After a shift in organization, the Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley (MGSCV) will pass the torch to the new East Bay Mineral and Lapidary Club (EBML) to host the annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show at Newark Pavilion—taking place Feb. 28 – Mar. 2.
Founded as a nonprofit group, and dedicated to educating the public regarding geology and minerals since 1948, MGSCV recently shut down due to a lack of funding post-pandemic. The annual show started off using the Centennial Hall Conference Center in Hayward as their venue, but the organization had to downsize in 2009 from approximately 50,000 square feet to 11,000 at their current location.
“It was quite a bit of a shift when we had to greatly downsize… the show does make money every year, but it hasn’t been enough to sustain us,” said Cathy Miller, EBML dealer chair and former MGSCV member. “There have just been several situations the last three to five years where several clubs [folded] because of not being able to have shows to maintain expenses through the year.”
Since 2010, the Gem, Mineral and Jewelry show has been hosted every year at the Newark Pavilion with the team dedicating time and effort to plan layouts, set tables and prepare displays. “As an educational society, we show things and help to educate the public,” Miller said.
Featuring live demonstrations with rocks and fossils, pendant and jewelry-making, geode splitting, live auctions and more, EBML is set to share their passion for geology, gemstones and the art of lapidary. Math Science Nucleus, a nonprofit organization in Fremont serving education, will also be sponsoring special displays of Irvington fossils.
From spinning wheels for kids and food trucks to faceting machine workshops and over 40 dealers selling rocks, gemstones, minerals and more, attendees from all age groups can find something to entertain themselves.
With EBML newly establishing itself as one of the main geology and lapidary arts-based clubs in the area, members are looking forward to what’s to come. “Since [EBML] is still new, people are shifting over… and membership count [usually] increases with members renewing their memberships around show time,” Miller said.
While sustaining hobby clubs and organizations has been difficult due to funding issues post-pandemic, members emphasize the value of finding a space to bond with others over common interests.
“It’s worthwhile to come together to share knowledge, have meetings and organize field trips,” said Miller. “It’s great to have similar interests with people and learn from each other. There’re so many different things you can do with rocks and minerals.”
Admission is $10 for all three days, and EBML is offering free admission for school groups, law enforcement and military, seniors over 62 years old on Feb. 28, as well as for children under 13 with a paying adult.
Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Friday, Feb. 28: 11am-5pm
Saturday, Mar. 1: 10am-6pm
Sunday, Mar. 2: 10am-5pm
Newark Pavilion
6430 Thornton Ave., Newark
ebml.club
