Expo to rock 38th year
Jewels and gems to go on display
SPARKLING and vivid, gemstones are often the centrepiece of any outfit.
And this will be the inspiration of the 38th annual gem and jewellery expo, Gemfest, due to open in Toowoomba on October 20.
Crystals, minerals, fossils and pearls will be on display at the two-day event, with the beautiful stones incorporated into jewellery of all shapes and sizes.
Gemfest publicity officer Beverley Radke said first-time visitors to the expo were always blown away when they entered the main hall.
“When they first see the whole layout, with all the gemstones on display - there is such a wow factor,” she said.
“There is such an abundance of colour, and here the stones are presented in different ways.”
All displayed gems and jewellery will be available for purchase, perfect for Christmas or special occasions.
“Last year we had around 1000 visitors over the two days, and this year we are hoping for more,” she said.
“Weather permitting there will be both an outdoor and indoor market manned by professionals.
“This year we will also have a gemmologist attending, who will test and identify anyone’s gemstones for free.”
The event is designed to appeal to the whole family, with plenty of educational activities for children.
“There will be a game where kids can dig for treasure and take home what they find,” Ms Radke said.
“It’s never too early or too late to get into gemmology.”
Ms Radke, who is part of the Toowoomba Lapidary club hosting the event, said she hoped the event would inspire people to consider learning more about stone fossicking and cutting processes.