Collectors, geologists, hobbyists and students alike can look forward to the East Bay Mineral and Lapidary Club’s (EBML) Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show & Sale on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.
In its 77th year, the event will feature over 40 vendors tabling, bringing their jewelry, rocks, minerals, semiprecious stones and gemstones to showcase. Additionally, live demonstrations of lapidary techniques and jewelry making with gemstones will take place.
Kim Taylor, president of EBML, said, “There are going to be different vendors and a greater variety of items this year, so it’ll be refreshing for people to come to the show to see.”
Taylor highlighted that there will be a live demonstration of how to pan for gold, alongside jewelry-making tutorials. Geologists who are certified by the Geological Institute of America will be present, providing gem identification services for guests who are bringing their collection.
The club is well-equipped to welcome a large crowd—they have planned on having a food truck, lots of free parking space and a spinning wheel to give out prizes.
The EBML club hosts educational and community events throughout the year. They have a classroom with machines for faceting—the process of cutting and polishing a gemstone to optimize its brilliance and color—where weekend classes are hosted. The club also hosts open houses, where they invite the public to visit their shop and learn about their work. In the near future, they’re opening up classes to teach sphering and wire wrapping for jewelry-making.
Taylor, who’s been serving as president for the past two years, noted that the EBML club was established after a previous club, the Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley, had dissolved due to a decline in membership from the Covid pandemic. In the few years since then, the organization has amassed 106 members, who share their craftsmanship skills with the community by teaching classes.
This year, Taylor is hopeful that the showcase will help increase their outreach with the community and invite new members to join.
Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show & Sale
Saturday, Feb. 28 – Sunday, Mar. 1
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Newark Pavilion
6430 Thornton Ave., Newark
Tickets: $8; kids 12 and under (with adult supervision) and seniors 65+ (on Sunday) are free
