The 61st Annual Fiesta of Gems Show, hosted by the Culver City Rock and Mineral Club, is set to take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium located at 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230. This year’s spotlight gemstone is Turquoise. Admission and parking are both complimentary.
The Fiesta of Gems serves as an educational opportunity for the community, offering exhibits of fossils, gems, and minerals, along with demonstrations and programs for children. Attendees can also enjoy jewelry making demonstrations, as well as browse and purchase gems, minerals, tools, and books from various vendors. This event plays a vital role in supporting several community programs in Culver City and contributes to the education of elementary students through Earth Science activities. Additionally, proceeds from the event enable the Culver City Rock and Mineral Club to make donations to various organizations within Culver City.
The Fiesta of Gems Show will feature over 35 gem and mineral dealers from California, New Mexico, and Arizona, showcasing a wide array of minerals, gems, slabs, cabochons, beads, and jewelry findings. Members of the Culver City Rock and Mineral Club will also present their own exhibits, including works of art, jewelry pieces, and private collections of gems and minerals. Throughout the weekend, workshops will be conducted to introduce attendees to various jewelry making techniques.
According to geologyin.com, turquoise, the most sacred stone to the Navajo, is becoming increasingly rare due to depleting mines. A single piece of jewelry, adorned with turquoise, holds significant value not just monetarily, but also as a symbol of culture, history, and tradition for the Navajo people.
ABOUT THE CULVER CITY ROCK AND MINERAL CLUB:
The Culver City Rock and Mineral Club aims to unite individuals interested in earth sciences, promoting research and study in this field, as well as assisting members in the collection and preservation of rocks and minerals. The club also fosters the study of lapidary and related arts among its members.
