Rock, gem and jewelry show set for Sept. 9-10

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 6, 2023

No need to dig deep to find the Olympic Peninsula’s most fervent rock hounds.

The Clallam County Gem and Mineral Association, a nonprofit that has for 65 years worked to foster a love of lapidary arts, bring back their popular Rock, Gem, and Jewelry Show in early September.

Join club members for a quarry’s worth of activities from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

Admission is free.

On-site vendors will display rocks, cut slabs, minerals, crystals, fossils and gems from around the world, along with jewelry, cabochons, lapidary art, and equipment.

Association representatives will be on hand to introduce attendees to the club’s activities, shops and classes. There will be ongoing demonstrations in cabochon making and faceting.

New to this year’s show is the association’s Artist in Action Table. The club is offering a juried selection of members’ work for purchase.

“These artists contribute a generous portion from sales back to our organization to help fund equipment, maintenance, and education,” association representatives said. “This table also highlights the many distinct aspects of lapidary art.”

The show also features raffle items, donated by our vendors and members. All of the proceeds of the raffle fund the club’s activities, association members said.

Returning by popular demand to the 2023 show is “Rock Alley” — a fun, educational outreach for children and young adults. Member geologists and crew offer fun games that give participants a chance to walk away with a rock or two as prizes.

Stephanie and Allison from Wild Goddess Brews n Bites have prepared a special menu of offerings just for the show.

For more information and list of vendors, visit sequimrocks.org.