The Columbia Gem and Mineral Society will present its annual show this year in a new location---the State Museum in Columbia on Nov. 23-25. Featuring more than 25 retail vendors, guests can admire and purchase jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and even jewelry making tools.
“The show is an opportunity for the average South Carolinian to see and experience the variety of the Earth’s natural materials from gems, to geodes, rare stones, fossils and more,” says Gem and Mineral Society Officer Mike Montebello. “The variety is always impressive to me from materials that are found all over the world.”
Demonstrations take place throughout the day along with a variety of activities for children including grab bags and a “salted mine.”
“This show is ideal for the child interested in geology, rock collecting, or a budding paleontologist,” says Montebello. “For many adults, this show spurs an interest in collecting or even learning how to facet a gemstone.”
Admission to the show is $3.50 in addition to general museum admission; children 12 and younger receive free admission to the show only.
On Sunday, Nov. 25 all military personnel including active duty, retired and dependents will receive free admission to the show.
The Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show will be open from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24 and 12- 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25. For more information, contact Mike Montebello at (803) 898-4228.
This beautiful azurite stone with 14 carat gold wire is an example of the many types of fine jewels to be found at the Columbia Gem and Mineral Show, Nov. 23-25 at the South Carolina State Museum.
Photo by Susan Dugan/courtesy S.C. State Museum.
Not only cut stones, but raw minerals such as this beautiful piece of Mexican quartz and calcite geode can be seen and purchased Nov. 23-25 at the South Carolina State Museum during the Columbia Gem and Mineral Show.
Photo by Susan Dugan/courtesy S.C. State Museum