Rock, Jewelry, Gem show is set for Feb. 17-18 - East Bay Times
ANTIOCH — If you have ever wanted to pan for gold, facet a gem or use a crystal or mineral to create a customized piece of jewelry, you can check out the Antioch Lapidary Club’s Jewelry, Gem & Rock Show on Feb. 17 and 18 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.
Club member Brenda Miguel said that attendees can also examine rocks, fossils, jewelry and minerals created in the club’s Lapidary and Silver Smith shop at the event. The club’s shop is used on Monday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday nights and more by the club’s 53 members to make jewelry and work on projects.
“Our exhibit cases will be filled with these items from club members,” Miguel said.
Another activity at the upcoming show is to make a cabochon, which is a polished gem that is not faceted.
According to Miguel, visitors can see how a cabochon is made from start to finish and even make a wire and bead ring to take home.
Since 1955, the Antioch Lapidary Club has been a gathering of local residents who are interested in collecting gems, minerals and fossils and creating art, carvings and cabochons. The nonprofit organization not only aims to enhance its knowledge and skills in the lapidary arts, but they also strive to share it in earth science studies.
“In the past, we have gone into the classroom to piggyback on geology classes. We were taking samples of the three rock types, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic and leaving a small bag of tumbled rocks, including Antioch petrified wood,” said Miguel.
The club’s logo is designed with Antioch petrified wood, which is still found throughout the Antioch area. Once monthly, the club hosts a lost wax casting class on the third Wednesday and Thursday for members.
Additionally, the future show will feature lapidary art displays, a silent auction, tools, rocks, slabs, grab bags, door prizes and a wheel of fortune. Last year, the show was attended by 632 people.
Miguel noted that the club will host its annual Tailgate/Swap Meet on May 19 at the clubhouse, 425 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch. This event is a chance to swap or sell rock slabs, equipment and jewelry.
If you go
Who: Antioch Lapidary Club
What: Jewelry, Gem & Rock Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 17 and Sunday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch
Cost and info: Admission is $6. Children, ages 12 and under, active military with ID and Scouts are free. For more details, call 925-301-6957 or check out www.antiochlapidaryclub.com.
