Gem Club Market set to rock Redcliffe

Published 5:00am 5 May 2022

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

Lovers of all things precious and shiny will have the opportunity to uncover some hidden gems, or possibly even a new hobby, at a special event hosted by the Redcliffe Gem Club this weekend.

The club will be hosting an open day and pop-up market stall from 9am-3pm at their clubhouse in the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 7.

Club secretary Chris McAneny said the market is a good opportunity for the community to find out more about the club and pick up some unique items.

“The markets will consist of between 40-45 traders who will be coming along and selling their wares,” he said.

“There will be a variety of market stalls with people selling arts and crafts, jewellery like rings, earrings and necklaces, as well as crystals, rocks, candleholders and ornaments.

“There will also be people who will be selling second-hand machinery for those who are interested in lapidary, metalsmithing and faceting.

“These are all things that you can’t find anywhere else and that aren’t readily available.”

Members from the club will be on hand to talk about their passions and some of the projects they undertake.

There will also be fun activities for the kids and a sausage sizzle.

It is free to attend.

How the club started

The group was founded in 1965 and was originally known as the Redcliffe Peninsula Lapidary Club.

The club is a not-for-profit organisation run by a team of volunteers who all share a common interest in rocks, gemstones and the art of lapidary.

The club provides a space for lapidary-based activities, as well as precious metal work for jewellery making and faceting gemstones.

Learn something new

Chris says the club is always looking for new members to come and join them.

“If you would like to come and learn something new, you can come along and try it out before joining,” Chris says.

“We can provide you with guidance and support with three workshops, and we will even supply the first three pieces of material.

“All you need to pay is the workshop fee of $5 each visit, and then if you would like to join you can, or if you decide it’s not for you, that’s ok as well.

“You would have only spent $15 and hopefully learnt something new.”