Rocks as art on display at annual gem show
Published on Thu, Feb 12, 2009Read More Communities
Rockhounds of all ages and interests should mark their calendars for the 56th annual Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show hosted by the Everett Rock and Gem Club, taking place Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, at the Washington National Guard Armory, 2730 Oakes Avenue in Everett.
Highlights of the show include displays of crystals and minerals, beads and pearls, fossils, exotic shells, polished decorative stone artwork and handcrafted silver jewelry.
Nationally recognized master carver Virgil Keltz will be on hand to display and talk about his sculptural work. He plans to have eight to 12 sculptures on exhibit for the event.
Local faceter Vern Tovrea is also looking forward to showcasing his work and answering questions from those interested in working with gems.
A member of several rock clubs, Tovrea is a retired geology and botany instructor who became a serious rock collector in the 1950s.
"I started collecting and tumbling rocks and minerals," said the Marysville man, "and eventually started experimenting with faceting."
Tovrea enjoys working with a variety of natural and synthetic materials. Some of his more unusual faceted gems started as glass-blowing rods or sidewalk "skylights" from downtown Seattle.
Faceting is just one of many specialty hobbies that grow out of rock collecting, said Tovrea. With an investment of up to $4,500 for equipment, becoming a faceter can be one of the more costly sidelines.
"But a good machine is so well made, it will almost always outlive its original owner," he said. Finding used equipment at a bargain price can be a good way to get started in the field.
Mel Buhr, the Everett Rock and Gem Club's spokesman, said, "The Everett event has become the premier club-sponsored gem show in the Puget Sound area, and it attracts nearly 4,000 visitors."
In interactive demonstrations, club members will talk about gemstone faceting, wire wrapping, silversmithing, and stone grinding and polishing techniques. To assist novice rockhounds, maps of statewide collecting and digging sites will be available.
Children under the age of 18 can take part in a special educational and activity area, and each child will receive a free polished rock to begin his or her personal collection.
With hourly door prizes, free gemologist identification services, a silent auction, a chance to talk to professional dealers of jewelry-making and lapidary equipment and supplies, and the opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind fine art and decorative items, it's sure to be an exciting weekend for enthusiasts.
For more information, visit www.everettrockclub.com or contact Fritz Mack at (425) 232-0809.
The Marysville Rock and Gem Club's annual show, named Rocktoberfest, is planned for the fall.
Highlights of the show include displays of crystals and minerals, beads and pearls, fossils, exotic shells, polished decorative stone artwork and handcrafted silver jewelry.
Nationally recognized master carver Virgil Keltz will be on hand to display and talk about his sculptural work. He plans to have eight to 12 sculptures on exhibit for the event.
Local faceter Vern Tovrea is also looking forward to showcasing his work and answering questions from those interested in working with gems.
A member of several rock clubs, Tovrea is a retired geology and botany instructor who became a serious rock collector in the 1950s.
"I started collecting and tumbling rocks and minerals," said the Marysville man, "and eventually started experimenting with faceting."
Tovrea enjoys working with a variety of natural and synthetic materials. Some of his more unusual faceted gems started as glass-blowing rods or sidewalk "skylights" from downtown Seattle.
Faceting is just one of many specialty hobbies that grow out of rock collecting, said Tovrea. With an investment of up to $4,500 for equipment, becoming a faceter can be one of the more costly sidelines.
"But a good machine is so well made, it will almost always outlive its original owner," he said. Finding used equipment at a bargain price can be a good way to get started in the field.
Mel Buhr, the Everett Rock and Gem Club's spokesman, said, "The Everett event has become the premier club-sponsored gem show in the Puget Sound area, and it attracts nearly 4,000 visitors."
In interactive demonstrations, club members will talk about gemstone faceting, wire wrapping, silversmithing, and stone grinding and polishing techniques. To assist novice rockhounds, maps of statewide collecting and digging sites will be available.
Children under the age of 18 can take part in a special educational and activity area, and each child will receive a free polished rock to begin his or her personal collection.
With hourly door prizes, free gemologist identification services, a silent auction, a chance to talk to professional dealers of jewelry-making and lapidary equipment and supplies, and the opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind fine art and decorative items, it's sure to be an exciting weekend for enthusiasts.
For more information, visit www.everettrockclub.com or contact Fritz Mack at (425) 232-0809.
The Marysville Rock and Gem Club's annual show, named Rocktoberfest, is planned for the fall.
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