will be going to this show and some even have a stall there. It is well worth a visit if you are in the neighbourhood as the different types of minerals can be mind blowing. There are about 125 stall holders and many professional dealers who sell the machinery and bits and pieces we need to make our jewellery.

The other big activity soon is the Grafton Show. Members have been working on their entries for the lapidary section. If you are at the Show, please come in and see our entries. Also we have display boxes from members with items from their collections and other things of interest for you to see. We also have a raffle with three prizes of handmade jewellery.

The 2nd biggest diamond ever found has been discovered in Botswana. It is 1758 carats. Unfortunately, it is not very valuable as the colour and clarity are not very good, meaning that it is not likely that a good gem could be cut from it. Still, it would make a great specimen piece. 

The clubrooms are open for work on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am to about 3pm. If you are interested in “rocky” things please come in and see us. We’d be glad to show you around and show you what we do.

Barbara Watkins