The 57th
Annual Gem and Mineral Show:
November 23 & 24, 2024
Guest Speakers Vendor List
The 56th
Annual Gem and Mineral Show:
Was Held November 18-19, 2023
Over 80 Vendors and Dealers offered wares for all over the world!
Display cases highlight collectors, jewelry makers and others:
Youth Gem Mine and Sluice! And fun all around!
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The 55th
Annual Gem and Mineral Show:
Was Held November 19-20, 2022
Setting up takes thought and labor:
Once it’s done it all seems worth it:
Display cases highlight collectors, jewelry makers and others:
Anthony Leong club member
and with Crystal Miner Rocks
Won both the judged and peoples
choice for his display featuring
the mineral Fluorite.
Former Club President, Arlene Lazzaro, (background) being interviewed by Deb Knepp of iHeart radio (foreground) about the upcoming show:
To listen to the interview visit:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/51831082
LOCATION
55th annual gem, mineral, jewelry, bead and fossil show was held at.
South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center East,
9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach Florida 33411.
Gem and Mineral Society
Completes 54th Annual
Gemstone, Mineral, Bead, Fossil & Jewelry Show
Review By Mort Mazor
Published in the Sun Sentinel
If you’re looking for a hobby that’s rewarding, exciting and educational look no further than the Gem & Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches. www.gemandmineralsociety.org.
The Society completed a successful weekend show at the South Florida Fairgrounds/Expo Center East at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach in late November, where more than eighty vendors displayed their wares to a record number of attendees.
You will enter a world of gemstones, minerals, fossils, rocks, jewelry, beads, and lapidary, and learn about this organization and the people who work unstintingly to bring the club to you. Whether you wish to learn how to collect or cut gemstones, or you seek to learn more about minerals or even make your own jewelry, this club has fascinating activities for everyone.
“We were thrilled with the turnout for our recent 54th annual gem, mineral and fossil show,” said Society President, Arlene Lazzaro. “ After having to cancel our exhibit last year due to Covid, this year’s support from the public and vendors was over the top!
Our ‘Last Chance Mine’ attracted young and old alike with hands on opportunities to mine and break geodes.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who worked to make the show a success.”
“As a non-profit, we rely on the revenue from this annual show,” said Jenny Wright, Treasurer. “It allows us to keep our club workshop open with classes; provide monthly club meetings, fun events, lectures, field trips and donate mineralogical study scholarships to college students.
One of the exhibitors was Clay Hecocks, and his wife Sheri, who operate an on-line mineral specimen and decor store called Underground Treasures (UnderGroundTreasures.com). Mr. Hecocks has been a guest speaker at the Society’s monthly meetings. His recent talk was on quartz, one of the most common minerals in the earth’s crust, found in endless crystal formations, colors and combinations.
“The Palm Beach Gem & Mineral Society show is the most enjoyable show I participate in each year,” said Hecocks. “Not only because I’m a member, but the passion and expertise of the club’s leadership to organize and present this show year after year makes it a pleasure to be a part of. There’s clearly a growing interest in all things natural, and certainly gems, mineral specimens, stone decor and more, are a major part of this trend. I have personally seen growing interest and attendance over the 5 years I’ve been a part of this show – it’s great to see, especially in the younger generations!”
“I was very impressed by all the vendors from around the world,” said first time show attendee, Raul Flores, West Palm Beach resident, “ There were magnificent minerals, fossils and items on display, with good holiday shopping opportunities. There was a nice crowd, and everyone was friendly and happy to be there. I look forward to next years’ show.”
Chairman, Barbara Ringhiser said: “I’ve been affiliated with this show since 2004. This year we were thrilled to have 2,848 people attend the two-day exhibit. Vendors were extremely happy, and the Mine did better than ever.
Our Society also donates the proceeds from the Scholarship Fund Raffle to the American Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies scholarship foundation who awards 12- $4,000 scholarships every year to geophysical science graduate students at the masters and PhD level. The federation is divided into six regions and each region awards two scholarships per year.”
The Gem and Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches Society holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month (except for December) at the Multi-Purpose Center across from the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33405. Meetings begin at 7:00 pm with a variety of interesting programs, opportunity for members to “show and tell”, birthstone challenge with prizes, silent auction and member selling opportunities.
The Gem and Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches is part of a national hierarchy of mineralogical societies, including neighbor clubs, Florida Gold Coast Gem and Mineral Society (Broward County), St. Lucie County Rock and Gem Club; Treasure Coast Rock and Gem Society (Indian River County), and Miami Mineralogical and Lapidary Guild (mmlg-Inc.org).