Gems to dazzle at annual show

Jeff Kelly looks forward to the Ipswich and District Lapidary Club Gem Show.

Rob Williams

ALL that glitters is not gold, as visitors to the Ipswich and District Lapidary Club's annual Gem and Mineral Show on Saturday will find out.

The show is the club's major fundraiser for the year, and promotes its activities to the general community.

Dealers will be on site to display and sell a variety of mineral and crystal specimens — rare and common — from Australia and overseas, as well as gold and silver jewellery, faceted and polished gems and gemstones, and beads.

Lapidary club members will display ‘faceting', with examples of their work and specimens collected over the years.

Jeff Kelly has been in the club only a year, and he's “having a good time”.

“I love rocks and what you can do with them,” he said.

“Everyone helps you in the club — it's like a family.

“You can make pendants and rings. I want to be a silversmith.”

Mr Kelly is working on a sapphire-covered belt buckle, and will display pendants that he's made.

He says the club is suitable for people of any age. A library and access to equipment plus helpful advice, give beginners a good start.

Club vice president Brian Parker said this week's show was a great opportunity to buy gifts at competitive prices.

“Once the show is over, we have regular meetings at our workshop, where we can teach you the basics of cutting and polishing gemstones, faceting gems and silverwork,” he said.

The gem show will be staged this Saturday, August 7, from 9am to 4pm at the Ipswich Showgrounds.