Nature’s Beauty On Display At Gem Club Market

Gems, minerals, fossils, jewellery and more. These are among nature’s sweet treasures and how amazing it is that they bring so much joy!

Explore these treasures and more at the Redcliffe Gem Club (RGC) Market Day at the Redcliffe Showgrounds on Saturday, 4 May.

People can be introduced to gems from a young age or even later in life, according to RGC Secretary, Christine.

“As a child, I was exposed to stones of value,” Christine said. “And I was given a reasonable grounding in what to look for.

“When I met my husband his parents were very keen gem fossickers and would spend six months of the year in the Willows and Sapphire looking for rough stones.”

RGC was established in 1965 by Ozzie Rippingale and Jean Steptoe, with Ozzie being their first president.

“I’ve been a member for six years,” Christine said. “I really enjoy the creative side of silversmithing, as well as the traditional art of enamels, whereas my husband enjoys faceting.”

RGC is open to members and the public, encouraging the exploration of all areas of learning about gemstones, including faceting, silversmithing, the art of lapidary and more.

As a not-for-profit organisation, its members are volunteers who not only participate in RGC functions and excursions but also engage in fundraising, which supports the club financially.

Several market days are scheduled throughout 2024 as fundraisers. These fun-filled days are definitely a family affair, incorporating both stalls and activities.

“Amongst the stallholders are a mixture of RGC members and other people selling a range of gem items from jewellery, rocks, minerals, cut stones, and gem-cutting equipment,” Christine said.

Activities planned include Thunder Egg Cutting and even Sieve a Gem for the kids.

“This is where kids pretend to be miners,” Christine said. “Like a sand wash you’d use on the gem fields, here you sieve it to see if any gemstones are found.”

Entry to the markets is a gold coin donation. A sausage sizzle will be on hand for breakfast and lunch, plus snacks, cold drinks, a coffee wagon, as well as an ATM.

RGC runs the sausage sizzle as part of their fundraising.

Membership at RGC is ideal for those interested in learning new things in a social atmosphere.

For more details go to www.redcliffegemclub.org.au

Redcliffe Gem Club Market Day
Saturday, 4 May, 8.30am-3.30pm
Redcliffe Showgrounds
Scarborough Road, Redcliffe.